A widely practiced form of massage therapy. Swedish, or European-style, massage features long, soothing strokes, kneading, pressing, and light pounding movements as a method to get blood moving and to loosen tight muscles. Swedish massage was invented by a Swedish fencing master who blended elements of European folk massage with Asian techniques and a knowledge of anatomy and physiology. It is used to promote relaxation, relieve stress, ease joints, and for physical therapy and general well-being. It is practiced by physical therapists and massage therapists to flush the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes and to keep ligaments and tendons supple. Swedish massage stimulates the skin and soothes the nerves simultaneously, thereby reducing both emotional and physical stress.
Massage combined with active and passive exercise. These techniques were developed in Sweden by Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839).