Swedish Massage Guides for free.
Swedish Massage Guides
Swedish massage is quite different from other forms of massage such as Thai massage. This form of massage involved the use of pressure to sooth the muscles. Read more with our free massage guides.
- Read our free Guide to Swedish Massage (MS Word version).
- Read our free Guide to Swedish Massage (PDF version).
Introduction to Swedish Massage
A Swedish massage is actually the most common form of massage, one that sees the hands used to warm up the body, by kneading, rolling, and squeezing various muscles so as to 
relieve stress and any aches.
Known as the 'traditional massage', the Swedish massage was developed in the 1820s by a Swedish doctor called Dr. Per Henrik Ling. Dr. Ling was a student of physiology as well as gymnastics and recognised the benefits of international massage techniques from the likes of China, India and Rome. Taking techniques from each of these methods, Dr Ling developed his only massage therapy, that today has become known as 'the Swedish massage'.
The massage works by manipulating deep tissue layers in the body via a series of strokes, shaking, tapping and rubs with the hands. These methods, known as petrissage movements, aim to cause deep relaxation within the muscle and body tissue. Swedish massage is also adapted for each person, as no body is alike, so petrissage movements can vary in strength depending on your masseur.
Swedish massages are generally thought to focus on the back, but they are in fact used all over the body. As a result, a Swedish massage can often last for up to an hour. During a Swedish massage session, you are generally covered in towels or a robe, with only the massage area on display to the masseur. Depending on your preference, parts of the body that are normally rubbed are the back, arms, legs, shoulders, thighs and the abdomen, ensuring a full body massage therapy.
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