17
Jun
Swedish Massage
What is Swedish Massage?
Swedish massage combines European folk massage with oriental techniques from Middle East and utilizes modern anatomy and physiology knowledge. This was first developed by a Swedish gymnast in the late 19th century. In Western countries, Swedish massage is the first systematic application of therapeutic massage. Swedish massage techniques involve applying pressure on muscles and relaxing them.
Goals of Swedish Massage
- Swedish massage mainly aims to hasten return flow of deoxygenated blood from the veins and hence, toxic blood from extremities.
- It reduces recovery time from muscle strain as it flushes the tissues of uric acid, lactic acid and other metabolic waste products.
- Keeps ligaments and tendons young and supple by stretching them
- It improves blood circulation without increasing heart load.
- Stimulates and soothes the nerves and the skin simultaneously
- Reduces physical and emotional stress and highly recommended in stress management programs
- Has many specific therapeutic uses in medical remedial therapy
Basic Swedish Massage Techniques
Originally, there are five Swedish massage techniques who give soothing therapeutic healing effects
- Effleurage: uses long, gliding strokes which move towards the heart to enable blood and lymph flow. These strokes involve using the thumb pads or the whole hand. The strokes begin from the neck and move down to the base of the spine. Alternatively, the strokes begin from the shoulder and move down to the fingertips.
What does Effleurage do? Makes the masseur familiar with the person’s body - Petrissage: uses kneading and compression movements which roll, squeeze or press the muscles to enable deep circulation. Here, the massage therapist gently lifts muscles up and away from the bones, rolls, squeezes them with a little pressure.
What does Petrissage do? Strives to improve blood circulation, clear out body toxins from nerves and muscle tissues. - Friction: The therapist uses thumb pads or finger tips to make deep transverse or circular motions near the joints and other bone areas e.g. sides of the spines.
What does Friction do? Soothes out the knots which arise when muscle fibers clump together during healing. This makes muscles and joints more flexible. - Tapotement: uses hands to alternately tap or strike the muscles with brisk rhythmic movements. This stroke has many variations using tips of the fingers or closed fist or edge of the hand.
What does Tapotement do? Invigorates and releases cramps and tension from muscles which are in spasm. - Vibration or Shaking: involves rapidly shaking the back or limbs with hands for a few seconds.
What does Vibration do? Boosts blood circulation, improves muscle contraction and particularly benefits people with low back pain.
Benefits of Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is soothing, invigorating and a great stress reliever. It improves blood circulation, nerve functions, stretches and relaxes muscular and glandular functions. It promotes good health and wellness.
