What is Swedish massage?

A classic Swedish massage is all about deep relaxation, and hypnotic, soothing techniques

Classic Massage

When you imaging a massage in a spa, you are picturing a Swedish massage – in most of the world is simply known as ‘classic massage’. In the UK, this is what we have to train in before you add further qualifications in other styles. A Swedish massage comprises 5 categories of movements, which are described at the end of this page. 

Zoning Out

I call my classical massage the ‘Zone Out’ because this is exactly what I want you to gain from this treatment. This is a chance to switch off, zone out, be completely taken care of by someone else, and take some clear time away from your woes. Deep tissue massages might use an intensity level of between a 6 and a 7, at times. They hover well below your pain threshold but work with occasional slight discomfort to offer a powerful, transformative experience. Swedish massage helps your muscles let go of tension via a hypnotising, mesmerising treatment. Your nervous system reaches a deep state of calm, and your muscles relax as an outcome of this. 

Each massage will be different depending on what you tell your massage therapist and what the therapist finds when they begin working. You will still receive more attention in areas that need it, and more intense work in some places than others. We calm the body to calm the mind and calm the mind to calm the body, resulting in deep relaxation.

Swedish Massage Moves

A Swedish massage is built from:

Effleurage – long and soothing, used to begin and end the massage, and link other movements to help the routine flow. Mainly works over the skin, rather than acting on any muscle layers. 

Petrissage – the massage moves into the muscles. Lifting, kneading and rolling the muscle tissue: the therapist’s hands will be moving over the skin whilst moving the muscle. 

Friction – the therapist’s hands stay in one place on the skin whilst moving the muscle underneath with it

Vibration – vibrating, rocking or shaking the body or individual muscles

Tapotement – rhythmic percussive movements: tapping and hitting the body.