SWEDISH MASSAGE REVIVAL!
From a massage therapist’s perspective, Swedish massage is a modality that many of us learn first in school but then promptly forget about, in favor of either deep tissue techniques, or more niche modalities that make us stand out in the profession. Swedish massage is seen as simply a basic relaxation massage, and its techniques merely as a stepping stone to more effective, therapeutic work.
So many of us think of Swedish massage as “just a relaxation massage,” done with light to medium pressure, for clients who only come in for a massage experience and don’t need actual therapeutic or targeted work. This perspective of Swedish massage by professionals has been imparted on many of our clients, and we forget that Swedish massage IS therapeutic massage, and that its positive effects on the body have been widely studied and documented (email me if you’d like links to some studies!).
Why did this happen? I believe that Swedish massage has been adapted by the American Spa Industry as “general relaxation massage” to distinguish it from “deep tissue massage” and other modalities. It’s a marketing strategy to separate “just relaxing massage” from “therapeutic massage.” Many of us think of this as a useful distinction, but unfortunately, it has altered our image of the Swedish massage and has shortchanged what it truly is.
So what is Swedish massage, really?
Swedish massage was invented in the late 1800s by the Dutch doctor Johann Georg Mezger, and later popularized by Per Henrik Ling, the creator of Ling Swedish Gymnastics. The Swedish massage was originally part of a gymnastics program to improve health, and is ideal for athletes. Swedish massage consists of five techniques:
— Effleurage: Long, gliding strokes done while applying massage oil
— Petrissage: kneading of the muscles
— Friction: firm circular rubbing strokes
— Vibration: gentle to firm shaking of the muscles
— Tapotement: tapping, chopping or percussive strokes
The health benefits of Swedish massage include:
— Increased circulation
— Improvement in posture
— Improved mood through endorphin release
— Improved muscle tone
— Better flexibility and range of motion
— Decrease stress & increase relaxation
— Increased energy levels
— Pain management
When you book a Swedish Hot Oil Massage at Bella Mina, you’ll receive a traditional Swedish massage along with hot oil and heated herbal packs. We’ll start with an assessment so that the massage is customized to your goals, and pressure can be light, firm or deep (yes, you can even achieve deep pressure through Swedish massage!). You can also choose your own aromatherapy oil to make your session a truly sensorial experience. This massage is great for those with active lifestyles, but is also ideal for those who are feeling sluggish because of the boost in energy levels, flexibility and muscle tone.
I hope you can see my passion for revival of Swedish massage, and that you’ll book one with me to try it out for yourself. You’ll get all the wellness benefits and I promise you will feel the difference. Thank you for reading and I hope to see you soon!
Joanna Stamatakos
Licensed Spa Therapist & Owner, BELLA MINA STUDIO
