Swedish Massage

In his book, The American Holistic Health Associations Complete Guide to Alternative Medicine, William Collinge, M.P.H., PhD. classifies Swedish massage as a Traditional European massage type. Traditional European massage includes methods based on conventional Western concepts of anatomy and physiology and soft tissue manipulation.

Traditional European massage was brought to the United States by two doctors from New York who were brothers— Charles and George Taylor—who studied in Sweden and introduced Americans to Swedish techniques in the 1850s. After the Civil War, the first Swedish clinics opened in Boston and Washington, the latter frequented by U. S. Grant.
Swedish massage is the most predominant example of traditional European massage and it is the most commonly used method in the United States. It was developed by Per Henrik Ling in Sweden in the 1830s and uses a system of long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles. It usually goes in the direction of blood flow toward the heart because there is an emphasis on stimulating the circulation of the blood through the soft tissues of the body. Swedish can be a relatively vigorous form of massage, sometimes with a great deal of joint movement included.

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Traditional European massage was brought to the United States by two doctors from New York who were brothers— Charles and George Taylor—who studied in Sweden and introduced Americans to Swedish techniques in the 1850s. After the Civil War, the first Swedish clinics opened in Boston and Washington, the latter frequented by U. S. Grant.

Swedish massage is the most predominant example of traditional European massage and it is the most commonly used method in the United States. It was developed by Per Henrik Ling in Sweden in the 1830s and uses a system of long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles. It usually goes in the direction of blood flow toward the heart because there is an emphasis on stimulating the circulation of the blood through the soft tissues of the body. Swedish can be a relatively vigorous form of massage, sometimes with a great deal of joint movement included.

Swedish massage can :

- relax muscles,
- improve circulation without increasing heart load,
- increase range of motion,
- help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it,
- relieve pain and discomfort associated with muscle tension, fractures, sprains, sciatica, and stiff joints,
- shorten recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes,
- stretch the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple,
- stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves,
- help reduce emotional and physical stress. It is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management, and
- be used in clinical settings as medical or remedial therapy.

Oil is usually used, first warmed in the therapist’s hands, which facilitates the stroking and kneading of the body, thereby stimulating metabolism and circulation. Its active and passive movements of the joints promote general relaxation, improve circulation and range of motion, and relieve muscle tension. Swedish massage is often given as a complete, full body technique where all the major muscle groups are covered, though sometimes only a part of the body is worked on.

According to Steve Capellini in his book, The Royal Treatment : How You Can Take Home the Pleasures of the Great Luxury Spas, there are a number of soft tissue manipulation techniques used in Swedish Massage:

- Effleurage - These are long flowing or gliding strokes, usually toward the heart, tracing the outer contours of the body - meant to soothe. Palms are used separately or together to glide gently over the skin. This spreads the massage oil, warms up the muscles, and lets the recipient become accustomed to the therapist’s touch.

- Petrissage - These are strokes that lift, roll, or knead the tissue much like kneading dough. This brings circulation into the area, helps unwind taut muscles and fascia, and is deeply relaxing.

- Pinpoint pressure - This focuses on points that are painful to the touch, bunched up, knotted, or especially hard. The thumb or forefinger is used to apply pressure directly to the area - just enough to release the muscle, but not hard enough to hurt. This gives muscle spasms and tense spots relief by gradually helping them to release chronic holding patterns.

- Deep Friction - These are small circular strokes ranging in size from a quarter to a teacup which press just below the surface of the skin onto the muscles below. Sometimes short (a few inches long) straight lines are used at this level of pressure. This soothes deeper areas in muscles made tight by exercise and everyday stress.

- Skin Rolling - This is often easier without oil. A fold of skin is pinched between the fingers and the fingers are walked forward, maintaining the roll while moving. This lifts skin away from underlying tissues, aiding in superficial circulation and improving skin tone.

- Tapotement (percussion or tapping) - The hands of the therapists are cupped or in a “karate chop” position while the wrists are loose. The therapist gently and rhythmically taps on the recipient’s body. This wakes up the body, brings a tingling feeling, and a feeling of increased vitality.

- Fingertip brushing - This is usually done at the close of a full-body massage session. The therapist uses just the tips of the fingers to gently graze the surface of the skin with very light pressure. This calms and soothes the nervous system and relaxes extrastimulated muscles after deeper massage.

The recipient of a Swedish massage may be completely undressed or remain in underwear. The therapist leaves most of the body draped by a sheet or light cover, exposing only the area to be massaged. Sessions last from 30 - 60 minutes and usually cost between $30 - $100.

Swedish massage is not recommended for anyone who is experiencing fever, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, jaundice, varicose veins, bleeding, acute phlebitis, or thrombosis. In the case of high blood pressure or heart problems, avoid massage to the abdomen. Anyone with fractures or bruises should not receive massage on areas of injury. Pregnant women should check with their doctors first.