There are almost as many types of massage available as there are health benefits to the practice. Different people find the use of different styles of massage more effective, and are likely to recommend those types to others because of their successful experiences. However, when determining what type of massage you would like to use, it is important to match up the type of massage with the desired effect to find the style that would be most effective for you. In this way, your massage experience can be personalized to your physical needs, which will make it more likely to be effective. Swedish massage, while popular, is one type of massage that is not for everyone. By looking at its health benefits, you can decide if Swedish massage might be best for you.
Health Benefits of Swedish Massage
The health benefits of massage are many. It relaxes your mind as well as improves circulation. It also increases flexibility, removes toxins and relieves muscle pain. But did you know it can change your chemistry? Research indicates that massage goes way past the outcome of relaxation. It has gone from Day Spa pampering to mainstream medical care.
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.
Rejuvenation
Following a massage session, most guests report feeling not just relaxed, but completely rejuvenated. This feeling is attributed to the release of dopamine and serotonin during massage. These hormones are responsible for happiness and feelings of overall well-being. Studies show that during massage, activity in the right lobe of the brain, which is more active when people are depressed, is decreased, and activity in the left lobe is increased. The left lobe is most active when people are happy, and massage kicks that area of the brain into high gear.
Increased circulation
The movements used in Swedish massage are similar to the way the body circulates blood. Because of this, Swedish massage can promote healthy circulation, increase blood flow, and help the body remove metabolic waste more quickly and effectively. Better circulation not only helps you feel better, but improves overall health benefits since increased circulation and blood flow means other organs can work more effectively.
Swedish massage Therapy
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.
Pain relief
Another major benefit of Swedish massage is pain relief. As the muscles are relaxed and circulation increased, the body is put at ease, and pain is relieved. Not only can Swedish massage be used to ease pain as a result of an injury or muscle tension, but it can also be used to manage chronic pain that comes with a number of illnesses and conditions, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. By decreasing pain, Swedish massage can help patients relax, which can improve overall health benefits and recovery.