Massage therapy has been influenced by different regions of the world and this has led to various different methods being born which, although different in style, provide similar benefits. Two of these are the concepts of Swedish and Ayurvedic Massage. While these both have their own respective origins and thus utilized different techniques, they both contribute to a deeply relaxed body and provide health benefits. Many people have sought out massage therapy only to be confused by the different methods available.

Swedish Massage:

This is also known as classic massage or traditional massage. It is one of the most common and widely known methods of massage. It is characterized by long flowing hand strokes performed by a skilled masseuse. These specialized movements tend to deeply relax muscles and also aid in joint flexibility and tend to increase circulation in the skin and muscles.

One of these strokes is known as effleurage. Effleurage stokes involves long strokes with the masseuse using their whole hand, the heal of their hand, or their thumb pad and thumb joint. The masseuse begins these at the neck works down towards the spine. Then the masseuse may also move onto the limbs using the same effleurage strokes and works towards the heart. They may also use the fingertips and work down from the shoulder blade toward the heart which may improve circulation and lymphatic flow. This massage is generally performed first so that the masseuse becomes familiar with the persons body.

The next massage technique is called the petrissage. This consists of gentle movements which lift the muscles up and away from the bones and then rolling and squeezing them with very gentle pressure. This is thought to enhance circulation even deeper into the muscles. It is also believed to greatly aid the body in removing toxins and metabolic wastes.

The third technique, and the roughest of them all, is characterized by deep circular movements using the fingertips. It is generally applied over joints and boney areas. This technique is thought to help relax muscle fibers around joints and bones and seems to aid in joint flexibility.

The fourth technique is called tapotement. This involves a series of very quick and forceful movements applied by striking and tapping the muscles with the hand. The masseuse may apply these with a closed fist, the fingertips, or even the edge of the hand. These movements release tension and relieve muscle cramps.

The last type of movement the masseuse may apply during a session involves shaking and vibrating hand movements. The masseuse will press their hands into the muscles of the back or limbs and sake with rapid motions for a few moments. This improves circulation and aids the quick acting contraction muscles to perform better. Those with low back pain, those who perform a lot of keyboard type work, and those who are on their feet all day generally find this technique beneficial.

Ayurvedic Massage:

Ayurvedic massage originated in India. The goal of Ayurvedic massage is to produce and increase harmony and balance within the individual. It also improves circulation and assists the body in quickly removing toxins and metabolic wastes. It promotes a rejuvenation of the body. It was not widely known or practiced publicly until at one point Indian practitioners decided to traveled around and offer this type of massage to various people.

The Ayurvedic massage if basted on the knowledge of the Ayurvedic and also on the Greek system of medicine during the time of its inception. This means it focuses on Doshas and Marmas, also known as pressure points. Many Muslim massage techniques were also developed from this system.

The techniques used in Ayurvedic massage utilize specific oils that are specially suited to your Dosha and on your personal being. One of these is Abhyanga-Garshana in which the masseuse gently brushes the skin and then applies an oil massage.

Another technique is called Udwarthanam which is a slimming massage. This technique utilizes the herbal powders of the Ayurvedic teachings. During this massage the masseuse will use their feet to apply a type of deep tissue massage.

Now that you know a little bit about both of these types of massages, Swedish and Ayurvedic, you are privileged to be able to choose from among them which techniques of the two best suits your personal needs. When deciding which technique to use for the best relaxation effect it may be difficult to choose!