Origins of Swedish Massage
Per Henrik Ling a fencing instructor came up with the concept and idea of a massage which was then named the “Swedish Massage”. The concept came about in the 1830’s when he suffered an elbow injury from fencing. He used a tapping (percussion) stroke on and around the injured area. It was reported that this action on the affected area cured the injury and he was able to return back to fencing. This led to the practice of a variety of pressures and techniques which became famous as the Swedish massage.
A Swedish massage is known as a basic massage which today many other massages are based upon. It was brought to the western world in the 1850’s by Dr. Charles and Dr. George Taylor. It has developed over the years and you will find your therapist will use a variety of Long gliding, Friction, Kneading, Tapping movements and Passive and active joint movement techniques.
About and Benefits of a Swedish Massage
A Swedish Massage is also commonly known as a traditional or classic massage and its main is pure relaxation.
This type is usually available as a 60 minute option but some masseurs may offer longer or may extend the time, just ask if you want this.
Firm but relaxing stokes and kneading with the right amount of pressure in the right places to relax your tired aching muscles and bring them, and you, back to life. Swedish Massage techniques also forms the basic actions of most of the other types of massage.
During this type of massage slightly firmer pressure will be applied to the parts of your body with more muscle, and then more gentle pressure to parts of the body where there are sensitive organs or skeletal areas. A good masseur will know the difference and when and where to apply.
If you’ve either never had a massage before, or straight or slightly bi-curious and intrigued about a male to male massage, a Swedish massage is a good starting point. It’s very tame, gentle, civilised and well within most people’s comfort zone. A Swedish Massage from a gay male masseur is great if you just want the firmer touch only a guy can offer.
A Swedish massage is a very safe therapy for relieving muscle tensions, aches, sports injuries and other side effects of tension and stress such as migraines and headaches. The physical benefits include:
– Muscles are loosened by stretching the surface tissue and muscle fibres
– Increase and aid circulation by aiding oxygen and blood flow in the muscles
– Aid in the care of your ligaments and tendons
– Relive Stress, both physical and emotional
– Increase relaxations and emotional well being
– Muscles spasms and cramps are relieved which decreases muscle fatigue
– Joints are loosened and can improve mobility
– Muscle strength is improved
– Nervous system adapts and calms
– Muscle and skin tone is firmer
– Improves the speed of healing injuries and illness
Swedish Massage Techniques
There are minimal side effects to a Swedish massage with the exception of after effect aches as muscle recover and injuries heal. Swedish massages have developed with the use of aromatherapy oils, heated stones and other techniques.
A Swedish massage is the starting point if you are new to massage and are affordable for the long term benefits to help you relax, improve circulation and recover from injuries. if you are looking for a 5 star gay male to male massage in Manchester then get booked in. We look forward to seeing you.
The Swedish massage is arguably the most common massage requested by clients. Although in Sweden, the Swedish massage is simply known as a massage. The primary goal of a Swedish massage is to put the body into a state of entire relaxation, which has a plethora of health benefits for both the body and the mind.
The technique used by practitioners of Swedish massage employs the use of the hands and fingers, slowly pushing pressure along the muscles in long, gliding strokes. The muscles are worked following the direction of the blood flow to the heart to increase circulation, soothe the muscles and induce the body and mind into a state of natural ease and relaxation.
Increasing or maintaining a light level of blood circulation throughout the body carries with it a multitude of health benefits. Increased blood flow raises the levels of oxygen that travels round the body which helps to prevent the development of diseases related to the heart. Symptoms of poor blood circulation include cold hands and feet, tingling or numbness in extremities, fatigue, loss of or poor memory, lack of ability to concentrate, digestive issues and the changing in the colour of the skin. If you think any of these symptoms apply to you, it might be the case that your circulation could need some encouragement, in which case a Swedish massage could be just the thing for you.
Swedish massage also eases muscular strain. We gather tension in our bodies when we feel stressed, or if we obtain an injury via vigorous exercise or failing to warm up our muscles adequately before we exercise. The methods used during massage warms up the muscles and loosens them which gives the body an alleviated feeling of relief and weightlessness. This makes massage the perfect thing to partake in if you’re feeling the aches and pains of everyday life, or if you’re feeling tight post exercise.
It is important that you communicate what you do and don’t feel comfortable with within the treatment room. Feeling relaxed and content in your surroundings will help you to ease into the massage process and get everything that you can from the experience. Each massage can be an entirely individual experience, what is right for your body might not be what is right for the body of the person who was lay on the massage table before you. Don’t be afraid to communicate what is comfortable for you to your massage therapist during your massage.
Massage is a common method for reducing stress and helping with the effects of depression. The idea of reducing stress in life is attractive to almost everyone. The lifted feeling that we get once the looming cloud of stressors fade away is as coveted as it is important to the maintenance of improved mental health. Many massage therapists believe that the skin to skin contact employed during the process of delivering a massage triggers the release of hormones in the human body that create the illusion of emotional connection. This improves the mood of the client and can aid in calming their mind.
The Swedish massage is such a valuable tool for both the maintenance and the improving of both bodily and mental health.
A Swedish massage is a full boy treatment with the exception of areas you request not to be touched. You will lie down on the massage table and be draped in a towel. Massage oil will be used to allow massage movements. Movements include:
Effleurage – gliding movement towards the heart, using the contours of the body using one or both palms of the hand. This will be the first technique your therapist will use as it allows the therapist to apply oil to the skin. This stroke I also great as it warms up the muscles, sets the nerves at ease, starts the relaxation process and improves blood circulation. It has also been found to improve heart function and lymphatic drainage.
Petrissage – this technique looks like kneading bread dough, it will involve squeezing, lifting and rolling the skin under or between the hands. Like the effleurage technique this also improves the blood circulation and muscle tension.
Friction – as the previous techniques focus on the surface of the skin/muscle, friction goes into the deeper tissue and muscles. This is the deepest pressure sued in a Swedish massage. Using the flat of the hand, thumbs, knuckles, fingers or back of the forearms pressure using the whole body is applied. This pressure is applied then slowly released. You will find that this movement will be a continuous sliding or circular motion.
Vibration – using the hands or fingers tips the therapist shakes the skin, the vibrations release muscle tension and the therapist will repeat this on small sections of the body especially face or the spine.
Tapotement – is a tapping or percussion rhythm on the skin, this stimulates and tones the skin. There are variation of tapotement like: cupping, hacking, pummelling. These can be very stimulating for some people and very intense for others. This technique needs to be used carefully not to over stimulate the nerves and muscles.
Swedish massage should be used as a therapy for injury, relaxation and illness with the consent of your doctor and advise given if you have any medical conditions. Always seek medical advice before booking your massage.
What to expect from a Swedish massage?
Before Your Swedish Massage?
As with all massages, it’s best not to arrive drunk, on drugs, just after a big meal or starving hungry. You want to be in that happy zone where nothing is bothering you and you can enjoy the massage to the fullest. And FYI, arrive on drugs or drunk and some masseurs may politely not give you the massage. best to check with your masseur.
Please try and be on time for your appointment. Try not to arrive more than 5 minutes early, if you want an earlier appointment. Message your masseur as they may be able to accommodate. This is for a number or reasons, firstly, your masseur may not at their studio unless they have a client so If you turn up too early they may not be there, and secondly, discretion is very important, and this insures that the only person you will see, and who will see you, is your masseur.
On the flip side, try not to be late, your appointment time starts at the time you book so you really don’t want to be stuck in traffic knowing your actually missing massage time. And if you are late please definitely let them know, most don’t mind waiting or even moving your appointment time if they have not got a booking after you, but if you’re more than 10 minutes late and they don’t hear from you it many be assumed your not coming.
As odd as this sounds, before your massage think about what you’re going to do after it, you may want to try and leave some free time afterwards, either so you can chill out a little and not have to rush off like man possessed, also if you have a little free time after and decide you want to extend your massage, you can do this if you’ve planned ahead. If your masseur has no appointments immediately after yours then its fine to ask in the massage if you want to extend the time a little.
At Your Swedish Massage
When you arrive, you will be greeted by your masseur.
At the start of your appointment we will take a moment to ask you about any medical conditions, any new or old injuries, and if you have had a massage before and make sure you know what to expect. Basically, make sure you are happy and comfortable, with this being a traditional Swedish massage and very tame in comparison or other types we offer, its unlikely you will not know but it’s nice to get to know you a make sure anyway.
There will be, of course, relaxing music that will also play for the duration of your massage. If the music type is not to your exact taste, don’t be afraid to politely say, it’s all about making it the most relaxing and comfortable experience for you. The massage room has a lamp and some candles for a thoroughly relaxing atmosphere.
You will then be given a little time to undress, and if you need a shower we have one of those too. Although it’s best to shower before you arrive so you are not using your massage time to shower.
With your underwear on or a towel over your modesty, you will be asked to lie on the massage table face down, your masseur will start on your back. (If you are leaving your underwear on, we recommend ones that will not stain or not your best jock or designer briefs. They may get a small amount of oil on.
The massage with be a whole-body massage with the exception of your feet, head and what’s under the towel. (if you want a FULL body massage try our naturist massage)
If you want to chat during your massage that’s fine, or if you want to be silent, relax, and contemplate the joys of life that’s cool too. Or you can do a little of both.
Once the massage has finished we will gently remove any excess oil and you can have a moment to centre yourself, and then, if you have to go back to work or on to something else, you can have a shower if you wish.
What to do after your Swedish
A good massage stimulates your lymph, circulation and flush out toxins. This is especially true in a good Swedish massage so to ensure your toxins get helped along their way, drink lots of water.
Don’t go stuffing your face on tons of food, or drink lots of alcohol or caffeine. It will stop you feeling bloated or dehydrated and make the chilled out feeling last longer.
Book Your Swedish Massage
Swedish vs Sensual Massage
Many guys who contact us for a massage always ask the question but what if I get aroused. Massage in any form will tend to lead to arousal but depending on the person giving the massage and how they are dressed or in fact how you are dressed, sets a stage for the massage.
If you visit an everyday sports masseur, therapeutic masseur or physio masseur then you pay for what you get and they tend not to lead to arousal. This is due to the nature of the massage.
In a Swedish massage you are either in underwear, asked to wear a pair of disposable pants or even naked with a decent towel hiding your modesty. This already has placed a barrier on the ideas that go through your head. Then you have the massage itself to contend with. Deep tissue where you bite down on the massage towel as the knots are beaten within an inch of their lives or very hard pressure is applied which makes you want to scream. Unless pain is an erotic turn on, then it safe to say that you won’t be aroused. Also, if the massage is given by a female masseuse and your gay, bi or curious then this might also stop you getting that little excited. As gay men we’ve both had a massage from a woman and we both can vouch that it wasn’t stimulating even with a sensual touch. But we all differ and this is down to you working out what creates your arousal and then deciding whether you need a Swedish or sensual.
Swedish massage is the basis of any massage. Work all the muscles up and down the body, focusing on deep tissue, stimulating circulation or working on a particular problem area. But this by no means doesn’t mean a sensual massage isn’t equally the same. The difference is that once the areas of the body have been massaged to relax the muscles, a sensual touch will be applied to help you relax further.
Depending on your masseur/masseuse will direct how the sensual touching is applied. One of the previous articles focused on choosing the right masseur, how many times to see your masseur, as this creates a relationship with them and you to allow you to fully relax.
Sensual touch works exactly like a deep tissue massage. When giving a deep tissue massage the masseur reacts to your reactions. When they hit a knot full on, your body reacts, they change and adapt the technique to focus on the knot. Sensual is exactly the same. Some guys react to their backs being touch sensitively, some react to the inner thigh, some react when the sensual touch is applied to their glutes and for some just the closeness of the masseur in relation to their face and body. Everyone is different. From experience and feedback, our clients come in with an open mind, as we the Adonis masseurs test your boundaries and then ensure we stimulate these in order to allow you to relax even more.
Sensual touch isn’t sexual touch but can have the same stimulating affects. Massaging the legs and inner thigh can be so stimulating that it can generate arousal and no sensual touch has been applied to your modesty. If you are relaxed and within your comfort zone you may find your masseur allows you to find over areas of your body you didn’t know you liked being touched or that created such an erotic sensation.
One more step, your masseur can help you relax quicker if they have some knowledge about you. When you arrive you can directly say, “Love my legs being massaged.” or “Can you work my upper back more!” are ways to show the masseur your sensitive areas without feeling awkward or embarrassed. At the end of the day a repeat massage prescription will allow you and your masseur to maximise the sensual touch.
At the end of the day if you get aroused, that’s part and part of the massage, it means the sensual touch has been spot on and you’ve relaxed and gone beyond your comfort zone. Enjoy your next massage and maybe move up to a naturist of deluxe to see the maximum benefits of sensual touch.