Swedish massages are both intense and deeply relaxing experiences. A professional massage therapist employing the Swedish massage technique will combine medium-pressure kneading strokes, quick tapping strokes, circular rubbing, and joint movement. The rewards of these massages last well beyond a client’s time in the therapy room, though. Here are some of the most prominent benefits that can be felt after receiving a Swedish massage.
Enhanced Flexibility
Therapists practicing the Swedish massage modality will loosen and stretch out tight muscles, ease joints, and reduce inflammation throughout the body. The result of all of this is, among other things, a more flexible body.
Reduced Stress
It goes without saying that clients experience deep relaxation while receiving a Swedish massage. That’s pretty commonly accepted. What isn’t as widely known is the fact that receiving a Swedish massage can help decrease stress in the longer term.
A recent study carried out by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that participants who received a 45-minute Swedish massage had substantially reduced levels of cortisol, one of the primary stress hormones. Their bodies effectively remained in a more relaxed state long after the massage was over.
More Happy Chemicals
Serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin are four neurotransmitters that play a disproportionately large role in how much happiness we feel. That’s probably why they’re colloquially referred to as the “happy chemicals.” Swedish massages have been scientifically proven to trigger the release of two of them (dopamine and serotonin).
Superior Mental Health
Swedish massages do more than just give your body a boost. They also have a positive impact on your overall mood and sense of well-being. A study done by the University of Miami Medical Center found that people who received Swedish massages reported lower levels of anxiety and depression compared with those who did not. This could be related to the release of more happy chemicals, improved physical functioning, reduced body pain, or some combination of them all.
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