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Massage Techniques Articles
Swedish Massage
Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling, in Stockholm, Sweden in the year 1812, introduced traditional Swedish massage. The Swedish massage technique is characterized by firm, yet calming pressure that improves blood circulation, eases muscle tension, and improves flexibility.
Today, a Western-style Swedish massage still employs a series of long, gliding strokes, kneading of the muscles, and vibrating taps that are so common when one thinks of massage. A Swedish masseuse will also create friction and do what is called hacking or tapping across a client’s back and shoulders to promote the release of tension. Five basic strokes gliding, kneading, vibrations, friction and hacking are all applied in the direction of the heart in order to encourage blood circulation and the disposal of bodily waste.
A Swedish massage therapist will always use massage oils to achieve the smooth, long and deep strokes over their clients body. Therapists apply the oil to reduce friction, and essential oils are sometimes used in order to tap into a client’s olphactory senses (sense of smell). During a Swedish massage a sheet is worn, otherwise the client is nude. However, body parts are only uncovered when they are being massaged.
Sports massage is a direct descendant of Swedish massage because both techniques help heal injuries like muscle sprain and spasms. Many of the techniques of sports massage such as strokes applied in the direction of the heart are borrowed from Swedish massage. This technique is just as important for athletes as it is for relaxation - the body is encouraged to disperse lactic acids in the muscles in order to make room for a fresh supply of blood and
oxygen.
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