Swedish massage was produced
in the 1700s by Swedish doctor Per Henrik Ling,
perhaps through the investigation of Chinese combative
techniques and tuina, a hands-on body treatment intended to reestablish harmony
in the body. The six essential strokes
utilized as a part of Swedish massage incorporate effleurage
(coasting/sliding), petrissage (working), contact (cross-fiber movement),
vibration, footing, and tapotement (percussion or tapping). The basic role of
Swedish massage is to expand the blood's oxygen stream and aid poison expulsion from the muscles.
Basic Strokes
of Swedish Massage
§ Effleurage (gliding/sliding)
§ Petrissage (kneading)
§ Friction (cross-fiber
motion)
§ Traction
§ Tapotement (percussion
or tapping)
