THE WELLNESS TRAIL : SWEDISH MASSAGE with LA RESIDENCE SPA, Franschhoek, Western Cape.

Friday 21 November 2014

SWEDISH MASSAGE with LA RESIDENCE SPA, Franschhoek, Western Cape.

FRIDAYS ARE SUCH DECADENT DAYS, that's what they should be right?! Its the day of the week we look forward to most, even though most of the time we work, but they are also the day when we find the most exquisite of delights that bring us Relaxation, and allow us to focus purely on releasing stress.

So this month our focus in TRAVEL & RELAXATION is MASSAGE, but more specifically different types and why each is good. There really are quite a few, all have massive benefits, but some are needs based and some are pure indulgence, but all are good for you with the right therapist.

Meet....

& SWEDISH MASSAGE.

Ooooh where to start, ok, lets start at the point and then digress. Swedish Massage is very popular form of massage, probabaly one of the most common, but for very good reasons. It invloves soft, long, kneading types strokes, as well as light, rythmic, tapping strokes on the topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscular tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and and energizing at the same time.

They even have names for the 'STROKES', the most common being;

- Effleurage, which is a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue.

- Petrissage, which is the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows Effleurage.

- Friction, which is the deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue ti rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue.

- And lastly, Tapotement, which is a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers or on the edge of the hand.

Swedish Massage therapty is the modality that comes to mind when most people think of massage, as the primary goal is relaxation. It also increases the oxygen level in the blood, decreases muscle toxins, improves circulation and flexibility, all while easing tension. In fact studies show that in can significant ly also decrease in levels of the stress hormone Cortisol, as well as Arginine Vasopressin, which is a hormone that can lead to increases of Cortisol. What this means essentially is that you are reducing the possibility of the onset or severity of Non-Communicable Diseases. It also increases the number of Lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system. This is beneficial for fighting the NCD's and the common Cold & Flu.

It is an amazing therapy, it does everything you want to be done, and nothing you dont. Its a 'CANT-GO-WRONG' type of massage, but you need a good therapist, and we know you will find one at possibly one of the most beautiful hotels in the world, right here in Fanschhoek, La Residence. MAN ALIVE!!! Just being in this space would be enough to relax you, rejuvenate you and energize you, you may forget the massage, what with the decor, achitecxture, and INCREDIBLE VIEWS, its simply a honour just being on the property.

Find them @ www.laresidence.co.za, you wont regret it!