The lymph system and veins (which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pump pressure, to operate. The goal of Swedish massage is to speed the venous return of lymph as well as deoxegenated blood and toxins from the extremities. Swedish massage stimulates the skin and nervous system and soothes the nerves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and it is often recommended as part of a regular program for stress management, as well as used in clinical settings as medical or remedial therapy. Swedish massage can: |
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relax muscles |
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increase circulation without increasing heart load |
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increase range of motion |
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help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it |
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relieve pain and discomfort associated with muscle tension, fractures, sprains, sciatica, and stiff joints |
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shorten recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes |
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stretch the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple |
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stimulate the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves |
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help reduce emotional and physical stress. |
Oil is usually used, which facilitates the stroking and kneading of the body thereby stimulating metabolism and circulation. 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. Swedish massage techniques include: Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Vibration and Tapotement as well as Nerve Stroke and Skin Rolling as further explained below: |
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| Effleurage - 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 - strokes that lift, roll, or knead the tissue much like kneading dough. This brings circulation into the area, helps unwind tight muscles and fascia, and is deeply relaxing. | |
| Friction - small circular strokes which press just below the surface of the skin onto the muscles below. Sometimes short straight lines are used at this level of pressure. This soothes deeper areas in muscles made tight by exercise and everyday stress. | |
| Vibration:
Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body 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. |
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| Nerve Stroke - 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 over stimulated muscles after a deeper massage. | |
Skin Rolling - 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. |
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