Absolute Therapy by Gabriella

Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It uses a firm but gentle pressue to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.

There are five main techniques that are used in Swedish Massage:-

Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips. This helps to aid blood and lymphatic flow.

Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers. This movement is designed to increase circulation and to assist with clearing out toxins from muscle and nerve tissue

Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers. This technique helps to break down adhesions (knots), thus contributing to more flexible muscles and joints

Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body. This movement is designed to boost circulation.

Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping with the edge of the hand, tips of fingers or closed fist. Percussion movements help with the release of muscle tension.

Before the start of the treatment a detailed consultation will take place with the client and the massage techniques will be adapted accordingly to ensure that the client gains the most benefit from the session.

Unlike Indian Head Massage, which is clothed and seated, Swedish Body Massage requires the client to undress to their underwear - ladies will also need to remove their bra. The client is always covered in soft towels which are turned back only to reveal the area of the body to be massaged on at that time. This ensures that the client's modesty is always protected.

 

 

The word massage is believed to derive from the Arabic 'mass' or 'mass h' which means to press softly. Massage has been practised in many cultures for thousands of years and is one of the earliest forms of healing. Records documenting the use of massage in China have been found dating back as far as 3000 BC, and Hindu priests dating back to about 1800BC. Evidence has also been found that the ancient Egyptians used massage for both cosmetic and therapeautic purposes, combining massage with oils.

Although rooted in Eastern tradition, massage eventually traveled westward to the ancient Greeks and Romans. When the Roman Empire fell, however, massage, like many medical and scientific practices, became suspect. Eventually resurfacing in Europe during the Renaissance, it continued to evolve as a form of healing. But it wasn't until the 19th century that Swedish massage was developed, combining modern principles of physiology with ancient techniques.

There are several types of massage, but perhaps the most popular and widely known is Swedish Massage, which was first introduced as medical gymnastics in the 19th century by Swedish Psychologist Pehr Henrick Ling. He created a system of massage, using old techniques used by ancient Greeks and Romans to enhance many physical benefits. There is another school of thought that believe that Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger is the true developer of the techniques of Swedish Massage. He created the French names of the techniques incorporated within this type of massage.

Massage is used to maintain physical health as well as inducing relaxation.  It helps to alleviate the build up of stress and tension in the muscles from every day use.  Swedish massage techniques are specifically aimed to relax the client's muscles as the main purpose is to increase oxygen flow to the muscles and to aid the body to remove the build up of toxins. 

Massage has a calming effect primarily on the autonomic nervous system, leaving the recipient feeling deeply relaxed, refreshed and restored, and subsequently better able to cope with life's stresses and challenges.