Holistic and Swedish Massage

Holistic Massage

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Each Holistic massage is individually tailored to each client, a variety of different techniques and pressures are used by our therapists, specifically suited to your needs.

 

An Holistic massage takes into account the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of each person, as well as the physical body. this means that deep tissue and fascial work may also be applied during the session along with light effleurage pressure on more delicate areas.

This allows the therapists to address each areas of the body's needs during the session.

 

Swedish Massage

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Swedish massage was developed by Pehr Henrik Ling (1776-1839), a Swedish sports teacher, who combined Chinese gymnastic and medical techniques with sports medicine to create techniques for decreasing muscle soreness, increasing flexibility and promoting general health.

 

Swedish massage focuses on gentle to moderate pressure strokes which move toward the heart. It is performed using scented massage oil to reduce friction. 

 

Techniques used in Swedish massage include long and gliding movements, kneading, vibration, and tapping. Therapists may also use bending and stretching movements to relax joints.

 

Swedish massage can be both relaxing and energizing with the aim of providing a feeling of overall improved well-being. 

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What does a Swedish full body massage include?

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 A Swedish full body massage routine will vary from therapist to therapist, but generally a 60-minute Swedish massage will include a 20-to-25-minute back massage, followed by massage to the legs (front and back), feet, both arms and finally a massage to the shoulders and neck.

 

Some therapists may also include a head and/or tummy massage depending on your preference.

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Your therapist will talk you through their general routine and at this time you can request that they spend more time on a particular area or ask for them to avoid a specific area.

 

The goal of the massage is to help you relax and unwind, so don't hesitate to let your therapist know what you want from your treatment.

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Do Swedish massages do anything?

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 Your therapist will use a variety of techniques to work over the muscles in your body, using relaxing and rhythmic strokes which can be gentle or firm depending on your preference. After the massage you may feel sleepy and peaceful or even energised and invigorated.

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Do you wear clothes for a Swedish massage?

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Usually, you will be asked to undress down to your underwear (pants/boxers) for the massage. You will be covered with a towel or sheet for the duration of the treatment with only the body part being massaged exposed.

 

If for any reason you wish to keep an item of clothing on, please inform your therapist in advance and they can tell you whether or not this is possible for the treatment they perform.

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How long should a Swedish massage last?

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Generally, a Swedish full body massage will last around 60 minutes. Some therapists may also offer Swedish massage for 30, 45 and/or 90 minutes.

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How often should I get a Swedish massage?

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 You can have a Swedish massage as often as you would like. Generally, it is a good idea to leave at least a week between massages so as to not overwork the muscles.

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Does a Swedish massage get rid of knots?

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 Yes, a massage therapist will use deep friction techniques to work out knots in muscles. If you have a specific area of tension that you would like worked on, then be sure to inform your therapist at the start of your treatment.

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What are the most commonly used Swedish massage techniques?

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 There are four main techniques used in Swedish Massage: Effleurage, Petrissage, Kneading and Tapotement.

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- Effleurage refers to the gentle stroking movements used mostly at the start and end of a massage.

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- Petrissage refers to deeper friction movements used to work out tense muscles and knots.

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- Kneading refers to deep stroking movements. Like kneading dough, the whole hand is used to grasp, lift and release muscles.

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- Tapotement refers to faster, percussive movements such as hacking (applied with edge of hand) and cupping (applied with hands in cupped position to create a vacuum).

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What is the difference between Swedish and deep tissue massage?

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Swedish massage uses longer, rhythmic strokes and varying pressure to provide relaxation. Deep tissue massage uses firm pressure to work out and relieve tension in muscles.

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How do you prepare for a Swedish massage?

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Before having a massage it's a good idea to shower to remove any dirt, excess sweat and/or make up. If you have long hair, bring something to tie it up with during the massage.

 

Remove any jewellery that might get in the way (e.g. necklace, bracelets/watch, large earrings). Wear comfortable underwear and clothes that you don’t mind getting a bit oily when you put them back on.

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How do you feel after a Swedish massage?

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 After a Swedish massage you should feel relaxed. Some people say they feel tired after a massage, whereas others may feel invigorated.

 

If you have received a massage with firm pressure, you may feel a bit sore for the next 24-48 hours, in this case consider using an ice pack, have a warm bath and keep up gentle movement to avoid worsening any tension.

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