Relaxation / Swedish Massage

Relaxation or Swedish massage is perhaps the best-known form of massage. This type of massage is perfect for someone who has never received a massage before, or anyone looking to just relax. During a Swedish massage, the Massage Therapist will apply gentle pressure to the body, smoothly manipulating the muscle tissue. Careful rubbing and kneading of the body’s outer tissue layers promotes stress relief and relaxation of the entire body. Making massage part of your regular healthcare routine is important because our bodies release stress hormones in response to everyday situations such as work, life changes, or just about anything. Relaxation / Swedish massage can help your body better manage this.

Stress relief is one of the most significant benefits of relaxation massage and is an important component of an individual’s health and wellness routine. A 60-Minute Custom Massage Session at LaVida Massage can reduce stress by lowering the heart rate and reducing levels of cortisol. According to a study completed by the University of Illinois at Chicago, massage therapy improves general blood flow and alleviates muscle soreness after exercise, even in those who do not exercise often. Improving circulation may also lead to lower blood pressure which puts less stress on the cardiovascular system. Techniques used during Relaxation Massage help to facilitate blood flow throughout the entire body.

According to the American Psychological Association, stress hormones affect all systems of the body including, musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous, and reproductive systems. Stress is a contributing factor to muscle soreness, but massage helps to relax muscles and reduce pain. The massage techniques used during a relaxation massage can help to reduce the effects of stress on the entire body. By using specific techniques, the Massage Therapist can remove tension from the muscles, and increase flexibility. Increased blood flow facilitated by massage also delivers oxygen-rich blood to the muscles, which leads to a reduction in pain, inflammation, and stiffness.

Following a Relaxation Massage session, most guests report feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Research suggests that massage causes feelings of relaxation by reducing the amount of cortisol in the body, and encouraging the brain to release the “feel-good hormones” aka, serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin and dopamine are two very important hormones, stimulated by many wellness activities such as diet, exercise, meditation, and massage therapy.

A healthy immune system is extremely important to a person’s wellness. Elevated levels of cortisol caused by stress can suppress your immune system, making you susceptible to illnesses caused by viruses and bacteria. Regular massage can help to reduce levels of cortisol within the body, boosting the immune system, and encouraging relaxation.