There are several different reasons why you need to get a Swedish massage. This comprehensive guide will break down the nine benefits.
Swedish massage has been used for centuries to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. But, there are benefits to this practice that go beyond you relaxing for an hour or two!
The slow, firm, and rhythmic stroking and kneading of Swedish massage treats your body and your mind.
Do you know all the ways Swedish massage can benefit you? Read on to find out more about this restorative form of massage therapy.
1. Provides Relaxation
Whether you’re running after your kids or running an international business, your fight or flight response is being triggered daily.
When you don’t get the chance to fight something or run away, your muscles hold on to that tension. It’s impossible to relax if your body is in a permanently alert state!
Swedish massage benefits you by helping your muscles return to their natural, relaxed state. Gently working your muscles and getting the blood flowing discharges all signs of tension. This helps you to relax and find rest in your day-to-day life.
2. Stress Reduction
If your demanding schedule leaves you feeling exhausted, burnt out, and stressed, you need to find something that helps you to de-stress.
Untreated stress can have serious effects on your body. Stress can cause increased muscle tension that quickly becomes painful, which leads to more stress. It’s a vicious cycle that Swedish massage can help you get out of.
By helping reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), Swedish massage alleviates the effects of stress on the body while lowering your stress levels at the same time.
You can expect emotional and physical stress to melt away as you’re pampered for an hour or more!
3. Increases Flexibility and Range of Motion
One of the more surprising benefits of Swedish massage is that it affects your flexibility and range of motion.
Swedish massage uses stretching and range of motion techniques. These open your joints and release more of the body’s natural lubricant to allow for easier, more effortless movement.
Incorporating gentle stretches into the treatment also aids in relaxing your muscles and making them more flexible.
The rolling, kneading, and rubbing motions encourage muscle elongation, open the joints, and can decrease swelling and inflammation throughout the body. All these effects come together to bring you the joy that comes from suppleness and fluid movement.
4. Improves Posture
Because the majority of the population spends more time sitting than upright, poor posture is a common concern.
There are several causes of postural imbalances, one of which is overworking muscles and exposing them to repetitive stress. This tightness causes other muscles to compensate – often worsening the problem.
Swedish massage eases the muscles under stress which helps your body return to its neutral posture. It’s much easier to sit up straight when it doesn’t hurt you to do so!
5. Improves Blood Circulation
Massage dilates both your blood vessels and your membrane pores. This improves blood circulation to the massaged areas. With increased blood flow, your body can deliver more nutrients to the muscles to aid in muscle recovery.
Improved blood circulation also aids in flushing out toxins and metabolic byproducts such as lactic acid (caused by intense muscle strain) and uric acid (a natural waste product of the body).
Your body has an easier time repairing muscles, spreading nutrients, and removing toxins after a massage. Swedish massage also stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid and helps with lymphatic drainage. These all work together to support a healthy immune system.
6. Eases Muscle Pain
Whether your muscles are strained from working out or long-term/chronic pain, Swedish massage helps alleviate muscle pain.
Massage helps reduce muscle tension in the area and it increases blood flow to the area which encourages the body’s own healing process. Many people use massage as an effective way to manage muscle pain instead of taking regular medication.
Let your massage therapist know what areas you’ve struggled with and they can spend more time helping those muscles to relax.
If the pain is deep within your muscles, the different techniques used in deep tissue massage can provide more targeted relief.
7. Improves Mood Due to Endorphin Release
Not only does Swedish massage improve your mood because of its relaxation benefits, but it improves your mood through the release of endorphins as well!
Research has found that massage recipients have higher levels of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. These are neurotransmitters that affect your mood, appetite, metabolism, sleep cycle, memory, and more! Higher levels of these chemicals help boost your mood and general well-being.
8. Improves Sleep and Increases Energy
Another benefit of the increased serotonin that Swedish massage provides is it helps you to sleep better. Higher serotonin levels not only help you fall asleep faster but assist in staying asleep longer.
Higher quality of sleep and boosted oxygen will put a spring in your step like nothing else can! You are sure to feel energized and revitalized in the days following your massage.
Some people prefer to schedule their massages in the afternoon, evening, or over weekends so they can sleep immediately after their massage. Allowing yourself to remain in a blissful, relaxed state lets you experience the full benefit of a good massage.
9. Relieve Headaches
It seems like headaches can be caused by anything. The main causes of headaches include poor posture, stress, and/or poor circulation. Swedish massages have the incredible effect of easing the pain of several types of headaches.
With increased circulation, stress relief, and decreased muscle tension from your massage, headaches are sure to ease. And that’s if they don’t disappear entirely!
Time to Book Your Swedish Massage
Massages are known for their relaxation benefits, but you now know the goodness doesn’t stop there. With all the massage options in the world, how do you know which is the best massage for you?
If you’re looking to rejuvenate your body, clear your mind, and experience lasting effects, a Swedish massage is the treatment to book.
Are you ready to experience the benefits of Swedish massage therapy for yourself? Book an appointment with us today. With over 20 years of experience in massage therapy and other body treatments, we know exactly what your body needs in order to relax and repair.