Swedish massage is one of the most commonly offered and best known massage types. It uses a firm but gentle pressure to improve the circulation, easing muscle aches and tension, improving flexibility and allowing you to immerse in total relaxation.    

How will I feel …

Your therapist will generally use massage oil to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body. Swedish massage is done with you being covered by a sheet, a technique called "draping". One part of the body uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body. However, you may be completely undressed or remain in underwear. The therapist leaves most of the body draped by a sheet or light cover, exposing only the area to be massaged. Sessions last from 30-60 minutes.

Massage therapists use long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil. Swedish massage therapy can be very gentle and relaxing. If you've never had massage before, this is a good one to try first.

Oil is usually used, it is first warmed in the therapist's hands, which facilitates the stroking and kneading of the body, thereby stimulating metabolism and circulation. The active and passive movements of the joints promote general relaxation, improve circulation and relieve muscle tension. Palms are used separately or together to glide gently over the skin. This spreads the massage oil, warms up the muscles, and let you become accustomed to the therapist's touch. Your therapist soothes deeper areas in muscles made tight by exercise and everyday stress.

You may notice that the hands of the therapists are cupped or in a "karate chop" position while the wrists are loose. The therapist gently and rhythmically taps on the recipient's body. This wakes up the body, brings a tingling feeling, and a feeling of increased vitality. This is usually done at the close of a full-body massage session. The massage therapist uses just the tips of the fingers to gently graze the surface of the skin with very light pressure. This calms and soothes the nervous system and relaxes the muscles.

- relax tensed muscles

- improve overall circulation

- helps you obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of your body

- relieve pain and discomfort associated with muscle tension, fractures, sprains, sciatica, and stiff joints

- stretch the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple

- stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves

- help reduce emotional and physical stress. It is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management