Swedish Massage – (which is a proper name, not a reference to Sweden), also known as Western Massage, is a scientific system of manipulations on the muscles and connective tissue or soft tissue of the body for the purpose of relaxation, rehabilitation or health maintenance. Swedish massage therapy is probably the most popular and familiar massage system being practiced today and has served as a foundation for many of the massage techniques which have developed over recent years. Swedish massage is comprised of four or five basic strokes and their variations: Effleurage, Petrissage, Tapotement (or percussion), Friction and vibration (which is sometimes considered a type of friction). The techniques are utilized to apply pressure to muscles against deeper muscles and bones and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The lymph system and veins (which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscle action rather that the heart pump pressure, to operate. Many believe that it is safe to apply only light pressure in the opposite direction. Oil or cream is utilized to reduce friction between the clients skin and the therapist’s hands. Swedish massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabolic waste products. It can also help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness and a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it.
