Learning about Swedish Massage
Do you know what is Swedish massage? Want to know more about Swedish massage? Here comes the detailed information about Swedish massage. Swedish massage is the most common type of massage therapy that uses long smooth strokes, kneading, friction techniques and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage oils or essential oils. In Swedish massage a pressure is applied to deeper muscles and bones and then they are rubbed in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Swedish massage was invented by a Swedish doctor named Per Henrik Ling in the 1700's. Swedish massage has many therapeutic benefits and is very gentle and relaxing to the entire body. Due to it’s healing properties, it is recommended by many physicians.
The basic purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. It not only increase blood circulation but also loosen stiff joints and reduce muscle tension. There are five basic strokes involved in Swedish massage. These five strokes also called as steps to Swedish massage helps to maintain a proper balance and flow of energy within your body.
Steps or techniques of Swedish massage
Firstly a person who is going to have a massage is draped with a sheet or a towel. Then one part of the body is uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body. Depending upon the person’s need several or all of the following techniques are used:
- Effleurage technique: These involve gliding strokes towards the heart with the palms, thumbs or fingertips. This first step involves application of massage oil with the stroke. This gentle stroke using palms helps to spread the oil, warm up the muscles, calm the nerves, relax the body and improve blood circulation.
- Petrissage technique: This technique involves kneading movements with the help of hands, thumbs or fingers. These strokes lift, roll or squeeze the flesh under or between the hands that look much like kneading dough. This stroke helps to release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and increase lymphatic drainage thereby relaxing you.
- Deep Friction technique: In this technique, circular pressures are applied with the palms of hands, thumbs or fingers. It is a pressure stroke that works on deeper muscles than the above two techniques. In this technique, the massage therapist applies pressure by placing the weight of his or her body on flat of the hand and the pads of the thumbs, and then slowly releases the pressure. Sometimes even short straight lines are used to apply pressure.
- Vibration: This technique uses oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body. The massage therapist gently shakes the flesh with the hand or fingertips and then moving on to another spot repeats this stroke. Vibration technique is specially designed to release muscle tension in small muscle areas on the face or along the spine.
- Tapotement: Tapotement also called as percussion or tapping involves applying gentle and rhythmic taps on the recipient's body. In this technique massage therapists forms the hands into a cup shape keeping the wrists loose and then applies gentle pressure. This technique increases energy, wakes up the body and has a stimulating or toning effect. Though Tapotement techniques are stimulating to most of the people it may be too intense for some.
Benefits of Swedish massage
Swedish Massage is a gentle, soothing full body massage technique. It promotes health and well being by affecting muscles, nerves and circulation. It has variety of benefits that include:
- Muscle relaxation
- Improved circulation without increasing load of heart
- Stimulation of the skin and nervous system
- Relief of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Stretching of the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple
- Reduction of physical and emotional stress
- General feelings of relaxation and well-being