What Swedish Massage Basics is all About

Inspirational Articles

by Murray Howerth

If you have ever been on away vacation and decided you wanted a massage to help you relax, you probably enjoyed the benefits of Swedish Massage. This is the most commonly offered and best-known type of massage. Many people use Swedish Massage as a way to promote relaxation, which is why many people experience their first massage while on vacation. Most experiences probably left your body feeling rejuvenated with a release from muscle tension.

Massage There are ongoing debates to the recent history and development of Swedish Massage therapy. To some extent, historical records show that Swedish Massage history dates back to the ancient Chinese, Greeks and Romans. Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, argued that physical touch was the most important of all five senses. It was the ancient Greeks who associated physical well being with the unfolding of spiritual and intellectual faculties.

The term “Swedish Massage” refers to a variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles and encourage blood flow in its proper direction, through the bodies vascular system and back towards the heart. The techniques are as follows; effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (striking) and frictions (rubbing) with vibration added later.

Some of the benefits with massage are an improvement of circulation resulting in an increase of nutrients and oxygen going to various tissues of the body. It also shortens the recovery time from muscle strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid and other metabolic wastes.

There are certain techniques involved while giving a massage that should be noted. Being able to provide a safe and secure environment for your client is paramount. These include a hygienic appearance of your self, the massage environment, the linens you use and any accessories. Proper, secure draping is also a must in order to allow your client to feel safe. The whole idea here is to provide a safe and secure massage while adhering to public health and safety regulations. Just put your self in your clients’ shoes.

Finally, it is always important to take care of your self! Be sure to exercise self-care. Grounding exercises are very important as not to have a negative energy transfer between the client and your self or vise versa.

All in all, giving a massage can be very rewarding. If you keep true to yourself and the art of massage and healing, the universe always gives back!

Murray Howerth is an RMT who teaches Swedish Basics and Anatomy and Physiology at the College.