Massage For Living

The most common massage technique in the United States is Swedish Massage.  It is what mst people think of when they think of massage.  It uses lighter, more rhythmic strokes and is enjoyed by people of all ages.  Swedish massage is distinguished by it's use of five major strokes:

•  Effleurage is the most frequently used and recognized stroke characterized by long, gliding strokes towards the heart, contouring the body; helping to improve circulation.
• Petrissage is a kneading and compressing stroke, often used to help restore mobility.
• Friction strokes are generally across the muscle fiber, which not only helps to break up scar tissue, it also helps to carry away toxins from the body.
• Vibration is a tiring stroke in which the hands of the therapist tremble in an effort to stimulate nerve endings.
  
• Tapotement is generally used to gently awaken a client as a finishing stroke.  It involves tappin, hacking or cupping, much like a drum, and helps tone muscles as well as increases the blook flow to the area being worked.
  

What To Expect

When you come in for a swedish treatment, before jumping happily on the massage table, you will be asked to disrobe in privacy, and covered with a sheet, only exposing  the part of the body beind worked.  Relaxing music will be plaing in the background, and the room will be dimly lit.  This will allow you drift off into a meditative or hypnotic state while your body is gently rocked, kneaded, rubbed and generally made to feel healthier.  Many hypnotherapists are starting to add massage to their practice, and if you have a hypnotic cd, I would gladly play it during your massage.

Benefits of Swedish:

• Relaxing
• The Calming and Healing Influence of Touch
• Relieved Muscle Tension
• Assistance in Eliminating Toxins
• Improved Circulation in blood going back towards the heart.