When most people think of massage one thing that comes to mind is Swedish massage therapy. As one of the most popular forms of exercise today the main purpose of Swedish massage is to relax the whole body. This is done by massaging the muscles with long strokes in the direction of the blood returning to the heart. But Swedish massage is more than just relaxation. Swedish massage is very helpful in increasing blood oxygen levels reducing muscle toxins improving blood circulation and reducing stress and flexibility.
A study published by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and published in The New York Times found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage had significantly lower levels of the stress hormones cortisol and arginine vasopressin-a. A hormone that causes an increase in cortisol. The volunteers also increased the number of white blood cell lymphocytes that are part of the immune system and immune cells that help fight colds and flu. Swedish Massage Technique
Other Swedish massage techniques include circular pressure with the hands and arms vigorous kneading tapping bending and stretching. Communication with your massage therapist before and during a Swedish massage is encouraged so that your massage can be tailored to your specific needs.