How to Give a Swedish Massage

What is a Swedish Massage?

The Swedish massage uses that of long flowing strokes which are usually in the direction of the heart, and it is specifically designed to increase both circulation and blood flow. There are six most basic strokes in Swedish massage, which are: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, compression, and vibration. As well, there is usually a form of cream or lotion applied to the skin in order to reduce the wrong kind of friction and to allow for smoother strokes. The Swedish massage is actually considered by many as being the best and as well it is typically the most well known. 

How to Give a Swedish Massage 

The first step you need to take is to create a relaxing and comfortable environment, and there shouldn't be anything around to interrupt, such as children or pets. As well, the room should be at a mild temperature and you should create proper lighting by dimming the lights or using only candlelight; for an enhanced effect, try lighting aromatherapy candles. 

Next, have the client lie down on a hard surface so that all of their muscles are adequately supported. If you don't have a professional massage table, you can also use a firm mattress or a futon. You should be prepared, in that you should have all the required materials ready, such as hand towels and lubricants. Lubricants are especially crucial, as they are used to relax and to help make smoother strokes on the body. 

Once you have all of your materials ready and you are ready to begin the massage, you should always begin by targeting the larger muscle groups first, such as the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. For the maximum and most pleasurable effect, you will want to begin at the shoulders, and work from there to the neck, and then down the arms and onto the hands. You can then return to the upper and lower back, working your way down to the thighs and calves, and ending off with the feet. 

The three basic strokes involved here is the effleurage, the fan stroke, and the circling hands. The effleurage is the using of soft and fluid strokes steadily with the palm of the hand; the fan stroke is done by sliding your hands up the shoulder blades and then up and over the shoulders, down to the lower back, so that you are basically drawing a coarse heart; and the circling hands, quite obviously, is done by making counterclockwise circular motions with your fingers always pointing in the same direction. http://www.nforkcenterforharmony.com/nfcfh/project/swedish-massage/