Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the classic or traditional form of massage in the United States developed in Europe in the early 19th century by Pehr Henrik Ling, a Swedish gymnastics instructor. Ling's system was based on his classification of the massage forms used by ancient Greeks and Romans.
Swedish massage is characterized by 5 fundamental strokes: effleurage -
gliding, petrissage - kneading, friction - rubbing, tapotement -
pounding and vibration - shaking, where each stroke contributes particular
benefits. The use of French terminology for these strokes was popularized by
Johann Mezger, a Dutch physician who advocated the use of Swedish massage as
a medical treatment. Massage therapists have developed their own versions of
Swedish massage based on these basic strokes.
The principal aim of Swedish massage is to increase the circulation of blood
and oxygen without giving the heart an additional work load. Strokes are made
following the movement of blood as it flows towards the heart resulting in
smoother circulation which purges the body tissues from accumulated toxins
such as lactic or uric acid, natural by-products of metabolism.
The secondary purpose is to induce the relaxation of superficial muscles by
rubbing them against deeper muscles and bones. Stretching the tendons and
ligaments make them supple and pliant. In the process, the skin and nerves are
equally stimulated.
Swedish massage promotes complete relaxation and reinvigoration from the general stresses of daily life through its positive effects on the nervous, circulatory, endocrine and the musculoskeletal systems. A typical full-body massage takes an hour or more to complete and is accompanied with the use of oils and lotions.