Swedish Massage in College Station, TX
Massage lotion, cream, or oil is used with smooth, gliding strokes. Swedish massage uses firm but gentle pressure to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension and create other health benefits. It is a classic massage that will ease your stress and allow you to slip into a calm state of relaxation.
The most widely recognized and commonly used category of massage is the Swedish massage. The Swedish massage techniques vary from light to vigorous. Swedish massage uses five styles of strokes. The five basic strokes are effleurage (sliding or gliding), petrissage (kneading), tapotement (rhythmic tapping), friction (cross fiber or with the fibers) and vibration/shaking. The development of Swedish massage is often inaccurately credited to Per Henrik Ling, though the Dutch practitioner Johann Georg Mezger applied the French terms to name the basic strokes. The term “Swedish” massage is actually only recognized in English and Dutch speaking countries, and in Hungary. It was first known as Swedish gymnastics because it developed from the integration of massage and stretches they had implemented with the gymnast training. Elsewhere the style is referred to as “classic massage”.
So, a truly classic Swedish massage will consist of the five basic strokes and stretches! It is a great experience but is a lot to include in a 60 minute massage session. Some therapists will include one or two stretches into a session. Others just skip it all together because many people do not know how beneficial the stretches can be and may feel they are loosing precious time off their massage.
Belle Vie Massage & Bodywork offers expert Swedish massage in College Station. If you have questions or want to know if Swedish massage therapy is right for you, please contact us. If you’re ready to schedule your appointment, please book online using the ‘Book Now’ button.
