The Benefits of Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is probably the most widely used type of massage in the usa. It involves the employment of palms, elbows or forearms to knead the deeper superficial layers of the skin to boost physical and mental wellbeing. Passive or active manipulation of joints may also form part of this massage. Massage therapy is also known as"manual therapy" or"control stimulation".
Swedish massage therapy was adapted from the rest of Europe by the Scandinavians and today we see a lot of innovations and variations in its application. In fact, a number of our institutions of higher learning use Swedish techniques to teach and train students. A number of us are conscious of its origin but there are many of us who are not even aware of its presence. Let us have a look at a number of its originators, introduce ourselves to the concept and details of applying pressure on the skin.
The originators of Swedish massage were the Scandinavians, people of ancient Finland whose ancestors settled in Western Europe a long time ago. Swedish massage really derives from two words, where" Stockholm" and"massa" means" Scandinavian". As a result, the technique can be called"Scandinavian massage". The therapist uses long strokes or friction motions of the hands and fingers on the skin to stimulate the deeper layers. In some cases, the therapist uses their fingernails in rubbing the muscles.
As mentioned earlier, the originators of Swedish massage therapy used their whole hands in manipulating the muscles of their clientele. This was likely done with considerably more care and devotion than in other kinds of therapies. Traditionally, the therapists of Swedish massage therapy are believed to have spent several hours massaging the patient's body before the therapist applied to any form of therapy or healing for him or her. This was done to keep the body's muscles relaxed and free of any kind of muscular contractions so that the body will be better prepared for any upcoming therapy sessions.
When we consider the theory behind the originators of Swedish massage therapy, it is logical that they began with the concept that vibrations should be used instead of light touches to the customer's muscles. Before the hands and fingers of a therapist would become smooth and devoid of any contact with the skin, they should be using slow, purposeful movements of the hands, which should create a sense of smoothness and ease on the part of the customer. These smooth, purposeful motions should be accompanied by short, purposeful minutes of vibration on the part of the customer that ought to create a sense of relaxation on her or his body. Vibration is thought to be a healing factor itself, although this hasn't been scientifically proven.
There have been people who suggest that Swedish massage might have some type of effect on the cause of Alzheimer's disease in both old and young people. However, there's no direct proof to back up these claims. On the other hand, the theory remains to be shown by more studies in different research centers all over america and the world. What researchers have found is that the movements of a therapist through a Swedish massage therapy has a calming effect on the mind of its client, which increases the overall ability of the individual to be able to think clearer and respond quicker to situations. The improvement from the blood circulation within the body could also lead to the increase of mental clarity.
Another use of Swedish massage as a therapy is for the relief of muscle pains as well as stiffness brought about by rheumatoid arthritis. The warmth from the hands of a therapist during a session will help to relax the tight muscles, and that's why most therapists suggest that their customers carry a warm towel during the treatment session. In addition to that, the friction that's created through the strokes of a therapist's hands during a massage session also helps to loosen up the tight muscles, making the client feel more relaxed. Moreover, the stiffness and soreness that are the results of these rigid muscles can be relieved easily with the support of a excellent Swedish massage.
Though there are more people who are incorporating this sort of technique into their lives, it still mostly stays in the eastern part of Europe where it originated and is most commonly used. That said, most therapists recommend that if you want to take advantage of the sort of Swedish massage, you should try and find one who is already licensed or at least experienced in performing this sort of techniques. If you're not in a position to locate such a therapist in your area, then you can always check out the web for more information regarding the techniques used in this type of therapy.