Relaxation Massage was introduced to the U.S. in the 1800’s by two New York physicians, based on techniques developed in Sweden.
You are unclothed, but well draped, and the practitioner works directly on the skin employing long flowing strokes or kneading with the use of oil or cream. Additional techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Other techniques are integrated into your treatment, including CranioSacral, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofacial Release or Visceral Manipulation depending on your needs.
As the best-known type of the massage therapy modalities performed today, one of the primary goals of Relaxation Massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. But Swedish Massage therapy goes beyond relaxation. Relaxation Massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
Jeanette Stamp LPN RMT was trained in Swedish Massage as part of her Nursing Training in Denmark and Relaxation Massage is the core competency of the Massage Therapy program instructed at Mount Royal University from which she graduated was a Teaching Assistant and Student Practicum Supervisor before joining MaKami College as anInstructor, Practicum Supervisor and Outreach Leader.
A study conducted 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 experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.