What is Swedish massage?
Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It uses a firm but gentle pressue to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation. Swedish massage employs five different movements: * long, gliding strokes * kneading of individual muscles * friction * hacking or tapping * vibration The therapist generally uses massage oil to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body. Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet, a technique called “draping”. One part of the body uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body.
Swedish massage is the therapeutic massage standard for much of the Western world. Developed in the 1800s by Pehr Henrik Ling, it incorporates a variety of specific massage techniques to treat sore muscles, tension, stress, and poor circulation. Most Western massage modalities have their origins in Swedish massage, and the majority of massage therapists in the West are trained in Swedish massage before they learn any other massage techniques. Swedish massage is so ubiquitous that in Europe that it is known as Classic Massage. Ling initially called his massage technique Medical Gymnastics, and intended it to supplement traditional medical care. Another physician, Johann Mezger, gave the techniques used in Swedish massage French names and popularized the massage style. Today, it is offered at spas and massage studios all over the world, and many other massage styles are rooted in Swedish massage. Swedish massage uses five basic movements to increase circulation and remove toxins from the
