What is Swedish massage?

Swedish massage differs significantly from the classic. If during the classical massage the hands of the masseur are directed from the center to the periphery, then in the Swedish massage the opposite happens. First, the blow is directed to the fingers, then the lower leg is massaged, and finally - the thigh.

Swedish massage is the most popular modern form of massage, designed to relax the whole body by rubbing the muscles with long, sliding strokes in the direction of returning blood to the heart.

Swedish massage includes a set of massage techniques that are borrowed from massages in other countries. This massage technique is relatively young, but nevertheless, it has gained great popularity.

Swedish massage is usually performed on a massage table using oil and is based on five basic techniques:

• Efflerage, long sliding strokes;
• Petrisage, kneading, rolling and lifting of the skin;
• Friction, warming shocks that generate heat;
• Tapotement, a massage technique that stimulates nerves, muscles and blood circulation;
• Vibration, trembling, rocking or shaking that reduces muscle tension and promotes relaxation.

Features of Swedish massage

Swedish massage is characterized by several subtleties that distinguish it from other massage techniques:

• The massage has an enhanced effect on the deep tissues of the massaged areas;
• The purpose of the massage is to rub the formed seals, to remove the muscular-tonic tension and to gradually stretch the neurovascular bundles. The process of improving venous blood flow and lymphatic metabolism goes into the background;
• The masseur must follow a standard technique that is limited to mechanical manipulations. It is necessary to diagnose the condition of the massaged person, analytical work to determine pathologies in the body.

Beneficial effects of Swedish massage

What effect can you expect from Swedish massage?

The main effect of the procedure is relaxation. And a few sessions allow you to achieve a healing effect.

The positive results are as follows:

• Increased muscle plasticity;
• Increased efficiency;
• Rapid healing of injuries;
• Increased joint mobility;
• Improves tissue nutrition due to increased blood circulation;
• Removal of toxins from the body;
• Eliminate emotional stress;
• Removal of toxins from the body;
• Reduction of puffiness;
• Eliminate muscle spasm.

Distinctive features of Swedish massage

High intensity of the impact compared to other types of massage therapy. During the massage, the masseur acts as deeply as possible on the soft tissues of the body, trying to reach the bones and feel it.

• The purpose of Swedish massage is different from other massage techniques. The masseur gradually stretches the neurovascular bundles and rubs the seals;
• The procedure is not limited to mechanical manipulations. Includes connecting the knowledge of the masseur to diagnose the patient, identify pathologies;
• If there are pathologies, then the impact is directed mainly at them. The master then proceeds to massage the rest of the body;
• The massage technique includes some gymnastic exercises, which allows you to finally consolidate the result. The technique of gymnastics depends on the characteristics of the human body.

How to properly perform a Swedish massage?

In order for the patient to relax completely, the room temperature should be 24-25 degrees, there should be complete silence and dim light;

The masseur calmly, methodically probes the parts of the patient's body, breaks the seals and rubs the muscles. There is no pain, only pleasure. To avoid unpleasant friction between the masseur's fingers and the skin of the person being massaged, a special oil that does not cause allergies is applied to the body.

All movements during therapy should be smooth and careful. The masseur does not take his hands off the patient's body for a second;

The masseur maintains a light, unobtrusive conversation with the patient. This will make it possible to get rid of excessive stress and achieve complete relaxation. After the procedure, the patient feels a surge of vigor and strength, eliminates fatigue and unpleasant thoughts.