Massages are good for everyone, since most people do benefit with touch.
One of the best massage techniques to start off with is the
Swedish massage. (No I didn't say swedish fish.)
This is a gentle, relaxing, and lymph moving massage. The muscles are gently stroked using various techniques like cupping, side chops and fingertip pressure.
Here is how it works. You might be asked to strip naked or down to your underwear and wrap up in a towel. The massage takes place on a massage table lying on your stomach with your head in an open-cushioned frame to avoid pressure on your eyes and cheeks.
The massage therapist will uncover each part of your body one at a time to perform the massage.
If you are a modest person, at no time will your entire body be uncovered.
The point of the massage is to relieve tension in the body. For some reason, we carry a lot of tension
in our necks and shoulders. Your massage therapist may start there and work their way down.
It is important to relax while the massage is going on so that you can get maximum benefit.
If at any time something hurts or bothers you, let your massage therapist know.
They can adjust the pressure with which they are kneading your muscles to avoid pain issues.
Sometimes, they will have to go a bit more firm when the knot will not work itself out.
Massage oils or aromatherapy oils can be used to enhance the outcome of your massage.
For instance, using a lavender essential oil can help you to sleep better and enjoy an overall positive
well being of your mind and body.
One benefit of the Swedish massage is tissue detoxification. We carry a lot of toxins in our bodies from the environment, the foods we eat and whatever else we ingest. Caffeine, for instance, speeds up the heart rate,
acting as a stimulant to the body.
Through smooth strokes up and down, the toxins can be released from the muscles and cleared from the
body through excretion. After a massage such as this, drinking plenty of water will re-hydrate your body.
Some of the health benefits of Swedish massage include:
* Reduced tension in your life
* Improved circulation
* Pain management for nerve disorders like sciatica
* Relief from cramps and spasms
There are many benefits to getting a massage. With a Swedish massage you get them all, plus the
gentle stroking and kneading of the muscles to get them working in proper order again. There is also a
reduction in many aches and pains, including arthritis.
Tips for Enhancing the Massage
This will heighten the effectiveness of the massage:
Take a warm bath, during the bath, do some assorted foot exercises; for example, spread your toes and widen and stretch your feet. Afterward, dry your feet and rub them with a healing and relaxing oil made from
3 drops of neroli oil in 2 tablespoons of almond oil.
