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Swedish Massage TherapyYou probably remember the childhood story of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears". Goldilocks walks into the Three Bears' house, where she discovers a trio of chairs. One chair is "too hard" for her taste, one is "too soft", and the last one is "just right". That "just right" chair believe it or not -- is a lot like Swedish Massage.
If you are looking for a basic massage that will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to tackle the world, Swedish is the way to go. It has been proven to ease pain and joint stiffness and is helpful to patients with osteoarthritis in the knee. It can also improve circulation. Swedish massage techniques uses long, smooth, gliding strokes that are neither too hard nor too soft, but "just right" for anyone looking for a basic massage that releases tension, improves relaxation and just feels all-out wonderful. Swedish massage therapists traditionally use an oil or lotion to ensure their hands glide smoothly over your skin. Other techniques used during the massage include kneading of individual muscles to ease tight spots, the use of friction or rubbing, tapping on certain muscles to release tension, and vibration. The History of Swedish Massage TherapyWhile Swedish Massage Therapy is hardly the oldest type of massage available, it is among the oldest Western forms of massage, having been around for almost two centuries. Most massage historians believe it was developed back in 1812 in Sweden (as the name suggests), at the University of Stockholm in 1812, by a physiologist named Henri Peter Ling.However, others disagree, claiming that this particular form of massage was not actually a component of the "Swedish Gymnastic Movements" that Ling developed, or part of the curriculum at Ling's Royal Central Gymnastic Institute. They instead believe that Johan Georg Mezger, a Dutch practitioner, actually created the technique later in the 19th Century. He is credited with adopted the French names for the basic strokes -- effleurage for stroking, petrissage for kneading, tapotement for tapping and frictions for rubbing. Whoever actually created Swedish Massage Therapy, it steadily increased in popularity throughout the 19th century as people sought new and innovative treatments for the aches and pains of everyday life. By the year 1890, several physicians and other experts (and some so-called experts) had published books detailing the basic Swedish massage techniques developed earlier in the century. Those techniques were frequently used in many famous sanitariums, including the famous institute run by breakfast cereal magnate John Harvey Kellogg, M.D. This method of massage has remained the western standard into modern times, and has continued to be a staple on spa menus throughout the 20th century and into the 21st. Perhaps this is because the gentle rubbing, stroking, kneading and tapping motions are the foundation of so many other, more modern forms of massage that are used today including deep tissue massage, aromatherapy massage and sports massage. The techniques are basic, but two centuries of history don't lie -- they definitely work wonders! What to Expect from Your After arriving for your massage, your therapist will take you to a private room. The temperature will be comfortable so you will be able to undress and cover yourself with just a sheet and not feel chilled. |
Recommended Reading
To learn more about Swedish Massage Therapy, check out one of these books.eBooks - Download Instantly
- Tason, Michelle (2009) Massage Therapy. eBook - Kindle Edition. Download Now!
Don't have a Kindle? Get yours here.
Hardcover and Paperback Books
- Video - Starring: Meade Steadman Director: Shirley Erickson Gorospe Format: DVD (2003) Essentials of Swedish Massage. ASIN-B000BMCXZC
- Lidell, Lucinda (2001) The Book Of Massage: The Complete Step by Step Guide To Eastern And Western Technique ISBN-0743203909
- Video Format: DVD (2007) 300+ Awesome Swedish Massage Techniques. ASIN-B000YJFYBC
This award-winning video teaches everything from body mechanics, preparing your workspace, and the essentials of a full-body Swedish massage. You will learn the five strokes of massage Effleurage, Petrissage, Friction, Tapotement, and Vibration and how to perform these strokes on both men and women. This video is the most comprehensive Swedish massage video ever produced.
The Book of Massage is the classic guide to the relaxing and healing skills of the hands. Featuring both Eastern and Western methods, it presents step-by-step, beautifully illustrated instructions on everything from traditional massage to Shiatsu and reflexology. The Book of Massage offers easy-to-follow techniques for giving the perfect massage, including advice on creating the right setting and suggestions for using aromatic oils and lotions.
Swedish Massage is the most widely used form of massage today. It is actually the basic for most massage styles, but it can be mixed up even more to create many more techniques. This DVD contains over 300+ massage techniques.
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 (217) 347-0500 Open Monday through Friday 8 am - 7 pm. Saturday and Sunday by appointment. Power Therapeutic Massage 1915 South Banker Street Effingham, IL 62401 Advanced reservations are appreciated, but last-minute bookings may be available. Please call for availability. Sorry, no walk-ins. In case of cancellation please give 6 hours notice. Go to the top of Swedish Massage Therapy Go to the Power Therapeutic Massage homepage. |
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| Power Therapeutic Massage specializes in numerous massage techniques and energy therapies: Swedish Massage Therapy, Relaxation Massage Techniques, Deep Tissue Massage, Pregnancy Massage Techniques, Shiatsu, Acupressure, Myofascial Release, Home Visits, Hot Stone Massage Therapy, Herbal Wraps, Reflexology & Aromatherapy. There are many common mis-spellings for massage terms: Sweedish Masage Terapy, Relaxtion Massae Tecniques, Deel Tissu Massag, Pregnacy Massge Techniqes, Shiatzu, Accupressure, Myofacial Relese, Hom Vists, Hor Sone Massagee Theraphy, Herval Wras, Reflexolgy & Aromatheraphy. Other frequent mis-spelled words: hoem, homw, pregnancy, pregnany, pregnancy, sfone, ston, strone, tisse, tissues, waps |
