How to Give a Swedish Massage

Swedish massage

A swedish massage is distinguished by long flowing strokes, usually in the direction of the heart. The massage pattern is especially designed to increase circulation and blood flow. There are six most basic strokes in Swedish massage which are:

Effleurage
Petrissage
Friction
Tapoteiment
Compression
Vibration

There are various creams or lotions applied to the skin to reduce the wrong kind of friction and foster smoother strokes. The Swedish massage is effective and best in this kind.

How to Give a Swedish massage

The first step in a Swedish massage is to create a relaxing and comfortable environment, with as minimum distractions as possible. The room temperature should be mild to moderate and adjust the lighting by dimming the lights or probably using only candlelight; for an enhanced effect, try lighting aromatherapy candles.

The next step would be to lay down the client down on a hard surface, this lets the muscles are adequately supported. If a professional massage table is not available, you can also use a firm mattress or a futon. Make sure that you are handy with the required stuff 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.

With all the above preparations done, you are ready to begin with the massage. Always begin with the larger muscle groups first, such as the neck, shoulders, back, and legs. Beginning at the shoulders, and work from there to the neck, and then down the arms and onto the hands would be a nice and pleasurable course to take. You can apply return stokes to the upper and lower back, working way down to the thighs and calves, and ending off with the feet.

The three basic strokes involved in the Swedish massage are effleurage, the fan stroke, and the circling hands. The effleurage use soft and fluid strokes steadily with the palm of the hand whereas 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.

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