Time Taken: 30 or 60 minutes
Swedish massage is a traditional form of massage developed by Per Henrik Ling in Sweden during the early nineteenth century.
Swedish massage utilises the 5 classic massage movements:
- Effleurage, a stroking movement that warms the muscles and skin bringing blood to the surface. It is used typically at the beginning and end of the massage.
- Petrissage, a kneading movement that works deep into the muscle tissue. It removes metabolic wastes and draws in blood to refresh the tissue. These movements are deeply stimulating and relaxing.
- Tapotement, a percussive movement that uses tapping or striking to stimulate and invigorate the tissue.
- Vibrations, are used to vibrate the underlying tissue to free muscles of built up tension.
- Frictions, are the deepest of all the massage movements, using constant or increasing pressure. They work deeply to relieve tension and ease fatigued or aching muscles.
Swedish massage is an excellent choice for your first experience of massage because it allows you to find out what is right for you, and then future treatments can be tailored to your needs.