What Makes a Swedish Massage Swedish?
Many of us have had massages, but often when we booked our massage and were asked “what type of massage would you like?” we answered “a general massage.” Well in most cases that “general massage” was a Swedish massage. But what is the difference between a “general massage” and a “Swedish massage?” And what is a Swedish massage anyway?
The specific massage techniques that today define the Swedish massage were originally developed by Swedish born Per Henrik Ling in the mid 1800s. Ling was a medical doctor, and a world traveller. During his travels, he met a man named Ming, who taught Ling the techniques used in the Chinese massage modality called Tui Na. Tui Na consists of a variety of pulling, pushing, and kneading.
Ling adapted the techniques of Tui Na to fit a style more familiar to him, and later, when Ling fell ill, he used these techniques on himself to restore his health. Ling’s research did not go much more beyond this, and he died before officially codifying his techniques as a massage modality.
It wasn’t until the late 1800s that Ling’s research was discovered by Dutch born Johan Georg Mezger. Mezger refined Ling’s methods down to five basic techniques, giving them French names. These techniques are: 1) Effleurage–meaning long, smooth, flowing movements. Effleurage is the first technique used in Swedish massage in order to apply oil or lotion, and to connect client and therapist. 2) Petrissage–meaning to knead. Kneading is used on the body’s larger muscles such as the legs, thighs, and lower back. 3) Friction–when using friction, therapists will employ two or three fingers at a 45 degree angle making wide circles along specific body parts. 4) Tapotement–when using this technique, therapists will apply rapid tapping with either the little finger sides of their hands, or with soft open fists. Tapotement is generally the last technique to use on each body part, but most specifically on the hamstrings, quadriceps, bottom of the feet, and the back. 5) Vibration–this technique is used to release stubborn knots within the client’s muscles, and it often creates a feeling of euphoria for the client.
When receiving a Swedish massage, the client will lie on a massage table, unclothed and covered by a sheet and blanket. Therapists will employ proper draping of the specific body part they are working on. Clients can choose to have either lotion, creme, or oil applied.
A Swedish massage can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. The purpose of the Swedish massage is to increase blood flow toward the heart thus ridding the body of toxins, and relaxing and realigning the body’s muscles.
So next time you book a massage, you can ask for a Swedish massage, and you will know precisely what to expect.
References
Calvert, R. (2004). The history of massage. NY, NY: Healing Arts Press.
Definition of massage (2004). Online. Available at www.medterms.com
Lacroix, N.; Rinaldi, F.; Seager, S.; Tanner, R. (2006). Whole body massage. London: Hermes House.
Online Etymology dictionary. (2001). Online. Available at www.medterms.com
Liked it
Keith LaGrone | Sep 30, 2008 | Reply
This is a very interesting site, and a great source of information. Thank you for “dropping science” for me.