Swedish Massage

by Jane
(Mansfield, MA USA)

I truly enjoy Swedish massage techniques because I try to make my massage treatments a combination of stress relief and some spirituality thrown in.

My clients always admire my timing, as that is very standard, without wavering. I like to keep a constant flow going without ever removing my hands from the client's body. I believe the rhythm of the movements is very calming to the client.

After using long, effleurage stroke down the back, as I am standing at the client's head and shoulders, there is a stroke that everyone enjoys.
I work my way down the long muscles of the back with my two thumbs encircling one another, from the shoulder area until I have gone all the way to the sacral area.

By placing one thumb flat down on the skin, I take the second thumb, and circle around it while moving forward about an inch or so.

I also practice Reiki, so I generally favor the peaceful atmosphere of Swedish massage, even though I can do deep tissue and sports techniques.