Relaxing and rejuvenating with firmness appropriate to your needs. Full-body or focusing on your area of choice, such as neck and shoulders.

Long, smooth strokes allow the massage therapist to loosen the muscles, bringing you to the fulcrum of satisfaction. You may not be able to go to Sweden, but you can sure learn to relax like the Swedes!

Part of your body is covered with a towel while another is carefully attended to. Traditional Swedish massage uses five main strokes, and many variations, to achieve its relaxing and healing effects. Most therapists use a combination of these following techniques.

• Effleurage consists of long, gliding strokes from the neck down to the base of the spine or from the shoulder down to the fingertips. 
• Petrissage involves gently lifting muscles up and away from the bones, then rolling and squeezing them, gently. It involves kneading and compression motions - rolling, squeezing, or pressing the muscles to enhance deeper circulation, thus clearing out toxins from muscle and nerve tissue.
• Friction consists of deep circular movements made with the thumb pads or fingertips, often near joints and other bony areas (such as the sides of the spine). Friction is generally more penetrative and breaks down adhesions, which are knots that result when muscle fibers bind together during the healing process.  
• Tapotement attempts to release tension and cramping from muscles in spasm.  It consists of a series of briskly applied movements, using the hands alternately to strike or tap the muscles for an invigorating effect. There are many variations on this stroke and may be applied with the edge of the hand, with the tips of the fingers, or with a closed fist.
• Vibration is helpful especially for people suffering from lower back pain.  The therapist presses his or her hands on the back or limbs, and rapidly shakes for a few seconds. It boosts circulation and increases the power of the muscles to contact.