About The Swedish Massage

Swedish massage was developed in the 1700's by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812. The term ‘Swedish Massage' refers to a variety of techniques designed to relax muscles. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. The therapist generally uses massage oil to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body.

Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet, a technique called ‘draping'. One part of the body uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body. Swedish massage basically shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load.

Swedish massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, while promoting health and well being. Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm, and feet. There are over eighty different recognized massage modalities. Massage chairs are easier for the practitioner to transport than massage tables, and clients do not need to disrobe to receive a chair massage. Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage.

A ‘Swedish' massage is not related to the country of Sweden, where massages are quite uncommon. The National Board grants the designation Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB). There are two tests available and one can become certified through a portfolio process with eqssuivalent training and experience. Massage is meant to alleviate pain and enhance the body's health.

Effleurage is the technique in which the masseuse makes use of long and sweeping strokes that cover more than just one area of the body. The purpose of effleurage is actually to connect one part of the body to the others. Heat makes the muscles relax and friction is used to make the area to be treated warm up. A masseuse would make use of the friction technique by rubbing the palms of her hands vigorously on the surface of the client's skin.

Petrissage involves gently lifting muscles up and away from the bones, then rolling and squeezing them, again with a gentle pressure. Tapottement consists of a series of briskly applied percussive movements, using the hands alternately to strike or tap the muscles for an invigorating effect. Traction involves pulling at the arms and legs of the client, and sometimes also the head. The act of pulling stretches the muscles of the client.

The vibration technique is used by the masseuse to shake up the area of the client's body that she is treating. This is done by moving the heel of the hand, or sometimes the side of the hand, or even the fingertips, forward and backward across the skin to loosen the muscles of that particular area. Swedish massage techniques are used throughout the world. Whether you are using these techniques at home, or experiencing them at a spa, Swedish massage is an excellent therapeutic stress reliever.