1.
When people steps into the
massage clinic, the most common
massage technique they request is
swedish massage. This is also
recommended for beginners.

2.
Below are the five basic strokes in swedish
massage, this can be in any order
depending on what is best for the client's
needs.

3.
1. Effleurage

4.
1. Effleurage
is more on long sliding, gliding and
sweeping strokes with the use of
forearms, relatively slow and
smoothing strokes used for
spreading oil. In effleurage
movement is usually repeated
several times to induce relaxation
of muscle.

5.
2. Petrissage

6.
2. Petrissage
"petri" which means "to knead".
This technique is like kneading a
dough. The kneading, rolling, and
squeezing strokes stimulates the
nerve endings, getting rid of impure
substance in the muscle and
increase circulation this then will
promote cell repair.

7.
3. Vibration

8.
3. Vibration
is an oscillatory movements that
shake and vibrates the body. This
movement can be done rapidly or
slowly. Vibration technique
gradually releases tension in the
muscle being worked on.

9.
4. Friction

10.
4. Friction
this technique can be done by
rubbing back and forth. The
movement creates heat, warming
up muscles in the body to be
treated for deep massage
technique.

11.
5. Tapotement

12.
5. Tapotement
this is a rhythmic tapping, pounding
and patting of the body. The motion is
like drumming, you produce should
with your hands by cupping, hacking,
and chopping. This technique is
usually used as the last technique in a
massage session.

13.
Before taking your Swedish
massage session, don't forget to
inform your massage therapist
with your special needs so that
they can arrange a sequence of
massage technique perfect for
your needs.