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Swedish Massage
Swedish is the most common style practiced among massage therapists.
The modern form was developed in Sweden around the beginning of the 19th century, though the origin is disputed.
Many attribute the usual techniques to Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish gymnastics instructor who developed the style for
athletes. Others give credit to a Dutch-born physician by the name of Johann Metzger.
But whoever should get the credit for this innovation, the techniques that are now practiced are largely agreed on.
By contrast to most Asian styles, Swedish massage uses long, firm strokes and gentle tapping. Asian styles
emphasize more focused pressure on specific areas.
The result is improved circulation, as muscles are encouraged to release trapped blood. Joints are made limber and
tense muscles relax under the gentle but firm pressure. This is achieved by a combination of five different
traditional movements employed by the massage therapist.
Effleurage is a gliding stroke, a movement in which the masseuse or masseur uses long arm movements with the flat
of the hand to apply gentle pressure over large areas. In this way, long muscles receive a full range of attention
and blood flow is evened out.
Petrissage is a complementary technique which kneads selected areas, but still with a larger surface than in
Shiatsu. Compression strokes are used in conjunction. Pressure is the ratio of force to area. As the area is
increased, for a given force, the pressure is lowered. This makes Swedish petrissage less intense than
Shiatsu.
Friction, applied at the correct level, warms the surface of the body, which stimulates good circulation. It also
invariably accompanies the gentle pressure that causes muscles to relax.
Tapotement is the percussive tapping or light pounding traditionally associated with a massage. The technique has
been seen in a hundred films and TV shows and it helps loosen muscles and provides a gentle stimulation.
Vibration is often used in concert with the other techniques. A rapid, small-movement, shaking can help limber
joints and relieve stress. This differs from the small rocking movements used in other styles in which limbs are
grasped and moved as a whole.
Often, a traditional Swedish massage will be carried out using oil or lotion. Some clients find the decreased
friction that results pleasurable and the aromas can add to the experience. Some specialty oils that heat on
contact are sometimes used, though they aren't part of the traditional technique.
Many forms of massage, such as sports massage, deep tissue massage and others use Swedish techniques as a starting
foundation. It's usually carried out while the client wears minimal or no clothing, covered with a drape that's
uncovered a section at a time.
Systematically proceeding through different sections of the body, the massage therapist provides an overall body
massage that leaves the recipient feeling relaxed. The overall mood elevation that results is a commonly reported
benefit.
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