The technique of Swedish massage uses five basic strokes: sliding or gliding, kneading, rhythmic tapping, cross fiber and rhythmic shaking. Research shows it is helpful for individuals who have poor circulation. By flushing the tissues of the lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes building up during an injury, circulation to the area is increased without increasing the load on the heart.

Stress
Swedish massage helps stimulate the skin and nervous system and reduces both emotional and physical stress. In fact, some psychologists suggest a regular program of Swedish massage for stress management.

Effleurage
This type of massage uses a sliding or gliding technique. While doing this technique the masseuse uses long, sweeping strokes covering more than one area. Although it makes one feel like your muscles are being broken down the purpose is to connect one part of the body to the others and is always done in a direction toward the heart.

Relaxation
The therapist makes the muscles relax by using friction to warm up the area being treated. Where other massage techniques may use warm stones or heated towels the Swedish massage therapist makes use of a friction technique by rubbing the palms of her hands vigorously on the surface of the skin or by rubbing her palms together and then laying them on the skin.

Petrissage
The act of kneading and squeezing the muscles of the body is known as petrissage. This technique does not target or focus on any particular part but allows for deeper and more penetrating affects.

Tapottement
Sometimes called rhythmic tapping,these strokes aim to energize the area of the body that is being treated. This technique is done by chopping the area with the sides of the hands or hitting it rhythmically with a fisted hand depending upon the desired results and the strength of the masseuse.

Traction
Usually in the last part of her routine,the therapist stretches muscles that are already relaxed and warmed up. This involves pulling at arms and legs and, interestingly, sometimes at the head.

Vibration
This is the last technique a Swedish massage therapists will use. It is used to shake the area that is being treated and is done by moving the heel of the hand and sometimes the fingers forward and backward across the skin to loosen up muscles in a particular area.

Some of these techniques may be tried at home to relax and calm yourself.  Just take care never to massage over areas that are injured, bruised, infected or have an open wound.

Special Treats for After your Massage:

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Prolonged sitting or straining during bowel movements can weaken leg veins and cause hemorrhoids. If you suffer from vein problems due to the effects of constipation, making these small changes in your diet can make a huge difference in preventing and eliminating varicose veins.

Eating Fibre:

Consuming at least 30 grams of fiber a day from whole foods will put you on the right path to feeling and looking great by reducing constipation and increasing energy levels.

Consuming plenty of steamed vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, carrots, turnips and cauliflower as well as whole grains, especially buckwheat and millet, oats, barley, beans, peas, lentils, baked potato with the skin on, brown rice and whole wheat will give you plenty of fibre. Raisins, figs and dates are excellent for good regulation.

Fruit Fasting:

Some people recommend a juice fast for four or five days once every month to cleanse the system. Others recommend going on an all-fruit diet for about a week each month. If you’re not used to fasting or it sounds to difficult for you, try eating melons, citrus fruits or fresh, unpeeled apples between meals. They are great for cleaning out intestines.

If you do a fruit or juice fast, it is best to introduce new foods gradually. Start with raw vegetable salads dressed in olive oil and lemon juice, steamed vegetables and fish – all easily digestible. Then add whole grains, seeds, nuts and other fresh fruits to your diet.

Foods that worsen varicose vein symptoms

Starchy, hard to digest foods such as peeled white potatoes and white bread should be avoided. They are constipating and they slow down digestion and circulation.

It is best to avoid refined foods, salt, fried foods, alcoholic drinks, coffee, strong tea, white flour products, white sugar and ice cream. All of these foods can be constipating if your system is sluggish.

Whenever possible cut down on red meat and restrict fatty animal protein in your diet to prevent worsening vein symptoms and slowing down your digestion.

Making these simple changes to your diet will go a long way in relieving constipation and thus reduce the strain and pressure that contributes to tired, aching legs and swollen leg veins. By changing to a high-fibre diet, leg vein circulation will improve and your leg energy will increase. Before long, you will notice that your legs have regained their former vitality and strength.

Since I began using Invisi-vein with Calendula extract and essential oils, I have noticed the varicose and spider veins in my legs are a lot less noticeable and are flattening out. My legs have more energy and stamina. This product was highlighted in the November, 2006 issue of Canadian Living Magazine by writer Julie Hunter.