Swedish Massage Tips - How to Give a Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is a commonly used massage therapy technique that is common in the United States. This method of bodywork aims to improve the circulation of blood to the heart, among other beneficial health benefits. A practitioner may use the wrists, forearms, and elbows as part of a Swedish massage in Ajman session to stimulate a client's muscles using deep, gliding strokes. Certain methods that can also be used include kneading, rubbing, circular pressure application and stretching.

What Is Swedish Massage?

The term ' Swedish massage' is usually a term applied to a number of methods intended to relax muscles by putting pressure on them, rubbing back to the heart in the same way as blood flows back.

There is controversy about the roots of the term, some claim that a Swedish gymnast named Per Henrik Ling invented Swedish massage in the 1700s. Another school of thought is that Swedish massage did not originate in Sweden, nor was it developed by a Swede, but evolved over time and can properly be called' classical' massage.

The benefits offered

Swedish massage can help relieve many health problems, as well as providing a truly relaxing experience. The procedure can help:

• Circulatory and respiratory problems

• Back pain

• Tendonitis

• Migraines and other headaches

• Muscle spasms

• Joint pain

The 5 primary techniques of Swedish massage

1. Effleurage

These are the Swedish sliding or gliding massage techniques which cover various areas of the body. These are long sweeping strokes that vary between firm and light pressure, and can be performed with the hand palm or fingertips. With this relaxation technique the knots and stress in the muscles begin to be dissolved.

2. Petrissage

Uses movements on the muscles to rotate, push and squeeze to improve circulation. Petrissage by kneading and squeezing purifies contaminants from nerve and muscle tissue.

3. Tapotement or Rhythmic Tapping

This Swedish massage technique, as the name implies, consists of rhythmic tapping which uses the cupped hands ' fists. It helps the muscles being controlled to loosen and relax, and also helps to energize them. For this relaxation method the sides of the hands are used.

4. Friction

Consists of circular or transverse movements in the vicinity of joints, across the spine and in other bony regions. Increases strength of muscle and joint, and breaks down knots of muscle fiber.

5. Vibration or shaking

This is one of the Swedish massage techniques that helps relax the muscles by using a fingertips back and forth motion or hand heel over the skin. The body's muscles are shook literally to lighten and calm the muscles. The hand sides, and any part of the palm, such as tips or feet, can be used by the masseuse to shake the person's muscles.

Training required

The Full Massage Ajman Therapy program at Acupuncture and Massage College requires courses in Swedish massage therapy as well as a certification in Shiatsu massage. The curriculum includes subjects such as: massage philosophy, traditional methods, clinical ethics and massage therapy signs and contraindications.