10.27.08
Swedish Massage
Origin: Swedish massage and related techniques were developed in Europe in the early 1800s, and brought to North America in the 1860s. It can be traced historically to the work of two men, Pehr Henrick Ling(1776-1839) of Sweden, and Johann Mezger (1838-1909) of Amsterdam. The heyday of Swedish massag in the United States was in the 1930-1950s, when it was offered in health clubs, salons, and as part of physiotherapy.
Technique: Swedish massage is a form of traditional Western massage. The five classic technique categories of Swedish massage soft tissue manipulation are effleurage(long flowing strokes), petrissage (kneading, compression), tapotement (percussion), friction and vibration. Joint movements ad hydrotherapy are also within the scope of Swedish massage.
Theory: Swedish massage is based in Western anatomy, physiology, and pathology. It is applied to support the normal function of the human body and its systems, as well as enhance its innate healing capacity.
Massage is one of the traditional natural healing arts. It has been used for centuries to promote and restore health along with other gifts fo nature such as nutritious food, herbs, healing waters, exercise, relaxation, fresh air and sunshine.
Some of the effects of massage: Muscle relaxation, increased alertness, or reduced anxiety. Massage improves the overall health of cells and tissues of the body, primarily by increasing blood and lymph circulation. The “milking” action of petrissage techniques and the sliding movements of effleurage are very effective in moving body fluids to facilitate natural processes. Increased fluid circulation improves delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissue cells, and helps in removal of metabolic wastes and byproducts of the inflammatory process. Massage also plays a role in the tissue repair process by helping in the remodeling of healthy scar tissue, ease sore aching muscles, increase joint mobility and flexibility, help with posture, increase the immune system keeping you from getting as many colds and flus. It also reduces stress and just give you a better all over sense of wellbeing.
taken from:”Tappan’s Hanbook of Healing Massage Techniques” by, Patricia J Benjamin, Frances M Tappan
Shellie Morin LMT
www.sensesationalmassage.com
207-850-1014
