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SWEDISH MASSAGE
A variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Swedish massage was developed in the 1700's by a Swedish doctor named Per Henrik Ling. Swedish massage increases the oxygen flow in the blood and releases toxins from the muscles. It stretches the ligaments and tendons keeping them supple and pliable. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical. It also has many specific medical uses.
Some of the technical terms used in Swedish massage are:
Effleurage: Gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips
Petrissage: Kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingers
Friction: Circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingers
Vibration: Oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body
Percussion: Brisk hacking or tapping
Passive and active movements: Bending and stretching.