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

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.

1. Effleurage

1. Effleurageis 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.

2. Petrissage

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.

3. Vibration

3. Vibrationis 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.

4. Friction

4. Frictionthis 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.

5. Tapotement

5. Tapotementthis 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.

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.