SWEDISH BODY MASSAGE

Massage became popular in the West during the 19th century through the influence of the Swede Pir Hendrick Ling (1776-1839). Ling used knowledge of physiology to develop a system of treatment combining massage with physical exercise. This became known as Swedish Massage and the French terms he gave some movements are still used today. A sequence usually starts with effleurage, followed by petrissage, friction, vibrations, tapotement, and effleurage again and passive movements.