When your achy muscles are screaming for tender care, consider the relaxing and fortifying Swedish Massage. As one of the most well-recognized forms of Western bodywork, Swedish massage boasts a number of effective techniques in its toolkit. Swedish massage remains one of the best ways to open up the pathways in your body so that blood can circulate freely, ridding your “temple” of odious toxins stored up in your muscle areas. 

Depending on the amount of relief you’re seeking during a Swedish massage session; your therapist can untangle taut muscles with a variety of motions and pressures. By using light, moderate, or deep pressure on your body, Swedish massage techniques can improve your range of motion at sensitive pressure points like your joints and muscles. 

Considered something of a modern alternative health option, Swedish massage actually dates back to the 1800s. In 1813, Per Henrik Ling, a noted Swedish educator and gymnastics enthusiast is credited with starting the Swedish Movement. Ling combined gymnastics with the study of anatomy and physiology to develop Swedish massage, which eventually gained wider notoriety all over the world.

A Dutch doctor, Johan Georg Mezger, came up with the French words describing the various Swedish massage techniques. These 19th century terms are still currently and accurately used in modern Swedish massage. For instance, relieving pain with the languid, circular movements using both the fingers and palms of the hand is effleurage. Petrissage movements resemble someone kneading bread. The light, percussive “tapping” movements of tapotement are also part of this special treatment. 

For years the medical profession recognized the effectiveness of Swedish massage without fully understanding how and why the techniques worked so well. But in 2010, a groundbreaking study revealed some impressive health benefits of Swedish Massage.

 The study findings, sponsored by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles indicated that one single Swedish massage session could boost the white cells that support the immune system as well as lowering the stress hormone, cortisol. With this report, the medical establishment acknowledged how Swedish massage can be a strong warrior treatment against stress, high blood pressure and cancer.  

So, if you’re looking for a massage that does more than just simply feel good, consider Swedish massage. The staff at Beauty Bar Med Spa is waiting to make your body feel wonderful on the inside so you will glow on the outside. Book your appointment today!