Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage therapy has been shown to be highly beneficial. It can affect the autonomic nervous system, and calm the "fight or flight" response, reducing the level of stress hormones in the body. Massage stimulates the blood circulation, increasing the supply of nutrients and oxygen to cells. Massage stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and improving the immune system. Long, flowing connective strokes, called effleurage, generally have these effects.
Many studies have shown that continued stress can increase the incidence of various diseases, and can reduce recovery time. Stress can cause and exacerbate many chronic problems such as hypertension, migraines, digestive problems, PMS. If stress can be reduced, and relaxation induced more frequently, the progression of many chronic conditions can also be reduced. Massage therapy is an excellent way of reducing stress.
The Touch Research Institute, at the University of Miami, has carried out many studies on the effects of touch and massage therapy
Per Henrick Ling, born in Sweden in 1776, is widely credited as the originator of modern "Swedish massage". Ling was a fencing master and was fascinated by the human body in movement. He developed a series of exercises, and eventually his system of massage that he called "movement cure". Massage therapy and somatic practices have developed in many different directions.
All massage therapists at Back to Life Wellness Center combine Swedish techniques into their sessions.
