The Fragrant Mind by Valerie Ann Worwood

Author:Valerie Ann Worwood
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781608682010
Publisher: New World Library

Swedish Massage

The system known as “Swedish Massage” was developed by Per Henrikling as part of a medical program designed to assist in the eradication of disease. People who are bedridden are particularly disadvantaged because they don’t get the exercise that allows oxygenation and the elimination of cellular waste products, and they were of particular concern to Henrikling. Some of the massage strokes were designed to be more stimulating, some more relaxing, but all strokes went toward the heart to stimulate the circulation as well as lymphatic flow. (The lymphatic system of vessels extends through the entire body and is part of the immune system; the lymph nodes are filters that trap unwanted microorganisms and destroys them with lymphocytes, white blood cells). There are five basic strokes to Swedish massage, only two of which are required for home use:

Effleurage movements are strokes — which can be long or short, gentle or hard. Do them in an unhurried way, simply stroking in long, smooth movements.

Petrissage movements are more like the action of kneading dough. Although the whole hand is involved, the two thumbs work in a circular movement (right, clockwise; left, counter clockwise) and a fair amount of pressure is exerted — but not so much that any pain is felt. The movement is like a squeezing, rolling action, involving the thumbs and fingers more than anything else, but also the flat of the hand as it comes into contact with the skin.

The other movements are Vibrations, Frictions, and Tapotement, which should not be done without further information or instruction as they’re not that easy to perform correctly and may cause harm to the underlying organs. But using effleurage (stroking) and petrissage (the rolling, squeezing, kneading movement), carried out only on the muscles, is not harmful and can be done to anyone — even to oneself, to promote health and well-being.

Massage is a wonderful therapy because it relaxes, heals, and involves touch — itself a healing tool. There is one problem with it, however — it can be an excuse for people to exert power over others. Never jump up and say, “Oh, you’re so tense, I’m going to give you a shoulder massage” and impose your will on another person in this way. Okay, they may be tense, but this isn’t the approach to take. In a way, you’re saying, “Oh, you’re so tense and I’m not, I’m better at coping than you are, here let me show you what a selfless, caring, giving person I am.” All of which can make the person feel worse than they did to begin with! I can’t remember the number of times I have seen some poor person attacked by another in this way, imposing their will. The person being massaged sits there, even more tense, as the imposer pushes and pummels their already strained muscles, with the person (trying to be polite) saying, “Yes, that’s lovely, fine, yes, that’s it, now I’m okay, can you stop please,” just wishing the whole thing were over.

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