Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is the most common type of body work. At Tulia Massage, when you receive a swedish massage, you usually disrobe to your under garments or nothing at all (all according to your comfort level) and lay under the sheet. We use grapeseed or coconut oil (or feel free to bring your own) to lubricate each part of your body that is being worked on. Your therapist will only remove the sheet from the area of the body that is being massaged. Every other area will be covered. A swedish massage is usually "full body" meaning the back, legs, feet, arms and neck. Abdominal and scalp massage are usually performed upon request. Of course, if you prefer to avoid any areas, do not hesitate to tell your therapist.

Swedish Massage utilizes such soothing techniques as compression, effleurage and petrissage. These techniques are long, flowing and sustained and used specifically to induce relaxation and increase blood circulation. Swedish Massage, and massage therapy in general, works on the endocrine (hormonal) system as well. Massage therapy reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and releases endorphines (the happy hormone). This is one of the reason why you feel so good after getting a massage; it works on the chemical level to literally make you happier.

Swedish Massage also helps to increase lymphatic circulation. One of the main functions of your lymphatic system is immunity. Lymphatic fluid carries white blood cells (infection fighters), along with waste and bacteria from your organs. Massage moves the lymph throughout the body. For this reason, you want to drink more water than you usually do after a massage. You would need to flush out all the toxins released with a Swedish Massage to make sure you don't get sick.

Please note that while Swedish Massage does have an effect on the lymphatic system, it is not the same as Manual Lymphatic Drainage or a Lymphatic Drainage Massage. Those require special licensure in addition to a Massage Therapist License.

Some of the conditions that Swedish Massage can help to address include (but are not limited to):

Stress

Anxiety

Diabetes

High Blood Pressure

Arthritis

Low Back Pain

Muscle strain

Headaches

Autoimmune conditions

If you would like to find out more about what Massage Therapy can do for you, check out www.amtamassage.org