Western Massage (or Swedish Massage)

September 10, 2009 | By Belinda Bison In stress relaxation |

The Western approach, sometimes called Swedish massage because massage has always been popular there, is the best known and most often used. Massage can be characterized by the various types of strokes and the use of oil and talcum powder to reduce friction against the skin. The technique, used mainly by physiotherapists, masseurs and beauticians, can be summarised in four main actions :

Massage method 1 - Effleurage : Stroking lengthways up the back, chest and limbs, with a light to moderate pressure exerted by the whole of the hand. The effect is to warm the tissues, reassure the person who is being massaged and tone the circulation. This massage method is especially valuable for redistributing accumulations of fluid in the limbs and abdomen and for encouraging the pores in the skin to open to allow proper elimination.

Massage method 2 - Petrissage : A firmer stroke with moderate to deep pressure, and most of the contact made through the heel of the palm, one hand reinforcing the other.

Kneading : manipulation, directed especially at stiff, contracted areas. This massage method can be done with the thumbs only, or between thumb and fingers, with a gesture like kneading dough. When the skin and subcutaneous tissues- those just under the skin- are picked up, pulled away from the body and rolled between the thumb and fingers, the action is known as skin rolling. This massage method is especially useful for joints such as the wrists, ankles and elbows and helps to remove possible accumulations of waste products.

Massage method 3 - Friction : A series of deep, often circular motions, using thumbs, knuckles or fingertips. Pressure is concentrated on a small area through repeated strokes and is as deep as necessary without causing pain. Relaxation of tense muscles marks the time to move on to another area : prolonging massage at the same point would re-stimulate the muscle.

Massage at home : With the comfort at home, massage basically requires towels, a pillow, oil, talcum powder and a fairly hard surface to lie on : the floor is suitable with firm cushions or a mattress), provided that the person massaging can work comfortable in a kneeling position. The session should last about 20 minutes. Start on the back, since most tense muscles are there, and it is the easiest part of the body on which to work.

Article excerpted from : Doctor’s Answers 41

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