Swedish body massage is also known as classic massage in different parts of the world. However, it is recognized as the best and effective massage therapy. The therapist must have to know different types of techniques to perform a Swedish massage. Only expert persons should apply the massage, though anyone can start providing the therapy after takinga Swedish body massage course.
Let’s find out every detail of Swedish body massage and where to take courses on that.

What is Swedish Body Massage?

It is widely known in the West. However, now a day, it is available almost everywhere in the world. Usually, the Swedish body massage is the combination of various types of techniques applied in one massage session. The ultimate goal of Swedish massage is to relax the muscles and soft tissues in the body, which eventually helps restore physical health.
Now the question is who can take the Swedish massage? The answer is very simple. Anyone with is stressed or overly worked, can take the massage. But, it doesn’t mean that the fit person cannot take the massage. Anyone without any chronic physical conditions can take the Swedish massage.

History of Swedish Body Massage

Peter Henrik Ling, a Swedish athlete and physician, developed the Swedish massage. He combined sports medicine with Chinese medical massage techniques to reduce muscle soreness and increase body flexibility. He used oil and cream as lubricants. Ling’s therapeutic process included tapping, kneading, vibration and friction. He also experimented on joint mobilization, stretching and elongating the musculature.

How is a Swedish Massage Performed?

In a Swedish body massage, the specialist applies massage oil or lotion on the skin to lubricate. After that, the therapist performs different massage strokes to warm up the muscle tissues. That warm-up session releases the tension from the body and slowly breaks up the muscle knots. The strokes also do the adhesions, which is simply adhering the tissues.
The therapist should ask about the physical condition of the patient before starting the massage. Information may include any injuries or physical conditions, pains, allergies etc. The pregnant patient should also inform the therapist about the pregnancy. The patient also let the masseuse know about the preference for firm or light pressure.

Swedish Body Massage Benefits

Research shows that Swedish massage has both physical and mental benefits. Let’s dig the health and personal benefits of Swedish body massage.

Health Benefits

• Stress reduction
  Anyone gets stressed for different reasons such as being over-worked, family problems, work schedules etc. Stress can affect the body muscle and mind. Swedish massage can help to clear the unwanted stress and make the body relax.

• Increase the Flexibility
  The massage usually elongates the muscles as well as opens the joints and reduces the swelling. All of those things eventually increase flexibility.

• Improve the Blood Circulation
  Body massage expands the blood vessels and dilates the membrane pores in the body, which improves the body’s ability to circulate fresh blood to the organs and muscles.

• Improve the Range of Motion
  The stretching and range of motion technique, increases the fluid motion all over the body.

• Increase the Energy
  Massaging ensures delivering more oxygen throughout the body, which in the end, boost energy in the body.

• Nutrient Supply to the Muscle
  Massage circulation increases blood flow. As a result, provide the proper supply of nutrients to the muscles.

• Flush out Excess Metabolic Byproducts
  Massaging stimulates the body circulation, which helps to flash out the unnecessary uric acid and lactic acid that is stored in the muscle due to overuse.

• Improvement of the Mood
  According to research, the release of endorphin increases serotonin and dopamine that improves mood and emotional well-being.

• Improve Posture
  Posture imbalance may occur due to many reasons such as overcompensating muscles, prolonged sitting, repetitive strain or injury. Swedish body massage helps to reduce the pains because of posture.

• Healthy Immunity
  Swedish massage also increases the lymphatic fluid, which improves the lymphocytes and immune cells. As a result, it boosts up healthy immunity.

• Relieve Headaches
  It has been seen that stress causes headaches and migraines. We already know that Swedish massage relieves stress levels. On the other hand, it also removes the headaches associated with concurring stress.

• Improve Sleep
  Research has found that massage increases the serotonin levels in the body, which help you to fall in asleep faster and have sound sleep.

• Relaxation
  Last but not the least, the ultimate benefit of Swedish massage is to provide the proper relaxation.

Personal Benefits

Traditionally Swedish massage is used for the treatment of various health conditions. However, it also helps people who are suffering from everyday troubles in their personal life. Many personal issues can cause us to be worried and stressed constantly. The more we get stressed, the more of our muscles became tense, which are very hard to relax.
The hard pressure during the Swedish massage helps to keep away the personal issues for the time being and give relaxation to the brain and body. Even, it can help to fight depression.

Types of Swedish Massage

From the origin, Swedish massage is one of a kind. Though, over the years, many researchers offered different kinds of Swedish massages, which are successfully performing as subcategories of a Swedish massage. Following are the 4 types ofSwedish body massage.

Swedish Body Massage Techniques

One needs to get certified to apply the body massage. Certification will get you to know all the body massage techniques. Usually, theSwedish body massagesteps include five techniques. They are-

• Effleurage
  The basic of this step is gentle stroking with the thumbs, fingertips and palms. It helps to make the client’s body ready for the next steps to get relax. It also helps to apply the massage oil or lotion evenly to the part of the body being worked on.

• Petrissage
  After Effleurage, this part includes the kneading movements using the hand or thumbs. It works on the deeper part of the skin tissue as well as on the underlying muscles. Then the masseuse works rhythmically on the affected area and is released through various techniques.
  While moving through petrissage, the client's pressure should be checked, which helps to know the client’s comfort level.

• Friction
  It warms the muscle to allow the therapist to massage deeper to break down the nodules and knots. Usually circulated frictions are done by thumbs or fingertips while pressing firmly to the tissue underneath.

• Vibration
  It is a gentle shaking using the finders, palms or thumbs. It helps to stimulate the nerve associated with the affected body part and keep them relaxed. Vibration can be done in one specific spot or the whole part while moving across.

• Hacking
  Hacking consists of karate-style small chops or light slaps. It is also known as percussion which is also performed by cupped hand, tapping. Percussion leads the muscle to help rejuvenate and boost circulation.
  While taking the massage, the client should try to keep the body relaxed from the beginning. A professional therapist should apply all the techniques. Now, let’s see the ways to become a professional.

Benefits of Body Massage Course at D2D Therapies

After attending a body massage course at D2D, you will learn both basic and advanced massaging methods. Those methods will teach you to perform a professional Swedish body massage. Besides, the student will learn important health and safety issues so that they can provide an industry-standard massage like a pro.