Swedish Massage
Touch is one of the most natural forms of healing, the world over. Unfortunately, in the Western world, the advance of science has taken over our traditional heritage, such that it has had to be "re-invented", taking inspiration from those cultures around the world which never forgot their natural heritage.
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The term "Swedish" massage is actually only recognised in English and Dutch speaking countries, and in Hungary. Elsewhere in Europe (including Sweden) the style is referred to as "classic massage".
The development of what we call Swedish Massage is often credited to Per Henrik Ling, who travelled extensively, observing and documenting and studying the effects of natural healing techniques in traditional cultures around the world. It uses five styles of stroke: effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross-fibre or with the fibres) and vibration or shaking. |
his It was the Dutch practitioner Johann Georg Mezger who applied the French terms to name the identified basic strokes.
Interestingly, this massage never included work on the head. Narendra Mehta, visiting Britain in 1970's was horrified. He demonstrated what, from Ayurvedic tradition, should be included and this became known to us as "Indian Head Massage". This can either be performed as a free-standing massage or combined, as Julia does, with our Swedish Massage for a more holistic experience. To book, call Julia on 07833545008. (Nb. Not all strokes are suitable for use in pregnancy or immediately post partum). |