Swedish massage

Swedish massage incorporates several specific techniques that combine to give you a relaxing and beneficial experience.  Including:

• Long, sweeping strokes over a muscle that help to break up trigger points
• Kneading the muscle to work deeper into the affected area
• Rhythmically tapping an area with cupped hands to facilitate relaxation
• Friction or rubbing a muscle group rapidly with the palms to stimulate warmth
• Vibration or using the fingertips to quickly shake a muscle back and forth to loosen the area

Swedish massage is a great introductory massage for many reasons, the first being that it involves firm, yet gentle strokes and is designed specifically to enhance circulation and blood flow to the large muscle groups. 

Over the past few decades, a variety of studies have linked Swedish massage to a number of benefits, such as:

• Reduction in knee arthritis
• Easing the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
• Lowering blood pressure
• Boosting immune system function
• Reducing headaches
• Helping mitigate the symptoms of fibromyalgia

Swedish massage therapy can be helpful with a number of other physical challenges, such as reduction in scar tissue by physically manipulating the fibers of the tissue, allowing the scar tissue to be successfully reabsorbed into the skin. Additionally, it can aid with lymphatic drainage, where the long strokes of the therapist help move fluids successfully out of clogged areas.

                                                                                                                                (from Livestrong.com)