Swedish Massage is a traditional form of massage which was devised over a 100 years ago in a gymnasium in Stockholm to support the performance of gymnasts. It drew on influences as diverse as ancient Greek and Chinese massage therapy. It formed the basis of physiotherapy massage and underpins many modern forms of massage such as sports massage and aromatherapy massage.
It aims to:
* Release physical and mental tension, calm emotions and aid relaxation.
* Stimulate and improve the condition of the skin.
* Work with deeper tissues to improve the condition of muscles and reduce ''knots''.
* Aid healing and detoxification by stimulating the circulation of blood and lymph.
* Respect the comfort of the client, wrapping the body in soft towels and only exposing the area being worked on.
* Improve conditions brought about by deskbound occupations or the overuse of muscles as in sport.
Swedish massage is highly adaptable. It can be used in a gentle way, with long, flowing strokes (efflerage) which relax the client and warm the skin and muscles. Such a technique is often used with aromatherapy, enabling the esential oils to penetrate the skin and promote stress relief. Firmer pressures can also be applied to ''knots'' (petrissage) which can relieve muscle tension and nodules caused by sport or being deskbound. Finally tapotement e.g. ''hacking'' can be used to further disperse knots and increase the circulation and disperse cellulite. It thereby improves the condition of skin, muscles, joints and circulation. For some it can be a better stress cure than talking therapy.
For more information on Indian Head Massage in Bristol click here
