There are more benefits of getting a Swedish massage than you might expect. Keep reading and learn more about how it works here.
The feeling after you get done with a massage is one of the best feelings in the world. You walk out of the clinic feeling like a new person like you can take on the world.
At least, that’s what you feel like after a Swedish massage. Wondering what a Swedish massage is and how it differs from other types? We’ve got that and Swedish massage benefits below.
What Is a Swedish Massage?
There are a few different popular massage modalities in the massage therapy world. Each serves a slightly distinct purpose, though all are relaxing and great for your lymphatic system. The most popular types of massage are:
- Deep tissue
- Swedish
- Sport
- Prenatal
Our clinic focuses on Swedish massage, as we believe it has the best benefits (see below). But what exactly makes a massage Swedish?
Swedish massage was started by the Dutch doctor Johann Georg Mezger, who spent years studying the treatment of muscle sprains. It was different than modalities at the time in that it was gentler (and continues to be) and involved tapping movements.
Officially, five techniques make up Swedish massage. Johann used the french terms, which we’ve included and translated below.
- Effleurage: “to skim”
- Petrissage: “kneading”
- Friction: “friction”
- Tapotement: “tapping”
- Vibration: “shaking”
Licensed massage therapists still learn the original french terms during their training.
What’s the Difference Between Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage?
Good question! If you’ve never asked your massage therapist what kind of massage they’re practiced in, you’re probably wondering what the differences are. If you’ve only ever gotten one or the other, you’d be able to tell, but let’s go over the details.
Swedish massage is gentler than deep tissue massage (DTM), which aims to treat chronic pain and acute muscle injuries. While Swedish massage can improve injuries, this modality is aimed more at deep relaxation and lymphatic drainage.
When you’re getting a deep tissue massage, you’ll feel the pain points. In fact, DTMs can be uncomfortable at times, if not painful, which breaks your aura of relaxation. Swedish massages use lighter pressure, which in turn keeps you in that delicious, relaxed state where time doesn’t exist.
While your massage therapist can, and will, focus on areas of the body giving you trouble, a Swedish massage session is meant to be a full-body experience, with equal time spent on all parts.
Swedish Massage Benefits
You don’t have to take our word for it; there are noted benefits to getting a Swedish massage.
1. It’s Great for Lymphatic Drainage
In all these benefits, you’ll hear mention of lymphatic drainage, so we’ll explain it first. Your lymphatic system moves almost three liters of lymph fluid around your body every day. That fluid is an essential part of your immune system, as it’s responsible for creating and releasing white blood cells, among other defensive molecules.
But it’s not a one-hit-wonder. Your lymphatic system also helps with hydration, delivers nutrients to your bloodstream, and reduces swelling (if the system is healthy).
There are different lymph nodes around your body, like those in your neck, that swell when you’re ill. Most major joints have a lymph node nearby, where lymph is created and stored.
Since most people are more sedentary than they’d like these days, lymph fluid can get stuck in the various nodes, slowing its delivery to other parts of the body.
Swedish massage is one of the best ways to release that lymph fluid and get everything flowing well again. You may find yourself thirstier after your massage, which is a good sign your lymphatic system is doing what it should. Your therapist isn’t kidding when they say to drink lots of water for the rest of the day!
Optional Add-On Service: Lypossage
While Swedish massages, in general, boost your lymph fluid, we offer a more targeted option called lypossage. During a session, we will use deep strokes that break up adhesions under the skin, which boosts lymph and can even help reduce cellulite.
Ask about adding this option to your appointment when you call or make an appointment online.
2. It Helps Boost Your Immune System
Since Swedish massage has such a positive impact on your lymphatic system, it’s thought to improve your immune system. The release of tension and built-up lymph fluid is like a reset for your body in terms of immunity.
Not only that, but stressed people get sick more often. Adding relaxation practices, like massage, to your routine reduces stress and can keep you healthier over time.
3. It Relaxes You
As we said above, being stressed can make you sick more often, but did you know it can lead to an untimely death? That’s not us being dramatic — people who report being stressed more or experience stressful events consistently have a higher mortality rate than their peers, according to research.
It has short-term effects, too—the physical implications of stress range from headaches, to stomach issues, to heart disease. Stress could even be the reason you feel bloated all the time!
Those are all excellent reasons to carve some time into your schedule for the best massage in Allen, Texas.
4. It Improves Sleep
Anything that reduces stress will help you sleep better, and Swedish massage is no different. Many people report feeling sleepy during their massage, then are able to tap back into that feeling when they go to bed at night.
The night after a massage is some of the best sleep there is!
5. It Releases Endorphins
We could all use a little mood boost these days. Studies have shown that massages can boost natural serotonin and dopamine levels. Meaning once you come back to earth after your massage session, you’ll be in an excellent mood for the rest of the day!
The Best Massage in Allen, Texas
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about what is a Swedish massage, along with the different Swedish massage benefits. Giving yourself a massage is one of the best things you can do for your body and your mental health, among other things.
Schedule online, call, or text to make an appointment today.