Swedish Massage
By far, the most common type of massage is Swedish massage. Pehr Henrik Ling, a Swedish medical-gymnastic practitioner is credited with its development in the early 1800′s. Ling’s work was based on the principles of tui na, a Chinese form of therapy that involves manipulating areas of the body to bring it into balance and increase the flow of energy.
While other methods of massage are preferred by those seeking relief for severe muscle tension or injuries, Swedish massage is most often chosen by those looking primarily for relaxation and the lessening of moderate stress and muscle strain. It is also recommended for someone new to massage or anyone apprehensive about the level of discomfort that can be experienced with a technique like deep tissue massage where the massage therapist uses considerable force and pressure to reach the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
Swedish massage consists of five basic strokes. They are effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, friction and vibration or shaking. In English, those first three translate to a sliding or gliding type of stroke, kneading the muscles and fascia (connective tissue) and tapping in a rhythic manner on certain muscle groups. In most instances, the massage therapist will use the fingers and heels of their hands for the strokes and to apply selective levels of pressure, although sometimes the forearm or elbow may also be employed.
To facilitate the smooth, easy glide of this type of massage, some sort of oil will be used. Common massage oils are sunflower, peanut, sweet almond, grapeseed and coconut. Many practitioners add the benefits of aromatherapy to the overall experience by using essential oils such as lavendar, chamomile, sandalwood, peppermint, eucalyptus or any of the many others. These oils are often combined in ways that are designed for a particular purpose. Some promote relaxation or stress relief while a different combination works to increase energy.
Through a combination of the different types of strokes and movements, positioning and moving the client’s joints, manipulating the superficial layers of muscle and tissue, the massage therapist works to remove stress and tension, alleviate pain and induce overall relaxation. Regular massage can improve flexibility and ease of movement. This in turn reduces the risk of injury. Massage is also purported to have emotional benefits due to the human need for touch and the nurturing aspects of doing something for yourself that feels good and is good for you.
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