Swedish massage is probably the most common and widespread massage technique in the West. It is the foundation technique on which many Western styles of massage are based, such as deep tissue muscle massage and aromatherapy massage. Unlike the more spiritual and energy based disciplines associated with Eastern types of massage, Swedish massage is based entirely on Western concepts of anatomy and physiology.
You can talk to the therapist about why you want the massage and they can work in such a way that will attend to your specific needs.
Swedish massage was invented in the early 19th century by a Swedish physiologist called Per-Henrik Ling (1776 – 1839), at the University of Stockholm. Known as the father of Swedish massage, Ling developed a system called “Medical Gymnastics” which included movements performed by a therapist. Today such techniques are called Swedish massage, except in Sweden, where they are simply called massage! The method’s popularity lies in its flexibility; from light and gentle relaxation to more vigorous deep massage techniques. Ling’s ambition was to do everything he could to make the Swedish population strong and healthy in both body and spirit.
The techniques developed were effleurage (long, gliding strokes), petrissage (lifting and kneading the muscles), friction (firm, deep, circular rubbing movements), tapotement (brisk tapping or percussive movements), and vibration (rapidly shaking or vibrating specific muscles). In typically Swedish style, the massage techniques have taken on a purely practical and logical application, without any associated mysticism or spirituality.
Swedish massage goes beyond relaxation, as it’s exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
A study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and published in The New York Times, found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.
During your Swedish massage session, communication is encouraged with your professional massage therapist so that your massage is customised to your specific needs.
You can talk to the therapist about why you want the massage and they can work in such a way that will attend to your specific needs.
Swedish massage was invented in the early 19th century by a Swedish physiologist called Per-Henrik Ling (1776 – 1839), at the University of Stockholm. Known as the father of Swedish massage, Ling developed a system called “Medical Gymnastics” which included movements performed by a therapist. Today such techniques are called Swedish massage, except in Sweden, where they are simply called massage! The method’s popularity lies in its flexibility; from light and gentle relaxation to more vigorous deep massage techniques. Ling’s ambition was to do everything he could to make the Swedish population strong and healthy in both body and spirit.
The techniques developed were effleurage (long, gliding strokes), petrissage (lifting and kneading the muscles), friction (firm, deep, circular rubbing movements), tapotement (brisk tapping or percussive movements), and vibration (rapidly shaking or vibrating specific muscles). In typically Swedish style, the massage techniques have taken on a purely practical and logical application, without any associated mysticism or spirituality.
Swedish massage goes beyond relaxation, as it’s exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
A study conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and published in The New York Times, found that volunteers who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol. Volunteers also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.
During your Swedish massage session, communication is encouraged with your professional massage therapist so that your massage is customised to your specific needs.