13 Therapeutic Benefits of Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is one of the most common and effective massage therapy modalities.  A wonderful combination of light to firm gliding strokes, integrated with stretching and ranging of the joints, it is a process that promotes total relaxation and muscle tension release.

History of Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage was developed by Peter Henrik Ling (1776-1839), a  Swedish physician and athlete who combined Chinese medical massage techniques with sports medicine to create a technique for decreasing muscle soreness, increasing flexibility and promoting general health.  Strokes used in Swedish include long and gliding movements generally applied with an oil or cream as a lubricant, kneading, vibration, tapping and friction.  Massage therapists also incorporate stretching to elongate the musculature, and joint mobilization or open and soften the joints.

Research Shows Both Mental-Emotional and Physical Benefits of Swedish Massage

The effects and benefits of Swedish Massage have been well researched and documented with controlled studies.  Research performed by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine and International Journal of Neuroscience shows that 45-minute massage increases serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin that help to balance and elevate the mood.  Serotonin and dopamine are both neurotransmitters.  Lowered levels of either serotonin and dopamine have been linked with depression, anxiety and overall lethargy.  Increased levels,  as with massage, will bring about a feeling of emotional well-being and balance. Oxytocin, commonly referred to as the “cuddle hormone,” has been shown to release while cuddling, as well as while in massage.  While it is technically a hormone, it tends to act like a neurotransmitter making a sweet little neuropeptide that makes you feel warm and soft on the inside.  

A more recent study looked more at the physical benefits of massage.  This study was done with 400 adults who complained of moderate to severe low back pain, lasting 3 or more months. These adults were divided into 3 groups. The first group received a weekly full body massage. The second group received a more targeted massage that focused on specific muscles of the low back and hips. The final group did not receive massage, but instead were prescribed pain medication and muscle relaxants.  After 10 weeks, participants in both massage groups reported a greater average improvement in pain and functioning than those who received medication. The type of massage, either full-body or focused, yielded equally beneficial results.  At the end of the study, 36-39% of the massage recipients reported that the pain was nearly or completely gone, while in the medicated group only 4% reported that significant decrease in pain level. This bodes well for not only focused but also a full Swedish “relaxation” massage.

There are at least 13 Benefits of Swedish Massage!

• Relaxation.  Swedish Massage both calms the nervous system and relaxes muscular tension.

• Reduces Stress.  Many of us live demanding lives, both overscheduled and over-worked.  Stress can manifest in the body with increased muscle tension and sometimes pain.  Stress can manifest in the mind with increased worry or anxiety. Swedish Massage helps to clear the body and mind of unwanted responses to stress.
• Increase Flexibility.  Swedish Massage will elongate the muscles, open the joints and decrease swelling, all of which will ease movement and increase flexibility.
• Improve Posture.  While postural imbalances have many sources, including overworked muscles due to repetitive strain, overcompensating muscles to ease stress on overworked muscles, prolonged sitting, or injury, Swedish Massage helps to ease the muscular holding that underlies postural imbalance.
• Improve Blood Circulation. Massage dilates the blood vessels and widens the membrane pores in the body, improving your body’s ability to deliver fresh blood to muscles and organs.

• Endorphin Release to Improve Mood.  Research shows increased serotonin and dopamine in massage recipients, improving their mood and feeling of emotional well-being.

• Flush out Metabolic Byproducts.  As massage stimulates circulation, it flushes out lactic acid and uric acid that build up in muscles due to overuse.

• Increase Range of Motion. Swedish Massage, incorporating stretching and range of motion techniques, will open and lubricate the joints for increased range and more fluid motion.

• Support Healthy Immunity. Because Swedish Massage also encourages the flow of lymphatic fluid, it increases lymphocytes, immune cells that are produced in the lymph nodes.

• Increase Nutrient Supply to Muscles.  By increasing circulation, Swedish Massage increases the blood supply and nutrients to the muscles.

• Increases Energy.  Increased circulation also means more oxygen delivered through the body, resulting in a boost in energy.

• Improve Sleep.  Studies show that getting a massage increases serotonin levels in the body, so you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
• Relieve Headaches.  Many headaches or migraines are a result of stress and/or poor circulation. Swedish Massage relieves the stress associated with tension headaches and improves circulation.  

The significant benefits of Swedish Massage make it clear that a regular massage regimen is more than a luxury, but indeed an important ingredient in the cultivation of physical and emotional well-being.  Maybe you just want a “relaxation” massage.  But know, that in your relaxation, you are also taking care of both your body and mind in fundamental yet important ways.  

Are you ready to discover the benefits that a massage regimen could bring to you?  

Raizelah Bayen is a California Certified Massage Therapist, currently employed as the Spa Services Manager at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, California.  She has been practicing massage for over 25 years, and teaching T’ui Na, Acupressure, Sports and Pregnancy Massage in massage certification programs for 15 years.  Raizelah is an approved CEU Instructor by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), offering trainings in Freestone, California and on-site training at your massage school or spa.  For more information, connect with Raizelah Bayen on LinkedIn.

Please contact raizelah@osmosis.com for information on upcoming trainings in T’ui Na, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Foot Reflexology, and Body Mechanics for Bodyworkers scheduled in Sebastopol, California.  Or book Raizelah for an on-site training in your massage school or spa in T’ui Na, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Foot Reflexology or Body Mechanics for Bodyworkers.

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Jennifer Klein February 16, 2018 Massage Modalities

The Osmosis Fusion – Our Signature Massage

By Raizelah Bayen

Established in Northern California in 1985, Osmosis is a living blend of Eastern and Western culture, esthetic and hospitality.  The development of our signature massage, the Osmosis Fusion, reflects this by weaving together Eastern and Western massage modalities.  Launched in May of 2016, the Osmosis Fusion is one of our most popular and frequently booked massages at the spa.  

Roots of the Fusion Massage

The Osmosis Fusion Massage is a blend of four different massage modalities. Long strokes of Western Swedish Esalen Massage, pressure point techniques of Japanese Shiatsu, joint mobilization used in T’ui Na (Chinese Massage), body stretches common in Thai Massage, and a taste of our unique offering of Essential Acupressure.  

Taking the best from the West and the East, this massage is revitalizing, opening, gently energizing while simultaneously deeply relaxing.  

Blending Modalities Bearing Deeper Benefit

Swedish Esalen Massage was developed in the 1960’s at the Esalen Institute with the understanding that massage deepens body awareness.  The long full-body strokes characteristic of Esalen Massage give you the opportunity to experience your body as a whole, rather than in parts. The dynamic mobilization used in Esalen Massage nurtures a sense of connection, particularly of how one body part, such as the arm, is connected to the other body parts, such as the shoulder and chest. Esalen techniques cultivate an experience of wholeness, feeling how the front and back bodies relate through movement, or how the inner and outer bodies form a complete experience of self.  Swedish Esalen Massage nurtures self awareness.

Japanese massage, Shiatsu, addresses the body with pressure point massage, and complements the feeling of connectedness cultivated in Esalen Massage, by working along the meridians or energy pathways of the body. The meridians of the body either course from head to toe, or from the outer extremity, such as the finger or toe, to the torso. With pressure point Shiatsu, we are stimulating the acupressure points along these meridians to activate the flow the Chi where it may be blocked, to build Chi where it may be deficient, and the bring about greater balance.

The range-of-motion of T’ui Na, opens the “gates,” so to speak. These “gates” are the major joints of the body. In order for Chi to flow freely from one body area to another, these gates need to remain open. To ensure freedom of movement and abundant Chi flow, T’ui Na emphasizes joint mobilization.

The stretches of Thai are a perfect complement to the other massage modalities, opening and lengthening the muscles,
meridians and gateways of the body. Thai is sometimes referred to as “yoga massage.” But do not be intimidated by this name. You do not need to be a yogi or to be especially flexible to receive Thai Massage stretches. The gentle stretches used in this massage will increase flexibility for you.

Finally, the Osmosis Fusion Massage includes a taste of Essential Acupressure. Here we are using specific Essential Oils on particular acupressure points to bring about greater balance and sense of well-being. The function of the oil is matched with the function of the acupressure point for a deeper synergistic effect. Essential Acupressure can be used to address a wide variety of health concerns. In the Fusion Massage, we use Lavender and Marjoram essential oils on the Master Points of the Great Regulator Channel to regulate the flow of the Yin and the Yang Chi of the body.

By blending this variety of techniques, you can be sure this massage addresses every level of your being – physical, emotional and energetic. It clears tension, builds Chi, opens the joints, lengthens the muscles, and brings balance to the emotions.

You will leave Osmosis, after a Fusion Massage, feeling deeply relaxed, gently revitalized, moving with greater ease, and enveloped with a sense of well-being.

Osmosis Fusion Arises from Osmosis Teamwork

The development of our unique offering, the Osmosis Fusion, arose out of teamwork and collaboration. The Massage Therapist Supervisor gave a group of massage therapists, each with extensive training in both Eastern and Western massage modalities, the opportunity to have input on the development of this massage. Three massage therapists met with their supervisor to sketch the protocol, which was later refined with group input, and then presented through a series of trainings to much of the large massage staff at Osmosis.

Osmosis is a unique healing center, and continues to be a leader in the spa industry. We continue to grow, creating new and refined services of unparalleled quality. The Osmosis Fusion is a prime example of our team’s pioneering spirit, creativity and innovation. Try it for yourself!  Click here to book an appointment for a Fusion Massage or for a Transformation Package, which includes both a Cedar Enzyme Bath and an Osmosis Fusion Massage.  

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Raizelah Bayen is a California Certified Massage Therapist, currently employed as the Director of Training and Massage Therapist Supervisor at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, California.  She has been practicing massage for over 25 years, and teaching T’ui Na, Acupressure, Sports and Pregnancy Massage in massage certification programs for 15 years.  Raizelah is an approved CEU Instructor by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), offering trainings in Freestone, California and on-site training at your massage school or spa.  For more information, connect with Raizelah Bayen on LinkedIn.

Please contact raizelah@osmosis.com for information on upcoming trainings in T’ui Na, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Foot Reflexology, and Body Mechanics for Bodyworkers scheduled in Sebastopol, California.  Or book Raizelah for an on-site training in your massage school or spa in T’ui Na, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Foot Reflexology or Body Mechanics for Bodyworkers.

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Jennifer Klein April 21, 2017 Massage Modalities, There's no place like Oz