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History of Swedish Body Massage
In general,
therapists practice Swedish Body Massage, using long, flowing strokes,
often in the direction of the heart. There are six basic strokes:
effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, compression and
vibration. Oil, cream, or lotion is applied on the skin to reduce
friction and allow smooth strokes. This technique was developed by a
Swede, Henrik Ling
(1776-1839),
who devised his own system for massage from his knowledge of gymnastics;
physiology and his observation of Chinese massage techniques. However,
it was in fact the Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger (1838-1909) who
adopted the French names to denote the basic strokes under which he
systemized massage as we know it today, as Swedish or classic massage.
Somehow, the term Swedish Movement System was transposed to Swedish
Massage System sometime during the second half of the 19th century.
Ling’s system was the Swedish Movement System or Swedish Gymnastic
Movement System. This may be how he has become incorrectly associated
for so long with Swedish massage. In Sweden, the term "Swedish
massage" is not used.
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