| Swedish Massage is said to be massage of the | | | | with the target muscles. Vibration is using |
| most basic methods. The purpose of Swedish | | | | oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the |
| Massage is to allow the body to absorb more | | | | body. Vibration is performed by moving the heel |
| oxygen and speed the cells' elimination of waste | | | | of the hand, and sometimes the fingertips, |
| products, thus promoting detoxification. Swedish | | | | forward and backward across the skin to loosen |
| massage works primarily with the muscles and | | | | the muscles of the focused area. Percussion, or |
| connective tissues of the body to improve | | | | tapottement, involves brisk hacking or tapping. |
| circulation and decrease tension in the body. This | | | | The aim of this technique is to energize the area |
| type of massage decreases recovery time from | | | | being treated while at the same time loosening |
| muscle strain by facilitating the removal of lactic | | | | and relaxing it. Often, percussion is performed by |
| acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes from | | | | chopping the area with the sides of the hands, or |
| the tissues. The tendons and ligaments are also | | | | rhythmically hitting the area with cupped or fisted |
| kept flexible and soft due to the stretching | | | | hands. Traction involves pulling the arms and legs |
| involved. Swedish massage will also stimulate the | | | | of the client, and sometimes the head as well. |
| skin and nerves simultaneously soothing the | | | | The passive and active movements used in |
| nerves. | | | | Swedish massage are bending and stretching. |
| There are 6 main techniques used in Swedish | | | | These stretches are always done at the end of |
| massage. These six techniques are effleurage, | | | | the massage, as they would be painful if they |
| petrissage, friction, vibration, percussion or | | | | muscles weren't already relaxes. Swedish |
| tapottement, and traction (passive and active | | | | massage is usually performed on bare skin with |
| movements). Effleurage is the use of gliding | | | | oils or lotions and the client is either partially or |
| strokes with the palms, thumbs, or fingers. | | | | entirely disrobed. |
| Effleurage can give the sensation that the | | | | Swedish massage is primarily based on Western |
| muscles are being broken down, however the | | | | views of wellness and healing whereas other |
| purpose of effleurage is to connect one part of | | | | types of massage can be centered in Eastern |
| the body to the others. Petrissage involves | | | | views with the use of acupressure and the |
| kneading movements with the hands, thumbs, or | | | | Chinese meridian system. Swedish massage is a |
| fingers. Petrissage does not focus on any specific | | | | great tool for stress removal from both physical |
| part of the body, however, the kneading allows | | | | and emotional triggers. It is regularly |
| for a deeper and more penetrating effect on the | | | | recommended as part of a stress management |
| muscles. Friction is circular pressure with the palms | | | | program. For those who are getting their first |
| of the hands, thumbs, or fingers. The heat | | | | massage, the Swedish modality is a good place to |
| produced during the friction technique relaxes the | | | | start as it is not too aggressive and always |
| muscles and is primarily used to heat up the area | | | | relaxing. |