Swedish
Massage
uses long gliding strokes, generally in the direction of blood flow, employing
kneading and friction techniques on the muscles that are sometimes combined
with movements of the joints.
There are five basic
movements used in Swedish Massage:
Effleurage: Slow,
rhythmic, gliding strokes, usually in the direction of blood flow toward the
heart, for example, from wrist to shoulder. Usually the massage therapist
uses the whole hand (palm and fingers), gradually applying an increasing amount
of pressure. Variations of effleurage involve strokes applied with the fingertips,
heel of the hand, or knuckles.
Petrissage: Kneading,
pressing, and rolling muscle groups. The massage therapist will take hold
of the tissue and alternately tighten and loosen his grasp.
Friction: Steady
pressure or tight circular movements across muscle fibers without moving across
the skin, often used in areas around joints.
Percussion (Tapotement):
Drumming hand movements on broad areas of the body, particularly the back.
Techniques include beating with the side of loosely clenched fists: cupping
or striking with the fingertips and heel of the hand; hacking, rapid chopping
motions with the edge of the hand; and clapping, using the flattened hand
to clap rapidly over fleshy areas.
Vibration and
Jostling: Vibration entails rapid movements by the therapist to transmit an
oscillating action to the patient; mechanical vibrators are also used for
this purpose. Jostling requires rapid shaking of a muscle back and forth,
usually for a brief period.
This system is ideal
for relaxing the body, relieving muscle tension, improving range of motion and
increasing blood circulation.
