Swedish Massage - Technique
Many forms of massage therapy originated from Swedish massage.
Swedish massage is comprised of specific massage techniques designed to relax muscles and increase circulation.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is often mistakenly and historically associated with Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839), a Swedish fencing master and gymnastics instructor who developed a therapeutic system that included both massage and exercise. He developed Swedish Gymnastic Movement System, not Swedish Massage. In the mid 1800's, a Dutch-born doctor, Johann Metzger, developed a medically-based model of massage and adopted the French names of the massage strokes that are now typically associated with Swedish massage.
Swedish Massage Strokes
Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes. It was designed to increase circulation and blood flow and to limber up joints and to relax tense muscles.
The five basic massage strokes associated with traditional Swedish massage are:
- effleurage (gliding strokes)
- petrissage (kneading and compression strokes)
- friction (deep circular rubbing)
- tapotement (percussion tapping, pounding)
- vibration (very fine, rapid shaking)
Swedish Massage Technique
A massage therapist (originally called masseuse or masseure) generally uses massage oil or massage lotion to perform long, smooth strokes over the body. Swedish massage is done with the client covered by a sheet, a technique called draping. The massage therapist systematically massages one part of the body and then covers you up before moving on to another part of the body.
Swedish massage is the most widely known type of massage and really forms the basis of many other types of massage, including deep tissue, sports and aromatherapy massage.
Related Thoughts:
2. Relaxation Self Massage Techniques
3. Is Massage Therapy Holistic?
© Copyright, Sylvia Carlson, 2006. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
