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by BMC
Traditional Swedish massage has a number of health benefits. A Swedish massage session is performed with the client lying on a massage table while the therapist stands above them and manipulates their muscle tissue with a variety of strokes. In addition to providing a general sense of relaxation, a Swedish massage session can help promote healing and reduce pain.
Overall Relaxation
As Bodybuilding.com points out, Swedish massage’s main benefit is the overall relaxation that it provides. A standard Swedish session lasts for 30 or 60 minutes, and addresses most major muscle groups of the body. The session is usually performed on a soft massage table, in an environment that is meant to relax the recipient. The strokes of the massage relax individual muscles, while the overall experience eliminates mental stress.
Pain Relief
The Mayo Clinic notes that massage therapy can be used to help manage pain. Swedish sessions can target specific areas of pain like a sprained ankle, or they can be used to help manage the chronic pain that comes with conditions like arthritis. By using strokes that improve circulation and increase body-wide relaxation, the massage therapist can help make many painful conditions more bearable.
Increased Circulation
The strokes of Swedish massage replicate the movements of the circulatory system. By performing the strokes toward the heart, Swedish massage drains metabolic waste from the limbs of the body. Bodbuilding.com points out that a number of strokes used in Swedish therapy increase blood flow, which further quickens the removal of bodily waste.
Dissolution of Adhesions
The Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) notes that Swedish massage can break up muscle adhesions and help promote the healthy healing of scar tissue. Swedish Massage uses strokes like cross-fiber friction to work out the kinks that can accompany injured muscles. These strokes help get rid of scar tissue and return the muscles to their normal, healthy state.
Read more at…….
http://www.livestrong.com/article/114831-benefits-swedish-massage/
