Swedish/ Relaxation Massage in Brighton
Swedish relaxation massage offers a gentle, nurturing escape that promotes total body and mind calm. Using long, flowing strokes, light to medium pressure, gentle kneading, and rhythmic movements, this classic technique boosts circulation, soothes the nervous system, and helps shift you from a tense sympathetic state into peaceful parasympathetic rest. Ideal for anyone needing to recharge
What Is a Swedish/ Relaxation Massage?
Swedish massage (also called relaxation or classic massage) is one of the most popular and foundational styles worldwide. It uses a combination of long gliding strokes (effleurage), kneading (petrissage), circular friction, tapping (tapotement), and vibration to warm the muscles, improve blood and lymph flow, and encourage full body relaxation.
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At my studio in Brighton, I focus on creating a truly soothing experience with light to medium pressure tailored to you. It is never deep or intense like sports or deep tissue styles. It's perfect for releasing everyday tension, reducing stress hormones, easing mild muscle soreness, and supporting better sleep and mood. Many clients come for regular maintenance to stay balanced amid busy Brighton life.
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You might feel a pleasant warmth spreading through your body as circulation increases, along with a gentle rocking or flowing sensation that helps quiet the mind. Temporary light redness from increased blood flow can occur but fades quickly.
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Some people choose to add hot stones to heighten the relaxation and allow for even deeper unwinding. The comforting heat softens tissues gently, amplifies the calming effects, and makes the overall session feel more luxurious and restorative.
My Personal Journey with Swedish Massage
Swedish massage was the first massage I ever had many years ago, and it will always remain a staple for me. Even now, I regularly treat myself to a Swedish massage at least once a month, especially when I feel like I’ve been carrying a lot of stress.
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My professional journey began with a Level 3 ITEC qualification in classical massage (also known as Swedish massage) at The College of Classical Massage in Brighton. The course was taught by the outstanding Michael Gibbons — I highly recommend the college to anyone starting out in this field!
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I have now been practicing this wonderful style for nearly two years. Over time, I have developed my own approach, blending traditional Swedish techniques with some deeper tissue elements. This combination delivers the perfect balance of soothing relaxation and targeted relief where it is needed most. That said, I always tailor every session to your individual needs and preferences, ensuring the treatment feels just right for you.
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*My favourite is adding hot stones with Swedish massage!
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What to Expect in a Swedish/ Relaxation Massage?
Here's a step-by-step look at what typically happens during a session with me:
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Before the massage
We’ll start with a short consultation where I’ll ask about any areas of tension, your preferences for pressure (light to medium is standard for Swedish), medical history, or specific goals, whether it's full relaxation or a bit more focus on stress-carrying spots like the shoulders and neck. This ensures the treatment is perfectly tailored to you. You’ll have privacy to undress to your comfort level (most people remove clothing except underwear), and you’ll lie under a sheet or towel for complete coverage and warmth at all times. Only the area being worked on is uncovered.
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During the massage
The room will be calm and inviting, with soft lighting, relaxing music (or silence if you prefer), and a comfortable massage table. I use high-quality, unscented or lightly scented oil to allow smooth gliding over the skin.
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I’ll begin with gentle, long flowing strokes (effleurage) to warm the muscles and help you settle in. From there, the session flows through classic Swedish techniques:
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Kneading and lifting of the muscles (petrissage) to release built-up tension.
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Circular movements and friction to improve circulation.
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Light tapping or rhythmic percussion (tapotement) for stimulation and energy.
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Gentle stretching or rocking of joints to enhance mobility.​
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Pressure stays light to medium, soothing rather than intense, focusing on promoting deep relaxation, better blood flow, and a sense of lightness. I’ll move systematically through the body (usually starting on your back, then legs, arms, neck, and shoulders, with a flip midway), always checking in to adjust as needed. You’re welcome to talk, stay quiet, or even doze off. Whatever feels best.
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Sessions are typically 60, 90 or 120 minutes giving plenty of time for full-body relaxation without rushing.
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After the massage
Most people leave feeling deeply relaxed, with looser muscles, reduced stress, and often a wonderful sense of calm that can last for days. You might feel a bit sleepy or wonderfully mellow. It's common!
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To further enjoy and extend these wonderful effects, consider gentle self-care activities like visiting a sauna (for soothing heat and enhanced circulation), taking a warm hot bath (perhaps with Epsom salts for extra muscle soothing), or enjoying a leisurely walk in nature (to keep things gently moving while connecting with the outdoors and promoting mental calm). These simple additions can help prolong that blissful, relaxed feeling.
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If you have any questions or want to customize it further (e.g., extra time on the back or adding elements from my blended approach), just let me know. I’m here to make every session feel right for you.
