Swedish Massage Houston- At a Day Spa in Houston Near You

Looking for a Swedish massage in Houston? Here's some background- Swedish massage, also known as therapeutic massage, was developed in by Per Henrik Ling, a medical-gymnastic practitioner, at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It was introduced to the United States by two New York physicians in the mid 1800's and has since become the foundation of other types of western massage including sports massage, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy. Arranging for a Swedish massage at a day spa in Houston, Boston, San Francisco or other major city in the United States has become as easy as ordering pizza.

The Healing Aspect of Swedish Massage in Houston

Swedish massage in Houston facilitates self healing of the body and promotes physical health and well being by improving circulation, increasing the oxygen flow in the blood and flushing out toxins and metabolic wastes from muscles. It relieves physical and emotional stress and is used for and in conjunction with other medical treatments for a variety of diseases and ailments including tension headaches, back pain, sports injuries, high blood pressure, asthma, cancer, spastic diplegia, cerebral palsy and nerve damage. Massage has also impacted mental health in a positive way; it reduces stress, depression and anxiety. Massage therapy has been used to enhance the quality of life for cancer and HIV patients and improve the self-esteem for children with learning disabilities.

Day Spa in Houston - The Feel Good Aspect of Swedish Massage

Besides the medical applications of massage, the "feel good" factor commonly associated with massages has spawned a lucrative, multi-billion dollar industry worldwide, comprising of modern, luxurious day spas and health and fitness centers to solo practitioners who peddle their services from condo to condo at retirement communities in Florida. Massages are requested for a variety of reasons ranging from sheer pleasure and sensuality to enhancing muscle performance to preventative health care, or a combination of the aforementioned reasons.

Swedish Massage Techniques

A typical Swedish massage in Houston employs five basic techniques: Effleurage, Petrissage, friction, vibration and percussion. Massage oil is commonly used to facilitate movement along the skin and the person is covered in sheets except for part of the body being massaged.

Effleurage involves rubbing the body with long, continuous, gliding strokes. This is done on parts of the body where muscles are fluidly aligned enabling the therapist to apply uninterrupted movement and pressure. Effleurage is commonly applied from the neck to the base of the spine and from the shoulder to the fingertips. When done on limbs, strokes are applied in the direction toward the heart to facilitate blood flow.

Petrissage consists of kneading movements with the palms, thumbs and fingers that momentarily separate the muscles from the bones before rolling and squeezing them with gentle pressure. The purpose of this exercise is to increase circulation while cleansing muscle and nerve tissue of toxins.

Friction consists of deep, penetrating circular movements made with the thumb pads or fingertips. This improves the flexibility of the joints and muscles by breaking down adhesions, commonly known as knots.

Vibration is performed by applying pressure to the back or limbs and then shaking vigorously for several seconds. This procedure enhances circulation and boosts the power of the muscles to contract. It is particularly effective for alleviating lower back pain. Percussion involves striking or tapping the muscles repeatedly for an invigorating effect. It may be done with the edge of the hand, fingertips or closed fist. The intent is to relieve tension and cramping from muscles in spasm.

Licensing and Regulation

Massage therapy is regulated by 37 states and the District of Colombia in the United States. To get a Swedish massage at a day spa in Houston, for example, the therapist must be licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services Massage Therapy Licensing Program that requires 300 hours of coursework and passing a written and practical exam.