What is a Swedish massage?
Similar to the aromatherapy massage, this is one of the most popular treatments on a spa menu. Carrier oils (such as almond or jojoba) are applied to the body using long, even strokes to ease away superficial muscle tension. Many people find this light massage style more soothing, relaxing and superficial than a deeper style of massage. If you’ve never had a massage before, this is a good one to start with. An aromatherapy massage includes essential oils extracted from flowers and plants to the basic carrier oil to further enhance your well-being.
Pure essential oils have a variety of benefits, whether you want to feel energized (lemon), uplifted (neroli, lemon balm), stimulated (eucalyptus, rosemary), feel soothed and relaxed (lavender, sandalwood), or want to help rebalance your hormones (geranium). Sometimes spas use blended combinations of these essential oils in their massage oils and your spa therapist may ask you to choose by smelling which aroma you’d like to be used in your massage.
What does a Swedish massage involve?
A typical Swedish or aromatherapy massage usually lasts between 40 minutes for a shorter back neck and shoulders version and 90 minutes for the whole body, including the back, arms and legs.
Your therapist may use a variety of techniques, such as rolling and kneading the skin with a subtle sweeping action that could make you nod off on the massage couch. Go with it! Catching 40-winks during a treatment can really enhance the benefits of your treatment. In the full-body Swedish massage, your therapist will usually start by massaging your back and neck, then the legs, arms, hands and sometimes the feet. This massage sometimes includes a relaxing head massage (also known as a scalp massage, Indian head massage or Champissage).
The best alternative to a Swedish massage we offer and our favorite is the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Nui. That`s a oil massage too but apart from this not comparable. It`s more a dance-like artistic bodywork a flow-ish ritual, does`t feel like the practitioner is working, while Swedish or regular massages we see more like solid craftsmanship.
Does a Swedish massage hurt?
There is a common misconception that the Swedish massage is similar to the deep tissue massage. However, these focus on different muscle layers. While deep tissue massage works into the deeper layers, Swedish massage works more superficially.
Deep tissue massage technique utilizes a firmer pressure that results in a robust experience, which can be uncomfortable and leave you feeling a bit tender. Swedish massage is gentler and should feel good without any discomfort.
It is important you communicate with your spa therapist to make sure the pressure is right for you. If the massage is too strong, don’t suffer in silence, let your therapist know. It is also vital to let the spa know if you have any medical of physiological issues of which the massage therapist should be aware.
Expected benefits of a Swedish massage
A Swedish massage can have a range of therapeutic benefits, including reduced stress, enhanced detoxification and improved blood flow. You might also reap the benefits in terms of increased flexibility and it can help you recover from muscle strain. If you suffer with stress, need help relaxing, or want to ease away tensions, a Swedish massage could be just what you need.
Best for:
Light stress and tension relief.
Muscular knots that are too tender for anything other than lightly soothing massage pressure.
Nourishing the skin thanks to the application of carrier oils and/or aromatherapy oils.
Improved circulation, muscle tone, boosting lymph and blood circulation to aid detoxification.
…if you like stronger pressure that works more deeply into your knotted muscles. If that’s the case, you may find these Swedish massage techniques too superficial and gentle. In that case just ask for more pressure or deep tissue massage
Many of us feel embarrassed when we awake with a start mid-massage; yet one of the biggest compliments you can pay a therapist is to nod off during a treatment, because it shows you feel deeply relaxed. Napping a bit, and falling asleep during a massage in fact may have some benefits for your relaxation response. The positive effects of the treatment may last even longer. So nothing wrong with it.