Swedish Massage

While there are many different forms of massage, Swedish massage may be the most popular. Certainly it is one of the most common forms of massage offered in the Europe and North America. Because Swedish massage is typically included as part of professional massage therapy training, it is readily available at places like health clubs, clinics, and spas.

As part of their massage therapy training, practitioners learn a number of different massage techniques and strokes. Many of these are incorporated into a standard Swedish massage. During a Swedish massage session, a massage therapist tries to induce relaxation and improve circulation within body tissues.

A Swedish massage may last an hour or more. It usually begins with a focus on relaxation. To do so, the massage therapist will use effleurage strokes. These are smooth gliding strokes performed with palms, fingertips, or thumbs. As relaxation occurs and problem areas are identified, the massage therapist will begin to use petrissage strokes. Here the massage therapist performs a deeper kind of kneading with fingers and thumb. Massage oils may used to further enhance the massage experience.

Swedish massage is said to have many benefits. Among other things, it produces a general state of relaxation. The relaxation produced by Swedish massage helps to reduce stress and its adverse effects on the body. Proponents also believe that it aids in tissue detoxification. The improved circulation associated with Swedish massage is thought to release toxins from the muscles that can be eliminated through excretion.