Swedish Massage

At some point in our lives everyone suffers from minor injuries, pain or some sort of discomfort. Our instinctive reaction is to rub or hold the painful area so that we may help ease the pain. So perhaps you may have had a tummy ache or stubbed your toe, you would automatically rub the area to stop it hurting. Early on man soon learnt that whilst rubbing painful areas of the body, certain plants and herbs could be applied which would help ease the pain and promote healing. This basic technique has been developed over the years into a system of massage we know today. Massage is a systematic manipulation of soft body tissues for therapeutic purpose. The English word massage is derived from the Arabic word ‘mass’h’ which means to press gently.

Pehr Henrick Ling

In 1813 Pehr Henrik Ling established the Royal Centre Institute of Gymnastic in Sweden. Ling formalised a series of gymnastic movements and massage techniques which became know as Swedish massage. These massage techniques included effleurage or stroking, petrissage or pressing and squeezing and tapotement or striking. Ling has been credited for being the father of modern massage. In 1992 the Touch Research Institute was established at the university of Miami school of medicine where studies of ‘Touch’ and its purpose in science and medicine, showed that massage can induce weight gain in premature infants, improve depression symptoms, reduce stress hormones, alleviate pain and completely alter the immune system in both children and adults with various medical conditions. In our modern society, where stress related psychological disorders are becoming the number one health problem, massage become increasing popularity to improve ones health and well being.

Benefits of Massage?

Relief from pain, e.g. back pain, stress, tension and headaches
Helps release endorphins (the body’s feel good hormones)
Increased energy levels and feeling of vitality
A sense of health and well being
Improved blood circulation
Improved lymphatic drainage

What to expect during a treatment?

A full medical history and health consultation form is completed prior to massage treatment taking place. This is to make sure the client is suitable for the treatment and that their individual needs and requirements can be adapted to the massage. A full body Swedish massage lasts for an hour, oils or creams can be used during the treatment. Various fast massage techniques such as tapotement, petrissage are used during the massage which will improve muscle tone, stimulates the circulation relieve tension.