Swedish Massage Strokes

Swedish massage is a relatively newer concept gaining a lot of significance these days. This is something that involves the use of the same techniques that are used in other massages but the way in which these strokes are conducted is a bit different from the others. It is the combination of kneading, circular movements, and flowing strokes of the hands which naturally increases the blood circulation. A certified Swedish massage practitioner can also work on the deeper muscles of the body so that you end up feeling much refreshed and energetic.

The 5 basic Swedish massage strokes:

1. Petrissage: which is a name given to kneading motions.

2. Effleurage: which means deeper penetration.

3. Friction: which means circular motions.

4. Tapotement: is rhythmic percussion, in which the Swedish massage practitioner uses the edge of his palm or the heel of the hand.

5. Vibration: this means rapidly shaking.

You must have seen that while the massage therapy is going on the practitioner will usually apply cream, oil or a lotion to the skin; this is done to reduce the friction and help towards smoother strokes. This massage technique is gaining popularity because of the way it makes a person feel after the massage is finished.

How to conduct a Swedish massage:

The first and foremost thing is a relaxed environment which must be created in order to conduct the massage properly. The temperature should neither be too hot or too cold. Lights should preferably be dimmed or better still candle light should be used so that a proper environment is created. Aromatherapy candles are a safe and maybe the best bet in this regard. Now your client should be lying down in a very comfortable position on your massage table and you should definitely make sure that their muscles are effectively supported. All the required tools for example hand towels and the essential oils should be ready.

Now when you start doing the massage the muscles that should be given concentration to first must be the larger muscles for example the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. Most therapists start with the shoulders, and then move from their towards the neck, and then the arms and onto the hands. After that you can pay attention to the upper and lower back, working your way down to the thighs and calves, and ending at the feet. The main strokes used in a Swedish massage are Effleurage which is applied using considerably softer and more fluid strokes with the palm of the hand, the fan stroke is done by sliding the hands up the shoulder blades and then over the shoulders, down to the lower back, so that you are basically following a coarse to the heart, and lastly the circling hands, which is applied by making counterclockwise circular motions with fingers, which should definitely be pointing in the same direction.

Nowadays we are living a very hectic life which leaves us extremely tired and stressed out which ends up in our having many pains and aches in such a way that we are always up for one appointment or the other. So instead of making an appointment with the doctors the more prudent thing would definitely be to make an appointment with your local Swedish massage practitioner; which will definitely leave you more relaxed and vitalized.