Users of massage therapy as a healing tool quickly realize that they have found a form of drugless therapy. Headaches, insomnia, digestive disorders including constipation and spastic colon, arthritis, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, sinusitis, and minor aches and pains are some of the problems that can respond to massage therapy. Massage can have an excellent effect on nervous people who have been dependent on their pharmacy for rest and relaxation. The lymph system and veins both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pump pressure, to operate. Friction is reduced with the use of oil or baby powder.
Some practitioners claim benefits from vegetable rather than mineral oil.
Swedish massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabolic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of the body and the way they use and position it. The strokes and manipulations of Swedish Massage are each conceived as having specific therapeutic benefit. One of the primary goals of Swedish Massage is to speed venous return from the extremeties. Swedish Massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by slushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It improves circulation without increasing heart load.