Real Relaxation by Konstantin Koss

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Last post in this series: The Introduction

When you think of a massage the images that come to mind mostly reflect the classical swedish massage.

This type of massage was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812.

It is the most common and well-known type of massage and it’s generally the first massage technique that a student in massage therapy learns.

Here is an overview.

The Purpose

• The main purpose of swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles.
• Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes.
• It increases circulation without increasing heart load.
• It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable.
• Swedish massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves themselves at the same time.
• It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management.

Source: Mamashealth.com

The Benefits

The swedish massage

• relieves muscular tension, stiffness, and pain - helps with fibromyalgia, arthritis, and even chronic tension headaches;
• increases flexibility;
• reduces fatigue, stress, depression, and anxiety;
• improves posture;
• enhances athletic performance;
• improves circulation and reduces swelling and edema;
• alleviates PMS and menopausal symptoms;
• helps with cellulite and weight-related problems;
• improves respiratory function, which is especially important if you smoke or suffer from asthma or frequent coughs;
• increases activity of your immune system, which protects you from bouts of cold and flu.

Source: Allwomenstalk.com

The Technique

Okay, great. But how do you actually do a swedish massage? The technique of a swedish massage involves several different types of strokes over the muscles.

Note that each of these strokes follows the natural pattern of the muscle, meaning that for example the upper legs are vertically massaged from knee to pelvis and not horizontally “around the leg” since the muscles there go from knee to pelvis.

Also each of the strokes should end at a body part that is able to release toxins well. These are expecially inner thighs and axels. You should never massage the blood into the head.

Now for the individual types of swedish massage strokes:

• Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
• Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
• Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
• Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
• Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching
• Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping

Again, thanks to Mamashealth.com

Since you can best learn these techniques from seeing them instead of just reading about them, have a look at this excellent video teaching series

Additional Info:

• Getting The Most Out Of Your Massage On A Spa Vacation

- The Swedish massage is the most common and the most popular massage that most people get on a spa vacation. In this massage, the massage therapist uses long smooth strokes to soothe and relax the muscles. Kneading and circular motions …

• The Basics of Massage Therapy (Massage Therapy 101) with emphasis …

- So the Swedish massage can be an aromatherapy Swedish massage if the oils used are true aromatherapy oils and not synthetic ones. If these oils are plant-based it can also be considered Phytotherapy incorporated into massage. …

• Benefits of Swedish Massage You Can’t Do Without

- It is possibly one of the most popular techniques for spa massages that you will experience. This type of technique has been well known to provide with you a good night’s sleep, in addition to helping clean up toxic fluids within the …

• The benefits of Swedish Massage

- Swedish massage is one of the most popular modern holistic massage techniques. It uses tapping motions to stimulate the body’s circulation system leading to a variety of positive effects on overall health. Swedish massage also leaves …

• How to Give a Swedish Massage

- The Swedish massage is one of the most popular types of massage given by massage therapists today. You will find it available worldwide in many locations, from upscale spa resorts to local massage therapy venues. …

Go through it and learn.

Have fun with the swedish massage technique!

Konstantin Koss

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Tags: How to, How to Massage, Massage Technique, Massage Therapy, Relaxation, Swedish Massage