Description
Swedish massage is not simply one technique of massage but rather a collection of massage techniques used to improve circulation, increase oxygen levels in the body’s blood stream, release toxins from muscles, and relieve tension.
Swedish massage is typically characterized by the massage therapist’s use of long, flowing strokes, usually in the direction of blood flow to the heart. While this is the primary technique of Swedish massage there are four other standard techniques involved (these techniques will be described below). To ensure smooth massaging strokes, the massage practitioner will apply a lotion, cream or massage oil to the skin of the massage recipient.
Over time, Swedish massage has become the most popular massage type practiced by Western massage providers. Virtually any licensed massage therapist you choose will have a solid understanding of this group of massage techniques.
The benefits of Swedish massage
- Improves blood and lymph circulation.
- Stimulates the flushing of metabolic waste products (lactic acid, urea and uric acid) from the body’s muscle tissue.
- Speeds the healing process of muscle strain, some injuries and illnesses.
- Reduces swelling and breaks down adhesions.
- Improves joint flexibility and increases range of motion.
The five fundamental techniques of Swedish massage
Effleurage
Effleurage is the foundation stroke in Swedish massage. It is a light to medium pressure stroke used to relax and warm up the muscles. The massage therapist uses long stroking motions along the contours of the body. The movement is typically performed in the direction of blood flow to the heart.
Petrissage
Petrissage is a more focused and intense technique used to release deeper muscle tension and aid in the release of the metabolic waste products. It involves the kneading, lifting, squeezing and rolling of the muscles to stimulate the deep blood / lymph vessels and to relieve tension in the muscles.
Friction
The friction stroke is a penetrating circular movement used to work on the deeper muscles not accessible via lighter strokes. Friction strokes are applied primarily to the joints, to aid in the break down of adhesions. Proper technique incorporates alternating pressure with a slow release in circular motions.
Vibration
The vibration technique is used to stimulate the nervous system and relieve tension in smaller muscle groups. These muscle groups include the forearms, hands, fingers, face and muscles along the spine. As it’s name suggests, vibration technique has the massage therapist use their fingertips to gently shake or vibrate the area receiving the treatment.
Tapotement
Tapotement (also known as tapping or percussion) is quite the opposite of the vibration technique described above. Tapotement entails the massage therapist using chopping, slapping, hacking, beating, and cupping motions to stimulate the muscles. The masseuse may have their hands open, closed, cupped or loosely fisted depending on the delivery they are attempting. Depending on the duration and intensity of its delivery; tapotement can either sedate or stimulate the nerves.
History of Swedish massage
In most writings on the history of Swedish massage the Swedish born Peter Henry Ling is dubbed the father of Swedish massage. Ling developed a curriculum named ‘Swedish Gymnastics Movements’ and this is often described as the roots of Swedish massage. However, none of the five techniques described above that comprise the foundation of Swedish massage were part of this curriculum.
In fact, a Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger is the man who is credited by those who researched the development of massage through time. Mezger used the French names to describe the five techniques / strokes used in Swedish massage.
For a more detailed account on the origins and history of what is known as Swedish massage, please see this excellent article by Robert Calvert (CEO of massage magazine).
