5 Basic Strokes of Swedish Massage

Posted: December 11th, 2015

A Swedish relaxation massage is performed at the day spa by a masseuse using long strokes to massage the body. These strokes all lead back to the heart to help improve circulation and relax the muscles. A Swedish massage may also include other things such as kneading, stretching, circular pressure and more. This type of massage will help improve the circulation of blood in the body, assist in flexibility, and also decrease toxins in the muscles. Stress hormones are also significantly decreased and a boost in white blood cells from the massage will help ward off illness and boost your immune system.

5 Basic Strokes of Swedish massage

  Effleurage - This technique is the long gliding and stroking motion of the hands over the body. This helps reduce tension in the muscles and can fluctuate between light and medium pressures.

Petrissage - This technique is used to help get deeper into the muscles and knead them. The knuckles and thumbs are primarily used in this technique to prep the muscles.

Friction - In this technique, heat is produced using friction and then applied to the body. Your massage therapist will rub his or her hands together very quickly to produce heat and then place it on your muscles to help warm them. Tapotement - This is perhaps the most popular stroke associated with Swedish massage and is characterized by fast tapping, drumming, patting or hacking of the clients body with the therapist's hands, soft fists or finger tips.

Vibration - The heel of the hand is used, but fingertips may also be used. This motion is a back and forth motion on the body and will help loosen and relax your muscles. The hands are used to help shake your muscles.