What is Swedish Massage?
The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a collection of techniques primarily designed to release muscle tension, promote relaxation and increase oxygen flow to tissues. The principle techniques are: ‘effleurage’ (stroking), ‘pettrisage’ (kneading), ‘tapotement’ (percussive tapping), ‘friction’ (rubbing) and ‘vibration’ (shaking). Each of these movements is not used on every part of the body.
What to expect from my treatments:
Typically my massage style is very flowing and rhythmical with deeper focus on areas of more tension depending on clients’ wishes. I can give very deep pressure if required.
In an initial visit I will ask a client to fill in a short intake form to let me know of any medical conditions that may prohibit or limit massage treatment, and to learn of their general wellbeing and reasons for seeking massage. We will have a chat about what the client’s needs and concerns are so that I can tailor the treatment to their requirements.
A typical full-body session lasts just under one hour but I offer shorter sessions to focus on specific areas of concern or longer if you require a deeper, more thorough treatment, up to 1 ½ hours.
The massage is done with a sheet and towel draped over the client. The client may undress to according to their own level of comfort. During the massage only those parts that I am working on are exposed at any one time. It may be obvious to most people but worth saying, the treatment never includes genital areas or female breasts. The areas to be worked on are agreed prior to treatment according to the wishes of the client. The level of pressure is also agreed upon and communicated about during the massage to ensure it is pleasant for the client. I want this to be a pleasurable experience, pain is not necessary!
I generally use Sweet Almond oil to massage with as it is an excellent lubricant and skin conditioner which balances moisture and nourishes the skin.
Treatments will take place in either of the two beautiful, comfortable rooms in ‘The Practice’ at 3 Lynedoch Place.
How it works:
Shelves of textbooks and a sea of websites will give you the scientific info, here I’ll give a brief insight into two of the primary benefits massage benefits and how they come about.
Pain Relief
Swedish Massage interrupts the pain cycle whereby sustained muscle contractions create deep muscular pain which results in further contraction and so on. Massage breaks this cycle and flushes the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. Massage also interrupts and inhibits the transmission of pain impulses within the nervous system itself. Without getting too technical, these are the primary ways that Swedish Massage works immediately to reduce pain.
Stress Relief
The soothing, feel-good effects of Swedish Massage are undeniable. Massage has been shown in research to reduce stress indicators, increase serotonin levels, lead to deeper, and more restful sleep and even increase cooperative behaviour.
