Swedish Massage was developed in the 1820s by the physiologist and fencing master, Dr. Per Henrik Ling. In the early 19th century he developed a system called “Medical Gymnastics” which are borrowed techniques from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. These later became known in Europe as “Swedish movements” and termed “the Swedish Movement Cure” when brought to the U.S. in 1858. Today it is simply known as Swedish massage, the most popular Western massage and what most of us think about when we hear the word “massage.”

Swedish massage is performed by a trained and licensed massage therapist, beginning with the application of oil or lotion to the bare skin and using gliding movements and other techniques to massage the whole body. A full body massage usually takes between 50 to 60 minutes, but you can get a longer service or combine it with other treatments, like a body scrub or massage
facial.

The purpose of Swedish massage is to relax the entire body, but it also has a number of other health benefits: improves blood circulation, increases the level of oxygen in the blood, helps the body removes toxins, improves flexibility, eases tension and helps with pain management, just to name a few.

This is accomplished by using a variety of techniques, primarily rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart.

What You Can Expect:

Your therapist will greet you and take you to your treatment room and review with you your objective of the massage session. The therapist will then leave the room. While he/she is out of the room you remove your robe or clothes to your comfort level and lie face down between two sheets on a massage table. It is most beneficial to remove all your clothing, including undergarments in order for your therapist to do more detailed and effective massage in the low back and hip areas. Your face is resting in a face cradle providing neutral support to your spine.

For the massage, the therapist uncovers only the part of the body he/she is working on. Generally they start with your back and shoulders before moving on and massaging the back of your arms and legs. He/she will then hold up the sheet and ask you slide down towards your feet and turn over so your face is no longer in the face cradle and your head is resting on the table. Therapists may vary the order, but most will massage your head, neck and shoulders, then your arms and hands before moving on to your legs and usually finish with the feet. If getting a massage lasting more than 60 minutes, your therapist may work the abdominal area if requested.

“Massaging the skin, the body’s largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, and promotes health and well-being.” After a Swedish massage, it is important to drink plenty of water to help re-hydrate the cells and eliminate toxins that have been released into the blood stream. It is also a good idea to allow yourself plenty of time afterwards to relax and enjoy the full benefits of your massage session.