Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the practice of manipulation of the soft tissues
of the body with specific techniques to stimulate the body and allow the
recipient to boost their physical and mental health. The history of
Swedish massage dates back to traditional Chinese medicine massage
techniques Hippocrates seems to have understood the advantages of this
system that forms the roots of Swedish massage today; he used techniques
of massage in the treatment of sprains or in the fight against
constipation.
The Swedish massage as we know it today emerged in the 19th century with
Henric Linc. Linc adopted the Swedish massage therapy as a way to help
athletes improve their physical performance. He brought a definite
advantage to these national athletes through the application of its
Swedish massage techniques. The Swedish massage system includes many
different techniques.
These include for example, effleurage, which is generally the technique
used at the beginning and end of a massage. They are slow and rhythmic
movements to the heart. In Swedish massage, movement relaxes the
receiver and prepares for the deeper massage. The kneading of the flesh
is a movement that is normally applied with fingers and thumbs. It is
generally applied to parts of the body where the bones lie directly
underneath. This can stimulate blood circulation and ease contracted
muscles.
When massaging the tissues are pinched between the fingers of the
masseur and the practitioner will slide tissues from one hand to another
without releasing. Swedish massage utilizes a friction technique used to
heat the skin by rapid skin friction this will help soften and stretch
tense muscles and tissues.
A firm massage of the muscles on each side of the spinal column with
elbows so as to relax the muscles that are often tightened during a
working day. Swedish massage techniques can be used with complete peace
of mind and is known for its therapeutic aspect. In the massage of the
buttocks for example, you can start by gently moving the buttock
muscles, and then proceed directly to muscle kneading. It is a large and
important muscle and can take on profound manipulations without a
problem.
Then in a rhythmic movement, using the technique of rhythmic percussion
on the buttock muscles. With the help of your fingertips make small
circular motions at the bottom of the muscles to relax them and then to
finish pleasantly with rested buttock muscles.
Another example as an illustration of a Swedish massage is of the back
of the leg. Start first by an effleurage of the leg along its entire
length taking care to cover the leg that you do not treat. Remember, it
is important to apply more pressure when you go towards the heart and
down in a more gentle way on the way back. Massaging with attention to
the Achilles tendons, then manipulate up the calf muscle pressing firmly
on the calf back up to the knee and stop just before the groin. Then the
muscle of the thigh that you massage using the mixing motion, first
inside the thigh and then the outside of the leg. Finish your massage
with an effleurage along the entire length of the leg to rest and relax
the muscles of your recipient.
Before using these techniques of Swedish massage, remember that your
partner must always be warm and comfortably installed. You should also
encourage them to take a hot bath with a few drops of essential oils
aromatic prior to treatment, essential oils promoting a receptive
massage. Swedish massage is a positive action on the health of the
recipient. |
