Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is one of the most basic of all massage techniques. Most massage schools will start with teaching you basic Swedish Massage. It is easy to learn and apply.It is a combination of long, flowing movements that are used with the intention of relaxing the body.Contrary to popular belief, Swedish Massage did not originate in Sweden nor was it founded by Peter Henry Ling as many publications claim. Robert Calvert, author of "The History of Massage: An Illustrated Survey from around the World" clarifies this issue. He states "Swedish massage did not originate in Sweden, nor was it created by a Swede. Also, in Sweden there is no "Swedish massage"; instead, massage is referred to almost universally as "classic massage." He goes on to inform us that: "This may come as a shock to many readers, but it is absolutely true. Peter Ling is not the "father of Swedish massage," because Swedish massage was not a part of Ling’s Swedish Gymnastic Movements nor the curriculum of the Royal Central Gymnastic Institute founded by Ling in 1813."Massage Magazines Pages from History There are 5 Main Types of Massage Strokes that can be adapted to different conditions and situations.
For more information on Swedish Massage and what you will have to learn in massage school see Swedish Massage
In massage school you will also learn a lot about the benefits of massage which are really based on the practice of Swedish Massage. Some of the benefits include from the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) * Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. * Stimulating the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer. * Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles. * Reducing spasms and cramping. * Increasing joint flexibility. * Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level. * Releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain. * Reducing post-surgery adhesions and edema and reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred. * Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with low back pain. * Relieving pain for migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication. * Providing exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reducing shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion. * Contributing to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety, and shortening hospital stays. But more than anything the latest research shows that Touch in general provides feedback to the body so that it can remember it's true self. The psychological benefits far out weigh the physical benefits. In the recent Meta Analysis (Psychological Bulletin 2004 Jan)it seems massage may offer benefits similar to psychotherapy when it comes to decreasing anxiety and depression, an exciting find says Christopher Moyer, whose research recently appeared in Psychological Bulletin (January 2004). Shirley Vanderbuilt of ABMP published this article Under the Microscope: A Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy Studies to explain the results of the research. The study shows that one of the benefits of massage is psychological and not just physical. Most massage therapists will often state the benefits of massage on their website. Most of what we know about massage is just theory. Even though there have been many studies done, the problem is that 2 people can learn the same technique in the same way at the same time and what they actually do on a client will be and feel totally different. Starting your massage career with basic Swedish massage techniques and theory is a great way to build a framework to build on and add other techniques. Most massage therapists will take many hours of continuing education to further their skills. Resources:Learn more about Swedish Massage at www.thebodyworker.com || FAQ's || Career Guides || Websites || Supervision|| About Me || |
