Holistic Massage

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What is a Swedish massage?

Image by Juska Wendland
Swedish or sliming massage?

The Swedish massage uses long flowing strokes which are most often in the direction of the heart, and it is especially created to increase both circulation and blood flow.

There are six basic hand strokes in Swedish massage:

• Effleurage.
• Petrissage.
• Friction.
• Tapotement.
• Compression.
• Vibration.

Also, there is normally a form of cream or lotion applied to the skin in order to reduce the wrong kind of friction and to allow for smoother strokes. Swedish massage is actually considered by many as being the best massage technique and it is generally the most well known, worldwide.

Giving a Swedish massage:

(1)The first step you need to take is to create a relaxing and comfortable environment, and there shouldn’t be anything around to interrupt, such as children or pets. As well, the room should be at a mild temperature and you should create proper lighting by dimming the lights or using only candlelight; for an enhanced effect, try lighting aromatherapy candles.

(1)Next, have the client lie down on a hard surface so that all of their muscles are adequately supported. If you don’t have a professional massage table, you can also use a firm mattress or a futon. You should be prepared, in that you should have all the required materials ready, such as hand towels and lubricants. Lubricants are especially crucial, as they are used to relax and to help make smoother strokes on the body.

(1)Once you have all of your materials ready and you are ready to begin the Swedish massage, you should always begin by targeting the larger muscle groups first, such as the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. For the maximum and most pleasurable effect, you will want to begin at the shoulders, and work from there to the neck, and then down the arms and onto the hands. You can then return to the upper and lower back, working your way down to the thighs and calves, and ending off with the feet.

The three basic Swedish massage strokes involved here are the effleurage, the fan stroke, and the circling hands.

(1)The effleurage, is the using of soft and fluid strokes steadily with the palm of the hand;
(2)The fan stroke, is done by sliding your hands up the shoulder blades and then up and over the shoulders, down to the lower back, so that you are basically drawing a coarse heart;
(3)The circling hands, quite obviously, is done by making counterclockwise circular motions with your fingers always pointing in the same direction.

Well hopefully the information given will encourage you to have a Swedish massage or even be trained in as a Swedish masseur.

Question by Trevin’s #1!: how does a swedish massage feel?
Wnt to know what a swedish massage feels like?
TO the people: Don’t say go experience it to find out! I want to know specifically what it feels like and what is the best part.

Best answer:

Answer by DanC
Best way to learn is to experience. Go to a massage studio or clinic and find out.

What do you think? Answer below!Question by louise: What is the difference between a Swedish massage and a deep tissue massage? Which one do you prefer?

Best answer:

Answer by prettylucky33
ive had both & i prefer the swedish massage.. the deep tissue massage just works into your skin deeper so its a bit rougher.. it feels like a trainers massage (ew) lol

Give your answer to this question below!

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massage room
Image by Tiger Mask
Hotaka, Nagano

A good body massage will relax you.

Massage is a wonderful way of relaxing after a tiring day at home or work, there is nothing better than feeling refreshed with a pleasurable sensation. To give a good body massage is a skill that requirers intensive study. Besides personal skills in the treatment, different massage products can be used as an aid in bringing about the desired effect. You will certainly need to take a course to become a successful professional in the massage business.

Some tips for a fulfilling body massage:

Some general considerations in giving a body massage include the massage area, atmosphere, clothing, and movement techniques over the body.

• Massage Area: First of all, prepare your massage area. It can be a chair, a table, or a bed. In case you use a chair or a table, put warm towels or a comfortable blanket on it. Whether a chair, table, or a bed, the massage area should be firm and supportive – a soft, cushion bed is not suitable for a good massage.
• Supporting Means: It is advisable to always keep some supporting aids, like pillows, for your arms. You might need to place your arms on these in different positions during the massage.
• Atmosphere: Atmosphere is very important in the effect of your body massage session. Generally, a good massage is given in a place with dim lights. Bright light tend to stress the nerves, so avoid using it. Using aromatherapy candles greatly enhances the effect of the massage. A light, relaxing music also adds to the pleasure and calm of the session. Soft, instrumental music with no lyrics is recommended.
• Clothing: A good body massage will ideally be given to a bare body. However, many people will not like the idea of going without any clothes, so at least the back should be bare for the duration of the massage.
• Massage Oil: Pour a little massage oil on your hands and rub gently on the recipient’s back. Don’t use too much oil so as to let it absorb well and avoid making the person’s skin slippery with it.
• Fan Stroke: Fan stroke is a gentle movement given before a deeper massage. For this, place your hands flat on both sides of the recipient’s spine just above the hips. Press gently but on the sides of the spine and not on the spine itself. Slide your hands forward slowly till they reach the shoulder blades. Move them over the shoulder blades and then back to the starting point. Repeat it several times.
• Kneading Technique: Move from the fan stroke to the kneading technique. This includes slowly kneading the muscles (but not the skin).
• Raking: This process involves using your hands like a rake. However, remember not to use your fingernails but only your fingertips. At the end of a body massage , give a few feather light touches. Draw your fingers slowly and gently down the back. Do not press anywhere, just run your fingers over the skin.

Question by virgin guy: Anyone know of any good holistic health practitioners in san diego that are cheap?
Im looking to try a holistic health practition and im in the San Diego area. Can you guys recommend anyone that you tried or heard of that is good and is reasonably priced. Im not talking about massage. Im talking about a doctor that will recommend natural treatments , herbs etc, and not the regular medications that doctors prescribe.

Best answer:

Answer by Fashionista82
A holistic health practitioner in California IS a massage therapist that has 1,000 hours of training and has learned how to treat body ailments holistically using essential oils, herbs, stones, etc. A massage therapist only has 500 hrs and none of the training that a HHP has. So depending on what you want, I can help you.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!Question by Sarah C: I’m looking for professional indemnity insurance in Spain for holistic therapies?
I am moving to Spain shortly with my husband. I am a Reiki master and I also practise Massage, Aromatherapy and Reflexology. I know there are lots of British holistic therapists who are working in Spain but I cannot find a good professional indemnity insurance policy.

Can anyone out there help?

Best answer:

Answer by George P. N
perhaps Zurich ins.

Add your own answer in the comments!Question by mrniceguy1456: Do you think the rehab folks would go for me to be a massage therapist?
I have an appointment with Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS).
I am very into holistic things, natural foods and the healing power of touch.
I would like to get into massage therapy because I would be able to work as part time without really messing up my SSDI.
I am deaf. That might be a plus in massage.
What do you think?

Best answer:

Answer by Rachel_S165
Its not a bad idea.

Being deaf might be an issue though, because you need to be able to talk to your first-time clients before you work on them, to find out what they want to achieve from massage, what health issues they might have that you should know about, etc. While you’re working on them, you also need to be able to ask them if they’re comfortable, are you using the right amount of pressure (too much? not enough?). They need to be able to tell you if they’re too warm or too cold, if they want you to put on different music, or no music, etc.

But if you can figure out how to communicate with your clients, massage therapy might be a good career choice since you can work part-time without jeopardizing your SSDI.

You can probably get student loans and government grants to pay for your massage therapy education.

If I were you, I would ask DORS about it!

Add your own answer in the comments!Question by joemj413: List of holistic places that take health insurance/SAGA in Connecticut?
I’m currently on SAGA and looking for alternative holistic healing places (massage, reiki/energy therapy, ect, that will accept SAGA health insurance from Connecticut. Preferably in New Haven county but anywhere in state is fine. Help?!

Best answer:

Answer by drskowron
Many naturopathic physicians are providers with insurance companies in CT. I am unaware of SAGA, but call them and see who their providers are. My practice in Hamden (203-230-2200) accepts Blue Cross, Oxford, and Connecticare.

What do you think? Answer below!

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