The goal of all Swedish massage is relaxation. When we relax, we release stress (which is the major source of most physical pain) from our minds and bodies. Discovering the benefits and learning how to give a simple and basic massage could lead you to uncover a new life of total relaxation and better overall well-being.
This is the type of massage most of us think about when we hear the word “massage.” It is the massage procedure used by nearly all professional massage therapists. It’s simple, yet effective strokes can easily be learnt and applied by the common everyday person to massage family and friends in order to reduce stress or provide more relaxation.
Benefits of Swedish Massage
- relieves soreness, fatigue, tension and discomfort in the muscles
- improves muscle strength and flexibility
- reduces cellulite
- promotes relaxation
- reduces anxiety, stress and depression
- balances the hormones
- improves circulation
- helps to remove waste and toxins from the body
- aides in digestion
- decreases menopausal and PMS symptoms
- improves lung function
- decreases asthma attacks
- enhances intimacy and connection
How To Give A Relaxing Swedish Massage
Basic Swedish Strokes
Effleurage: With the palm of your hands and your fingers held together, slowly glide away from your torso with your wrists unflexed. These strokes may be performed with one or both hands. The forearms may also be used for some areas of the body. Slow, long strokes should be used in a flowing manner along the body. Short alternating “pushing” strokes where one hand chases the other may also be used.
Friction: small circular strokes or back and forth movements applied with the fingers and thumbs.
Muscle Stripping: short strokes applied in the direction of the muscle fibres.
Petrissage: Knead, lift, and squeeze the muscle tissues with the palms of your hands.
Spreading: an effleurage stroke by which you move your hands apart to stretch the skin and underlying muscles.
Compression: pressing down into the tissues and muscle fibres with your fingers, thumbs, and palms of your hand.
Wringing: “wringing” your hands in different directions along a body part as if you were “wringing out a towel”
Intuition should be used to determine the number of strokes or repetitions to be used while giving this massage. At least two or three repetitions of a particular stroke will be required to allow your client or partner to relax and to learn what to anticipate during the massage.
