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Centre Yourself provides Skin Care in Michiana, including Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana.

What Is Swedish Massage? - Friday, June 17, 2011

Swedish massage, like many national monikers, is something of a misnomer. Although the massage was championed by Swedish physician Henri Peter Ling in the early 1800s, the techniques it uses are derived from traditional cures applied in many "Oriental" countries. Its adoption is one of the latter parts of the Orientalist movement that inspired a number of fashions in Britain and Europe in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. In most languages, this is described more simply as "classic massage" or similar nomenclature because it is among the most basic of massage techniques.

In Swedish massage, the goal is to improve circulation and lymph drainage, reduce pain, and relax the mind and body. There are five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, that are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. The disrobed client is covered by a sheet, with only the area being worked on exposed. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibrational, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil or cream, to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage can include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury. A Swedish massage is overall gentle, soothing and relaxing, which makes it a great choice for beginners!

Anyone who is in good overall health is a candidate for Swedish massage. After a Swedish massage, you will likely feel more relaxed, have greater freedom of movement and less tension in your muscles. You may also experience a reduction in your body's overall retention of environmental toxins, which could lead to a reduced risk of cancer, arthritis and other conditions, although this has not been clinically established.

To learn more about Swedish and other types of massage, please contact Centre Yourself Medical Spa today to schedule your initial consultation at our Elkhart or Mishawaka office.

Centre Yourself offers the latest skin care products and services, and facial rejuvenation procedures to patients in Michiana, including Elkhart and South Bend, Northwest Indiana, and Southern Michigan.

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Elkhart Office

RIVERPOINTE MEDICAL BUILDING
500 ARCADE AVE., SUITE 300
ELKHART, IN 46514
PHONE: 574-296-9100
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720 East Cedar Street, Suite 450
South Bend, IN 46617
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Facial Rejuvenation Indiana

The Centre, P.C. offers the latest plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area. The content provided on this web site should not be taken as medical advice and has been created for informational purposes only about the cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery procedures available at the Centre, P.C. For more information about cosmetic surgery and to schedule a consultation, please contact our plastic surgeons.