Swedish massage: what it is and benefits

Swedish is a form of Western massage.

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So called because of its origins, the Swedish massage aims to make the individual reach a state of both physical and mental well-being. The use of massage oils and the execution of various manipulations practiced with different intensities which generally involve the whole body are foreseen.

The benefits that are expected from a Swedish massage session are many, however, it should be remembered that, as with any other form of massage, also in this case there are some contraindications to its execution.

overall, both physically and psychically.

Therefore, in addition to being practiced to promote relaxation and the dissolution of nervousness and tension by benefiting the mind, this form of massage is also used in case of malaise and physical ailments in order to relieve them and, if possible, to eliminate them.

More specifically, according to those who practice it, Swedish massage should be useful in case of:

• Anxiety and depression;
• Headache;
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Gastrointestinal disorders (constipation, indigestion, etc.);
• Arthrosis;
• Sciatica, back pain and muscle problems;
• Circulation disturbances.

It should be noted that in the presence of real diseases (pathological anxiety and depression, insomnia, etc.), the Swedish massage should not be considered as a cure, but as a support treatment that can possibly be associated with conventional therapies, of course. subject to medical authorization. Despite this, in the presence of health problems, the usefulness of Swedish massage in counteracting the symptoms that characterize them cannot be guaranteed.

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Tone the muscles and release any tension;

Exercise a "decontracting and toning action on the muscles;

Reduce muscle and joint pain;

Promote and stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic circulation;

Promote the elimination of toxins accumulated in the body;

Promote the elimination of excess fluids.

Swedish massage is also credited with the ability to prevent and reduce cellulite. However, it should be noted that, at the moment, there is no treatment capable of eliminating this problem permanently.

Some also claim that Swedish massage can improve the appearance of the skin, making it brighter and softer.

and help promote the drainage of liquids.

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• Superficial and deep kneading: these are quite energetic manipulations that are carried out to stimulate the surface of the epidermis, stimulate blood circulation and favor tissue oxygenation. With superficial kneading, usually, the "anomalous" areas are "squeezed" (localized adiposity, cellulite, etc.).
• Frictions: these are deep manipulations, generally circular, which cause friction between adjacent tissues. Running them should improve blood supply.
• Percussion: they consist of rapid and rhythmic taps carried out in order to tone both the skin and the underlying tissues and muscles. Percussion is generally performed at the end of the massage, but not in all parts of the body.

Furthermore, according to some of the sources consulted, the Swedish message also includes the execution of vibrations. These are manipulations performed by pressing the hand on a part of the body and making it vibrate rapidly, this type of movement should promote muscle relaxation.

Finally, remember that, in many cases, the masseur can add joint mobility exercises and passive stretching exercises to the different types of manipulations mentioned above, in order to complete the effects and increase the benefits of the Swedish massage.