The term "Swedish Massage" refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart.

There is debate concerning the origins of the term, some suggesting that Swedish massage was developed in the 1700's by a Swedish gymnast named Per Henrik Ling. Another school of thought is that Swedish massage did not originate in Sweden, nor was it created by a Swede, but evolved over time and it should correctly be referred to as ‘classic’ massage.

Purpose of Swedish Massage

The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.

Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific medical uses.

Swedish Massage Techniques

Many of the terms used to denote the basic strokes used in Swedish massage are in fact French, and these are thought to have been adopted by a Dutch practitioner John Georg Mezger who is generally credited as setting the system we know today as Swedish massage! Swedish massage techniques include: long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration, effleurage, and shaking motions. The usual sequence of techniques are :-

1. Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
2. Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/ or fingers
3. Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
4. Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
5. Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping
6. Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching

As no two people are alike, the body massage sequence will be adapted to the client's needs. Massage may be offered in the salon for one hour or half hour treatments, treatments may also be described as back massage, stress massage, all being adaptations of a Swedish body massage.

For those clients who are apprehensive about a massage treatment and of course the stigma attached to this may need some reassurance.

I am a fully qualified Holistic Therapist and will offer this treatment respecting the client's modesty at all times. The client is covered in soft towels, which are turned back to reveal only the area to be massaged at that time. Areas massaged in a full body massage are normally, legs, feet, arms, hands, neck, front of shoulders, abdomen (optional) back of legs or thigh, buttocks (optional) and back. Facial massage also available within the treatment if the client so wishes.

Benefits of Swedish Massage

The overall benefits of massage have long been understated. As a treatment it helps reduce stress, both emotional and physical, and is often suggested in a program for stress management They include relaxation and invigorates the entire body as well as the relief of tension, in addition to improvement in muscle tone and circulation. Also, massage can help prevent or delay muscle atrophy from forced inactivity in the elderly or invalid.

Swedish massage can aid in lymphatic circulation, speeding up the elimination of toxins, and help the movement of waste in the intestines, reducing constipation and promoting regularity. There are also more immediate benefits, such as stretching muscles and connective tissue, increasing the range of motion of joints, reducing pain and inflammation, and preventing the formation of adhesions.

Emotionally, the physical touch involved in these sessions can help lower the sense of isolation a person might feel, increase their comfort level with their bodies, and over all give a person a sense of calmness and serenity, which is all too rare in our fast-paced society. Swedish massage is a wonderful tool to promote wellness and happiness, for any kind of person.