Massage may be defined as the application of a variety of techniques to the muscular structure and soft tissues of the body. Some of the intended benefits of massage are to reduce stress, improve circulation, and have a positive impact upon chronic conditions and overall health. Massage therapists use a variety of massage techniques to customize a massage for each client.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is perhaps the most well-known and recognizable form of massage. It was developed in Stockholm, Sweden more than 200 years ago. The goal behind Swedish massage is to relax the entire body by performing long gliding strokes upon muscles in the direction that blood returns to the heart. Some other techniques of Swedish massage include circular strokes applied by the palms of the hands, tapping, bending, and stretching. Swedish massage is very effective for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, releasing muscle toxins, reducing tension, and improving the client's circulation and flexibility.

Beauty Therapy

Deep Tissue Massage

Similar to Swedish massage, deep muscle massage focuses on "knots" and is used particularly to release chronic muscle toxins. When a massage therapist performs a deep tissue massage, she focuses on the deepest layers of muscle tissue and tendons. As opposed to Swedish massage, which employs manipulations that go with the grain of the muscles, deep tissue massage goes against the grain to help reduce inflammation and eliminate scar tissue. Sometimes the client will experience soreness for several days after a deep tissue massage because of the degree of pressure and intensity of the movements. This soreness will usually resolve after a few days, at which time the client will experience relaxation and pain relief.