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/

Ten of the Best Types of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has been around for hundreds of years. If you need to relief from muscle pain or stress, you can choose from one of the ten best types of massage therapy around.

1. First is Swedish massage therapy. This happens to be the most common type to find in the US because it is very gentle and relaxing. Here, the masseuse will use long strokes, kneading and circular movements on superficial layers of muscle using massage lotion or oil.

2. Next is aromatherapy and the reason why it is called such is because one or more scented plant oils are used during the session. You will just have to select the oil you want to use. In fact, the most popular one is lavender as it is well suited for stress related conditions together with an emotional component.

3. There is also hot stone massage. Here, heated smooth stones are placed on certain parts of the body to help loosen those tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. At times, the masseuse may also apply gentle pressure especially for those who have muscle tension.

4. Then there is deep tissue massage. This type is designed to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Here, the masseuse will use slow strokes better known as friction techniques across the grain of the muscle.

The distinctive feature of deep tissue massage is that it is used on those that have chronically tight or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural problems and recovery from injury. You will often feel sore for the next day or two.

5. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage therapy. Here, the masseuse will use localized finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2 to 8 second designed to improve the flow of energy and help the body regain balance. Those who have tried it say that it is relaxing yet firm. The best part is that there is no soreness afterwards.

6. Thai massage is similar to Shiatsu because it aligns the energies of the body using gentle pressure on specific points. Part of the session also includes compressions and stretches as you are moved in a variety of postures just like yoga but in this case, you don’t do anything except go with the flow.

7. For women that are expecting, they can opt for pregnancy massage. It is designed to relieve stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pins as well as reduce anxiety and depression.

8. Reflexology is also known as foot massage because it involves applying pressure to certain points on the foot. Those who practice this believe that the foot corresponds to certain organs and systems so if you are able to work on that, you have also done it in the whole body.

9. Then there is sports massage that is designed for people involved in sports activities. This type is designed not only for professional athletes since it helps prevent and treat physical injuries.

10. Lastly is back massage which usually lasts 30 minutes. Unlike reflexology that focuses on the feet because it represents special points in the body, this one simply relieves tension in the back caused by lifting heavy objects or driving for long periods of time.

Of course there are other kinds of massage therapy aside from the top ten most popular ones mentioned. Given that these are the only ones available in spas, perhaps you should just stick with the best sellers.