Swedish Massage

The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.

The four common strokes of Swedish massage are:

Effleurage: a smooth, gliding stroke used to relax soft tissue
Petrissage: the squeezing, rolling, or kneading that follows effleurage
Friction: deep, circular movements that cause layers of tissue to rub against each other, helping to increase blood flow and break down scar tissue
Tapotement: a short, alternating tap done with cupped hands, fingers, or the edge of the hand
Benefit of Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is the classic style of bodywork. Also called Western massage, it is the most popular and familiar massage method being practiced today, and it has served as a foundation for many of the massage techniques developed in recent years. Swedish massage is a scientific system of manipulations on the muscles and connective soft tissue of the body for the purpose of relaxation, rehabilitation, and health maintenance. It is comprised of five basic strokes and their variations: effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), friction (cross fiber), percussion (rhythmic tapping), and vibration.

Swedish/Western massage directly increases blood circulation, thus enhancing delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells of the tissues. It also increases lymph circulation, which speeds up the removal of metabolic waste and the by-products of tissue damage and inflammation. It has been reported helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, and promoting relaxation.

There are many benefits to a Swedish massage, which is why is it really popular. As it stands, Swedish massage comes with benefits for both your physical body and for your emotional well-being.

In terms of physical benefits, a massage of this type can undo knots in your muscles, decrease pain in your body, and increase blood circulation, lymph and metabolic wastes from your muscle tissues. As for the mental benefits, Swedish massage can relax your mind and de-stress you, thereby allowing you to get into better psychological moods.
If you are feeling run down and at the brink of depression a Swedish massage is the perfect remedy. There is stress all around us everyday and how your body handles this stress is what makes the difference between poor health and longevity. Another important benefit of a Swedish massage is its ability to help you sleep better are night. With sleep your mind will be able to rest and your immune system will be able to work to heal your stressed muscle tissues.

SWEDISH MASSAGE TECHNIQUES

Additional Swedish massage techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Before and during your Swedish massage session, communication is encouraged with your professional massage therapist so that your massage is customized to your specific needs.