Swedish Massage

Swedish massage was pioneered by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling, at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It was introduced to the U.S. in 1858 as "The Swedish Movement Cure." Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports massage, deep tissue massage and aromatherapy massage.,

During Swedish massage, massage therapists use massage oils to facilitate smooth, gliding strokes called effleurage. Other classic Swedish massage moves include kneading, friction, stretching and (sometimes) tapping.

Effleurage:- is the beginning and ending technique of the massage. At the beginning it is done to distribute oil throughout the body part to be massaged, helping the nerve endings to calm down and the client gets used to the touch. At the end, this technique brings a relaxed finish.

Petrissage:- this exercise means kneading, rolling and lifting of skin and muscles to strengthen the lower tissue, strengthen the connective tissue and to stimulate blood and lymph circulation.

Friction:- this means intense circular exercise. With thumb, fingertips or knuckles, direct pressure is given to certain stiff muscles.

Tapotement:- meaning quick knocking exercises which can be done as slaps by cupped hands, beat with the edge of the hand, and knocking with the relaxed fist. This technique builds up the strength of flabby tissue and muscles, especially the soft tissue of buttocks and hips (cellulitis).

Vibration:- these vibrating exercises are done with fingers, knuckles or relaxed fist. Direct pressure given to certain stiff muscles where the fingertips, knuckles or relaxed fist will be in a fixed position and the vibrating movement comes from the hand joints.

Generally during Swedish massage you're nude underneath a towel or sheet. The therapist uncovers only the part of the body he/she is working on, a technique called "draping". You can keep your underwear on during Swedish massage, and many newcomers do.

Feel free to state your preference for pressure during Swedish massage. It can range from light to firm. Swedish massage usually includes some deeper work on areas of specific muscle tension. If you want more intensive work and firmer pressure, get a deep tissue massage.