Relaxation Massage
When you are emotionally stressed, you may experience headaches, muscle tension or pain, fatigue, sleep problems, digestive issues, and more. Massage therapy can help, and has the ability to affect your entire outlook. In my relaxation massage I use Swedish massage techniques, integrating deep tissue, myofascial release, and acupressure to relax the body and help relieve the symptoms of stress and tension.
Swedish massage therapy is the most well-known and widely practiced type of therapeutic massage. Although Swedish massage is a combination of many different techniques, this type of massage focuses on long, flowing strokes using medium to light pressure targeting superficial soft tissue and muscles, increasing the circulation of blood and lymph while relaxing and soothing the nervous system.
Some benefits of relaxation massage include:
- Reduced stress. This is a big one! Stress affects all systems of the body including the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, nervous, and reproductive systems. Our bodies are well equipped to handle stress in small doses, but when that stress becomes long-term or chronic, it can have serious effects on our bodies. Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety. Relaxation massage has the potential to aleviate tention, lowering the level of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline in your body. Lowering your stress level offers a surprising number of benefits, including reducing or eliminating tension headaches, giving you more energy, and allowing for a better night’s sleep, just to name a few.
- Increased blood flow. Using long, stroking motions in the direction of blood flow towards the heart (called effleurage) with the intention to open up blood vessels and increase in oxygenation. Increased blood flow means that your muscles are getting more nutrients and oxygen and your body is removing toxins more efficiently. An increase in oxygenation can increase muscular energy, reduce muscular fatigue and keep muscles strong and healthy.