Knead Me Massage & Aromatherapy

It has become increasingly common to find hot stone massage as an added feature to some of the more traditional methods. Perhaps the ability of the heated stones to induce muscle relaxation is of most benefit during a deep tissue massage but the added pleasure of the soothing warmth makes it very natural complement to Swedish massage.

By far, Swedish massage is the most common type of massage. Pehr Henrik Ling, a Swedish medical-gymnastic practitioner is credited with its development in the early 1800’s. Ling’s work was based on the principles of tui na, a Chinese form of therapy that involves manipulating areas of the body to bring it into balance and increase the flow of energy.

While other methods of massage are preferred by those seeking relief for severe muscle tension or injuries, Swedish massage is most often chosen by those looking primarily for relaxation and the lessening of moderate stress and muscle strain. Clients have enthusiastically responded to the use of hot stones which can quickly increase and deepen the level of relaxation. This gentler method is also recommended for someone new to massage or anyone apprehensive about the level of discomfort that can be experienced with a technique like deep tissue massage where the massage therapist uses considerable force and pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.

Swedish massage consists of five basic strokes. They are effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction and vibration or shaking. In English, those first three translate to a sliding or gliding type of stroke, kneading the muscles and fascia (connective tissue) and tapping in a rhythmic manner on certain muscle groups. In most instances, massage therapists will use the fingers and heels of their hands for the strokes and to apply selective levels of pressure, although sometimes the forearm or elbow may also be employed.

To facilitate the smooth, easy glide of this type of massage, some sort of oil will be used. Common massage oils are sunflower, peanut, sunflower, sweet almond, grapeseed and coconut. Many practitioners add the benefits of aromatherapy to the overall experience by using essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, peppermint, eucalyptus or any of the many others. These oils are often combined in ways that are designed for a particular purpose. Some promote relaxation or stress relief while a different combination works to increase energy.

Through a combination of the different types of strokes and movements, positioning and moving the client’s joints, manipulating the superficial layers of muscle and tissue, the massage therapist works to remove stress and tension, alleviate pain and induce overall relaxation. Regular massage can improve flexibility and ease of movement. This in turn reduces the risk of injury. Massage is also purported to have emotional benefits due to the human need for touch and the nurturing aspects of doing something for yourself that feels good and is good for you.

People often tend to think of Swedish massage and deep tissue massage as similar to each other but the truth is they are quite different. Here is look at the difference between Swedish massage and deep tissue massage.

Swedish massage is the most commonly offered massage technique, utilizing a firm pressure on the muscles. It involves employing a series of long yet gliding strokes. In this technique the massage therapist also kneads the muscles and makes some vibrating taps on the body. The therapists concentrate on improving the blood circulation, easing the tension in the body’s muscles and improving the muscles’ flexibility.

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that aims at affecting the deeper tissue structure of the muscles. It also affects the connective tissue, known as fascia. It utilizes a large number of similar techniques and movements as the Swedish massage, but the movements tend to have much more pressure. The deep tissue massage is a more focused massage. During it the massage therapist tends to concentrate on releasing specific chronic muscle tension as well as the muscular knots, or adhesions.

A Swedish massage is given to help with increasing the flow of oxygen in the blood as well as releasing toxins from the body’s muscles. It can really shorten the recovery time for a muscular strain by simply flushing the lactic acids, uric acids, and other type of metabolic wastes out of the body tissues.

Swedish massage is given to increase the circulation of blood without actually increasing the workload of the heart. It helps to stretch the ligaments and tendons to make them pliable and supple. It stimulates the skin as well as the nervous system to soothe the nerves. It is helpful in reducing both emotional and physical stress. In fact the massage is a staple in most stress management programs. It is also included in various other therapeutic procedures.

Deep tissue massage helps with both small muscle injuries as well as chronic problems. Massage is an excellent way to deal with a whiplash injury or a sports injury. Deep tissue massage is helpful in treating spasms as well as muscle tension.

Physicians sometimes prescribe deep tissue massage for the pain of Fibromyalgia or Osteoarthritis. It also helps to correct posture problems.

A Swedish massage may involve the use of various oils, especially essential oils, to reduce friction as well as for their aromatherapy benefits.

A deep tissue massage also may involve the use of various oils or lotions, but their application is a little different from the Swedish massage. At times, for deep work, oil or lotion is not necessary, and the best effect can come without them.

Swedish massage stimulates your central nervous system to sooth and calm your nerves. By doing so, it reduces stress and tension in both a physical and psychological sense. This is why Swedish massage is often recommended as an important part of a stress management program for people who are otherwise naturally predisposed to suffering from elevated stress levels.

Your body’s nervous system is responsible for sending, receiving and carrying nerve impulses around your body. It is the main control unit in your body and these nerve impulses allow your organs and muscles to work efficiently.

Nerve impulses are electrochemical signals carrying information, which travel from your brain to nerves around your body. The stresses and strains of everyday life can affect the smooth running of the nervous system and this where massage therapy can help alleviate the problems this causes.

The skin is the body’s largest sensory organ of the body, and when it is touched thousands of tiny nerve receptors send messages to the brain. These are interpreted and returned to the muscles. When the muscles are massaged the body’s natural painkillers, endorphins, are triggered which send messages of calm and relaxation. If vigorous massage strokes are applied, the skin’s underlying muscles are stimulated, easing tension and stiffness.

Massage can have a very powerful sedative effect on the nerves and problems such as headaches can be relieved, patterns of insomnia broken, tension, stress and anxiety relieved, as well as encouraging relaxed muscles.

The effect of a Swedish massage on the nervous system depends on the reaction of the nerves stimulated. Depending on the type of massage strokes used, the nervous system can be stimulated or soothed creating a calming and relaxed state of well being in the receiver.

The Benefits of massage on the nervous system are:

1. Stimulates blood circulation and the nervous system’s response enhancing your well being and boosting your energy

2. Reduces stress, tension and anxiety which can result in headaches, backaches, neck pain, eyestrain, poor concentration, depression, irritability, anger

3. Improves nerve function

4. Massage therapy relaxes contracted muscles which press on or pinch nerves, causing tingling, numbness and pain.

5. Helps treat insomnia caused by tense muscles. Massage therapy relaxes them and allows you to have a good night’s sleep

6. Helps balance the nervous system

7. Stimulates the release of endorphins which are the body’s natural painkillers thus decreasing pain

8. Massage relaxes and tones the muscles due to its effect its effect on the neuro-muscular reflex pathways.

9. Depending on the type and length of a massage given it will leave you relaxed yet stimulated

10. Massage stimulates the touch, pressure, and receptors of the skin and underlying tissue.

If anyone suffers from any problems caused by the dysfunction of their nervous system then a Swedish massage is the answer to their problems. With a little practice anyone can learn a few strokes to alleviate and improve a person’s health and well being.