Just as French fries are not called French fries in France, Swedish massage therapy is not called such in Sweden where it is known as classic massage. If you want to get the same massage style in South Tampa, though, you better call it the way it is known here in all of 33629, which is Swedish massage. Your Tampa therapist will then know just what you want.
There is quite a controversy surrounding the origin of Swedish massage, as we call it, or classic massage, as the Swedes call it. Its origin is usually credited to the Swede medical doctor, physiologist and gymnastics teacher, Dr. Per Henrik Ling, while the French terms used to name its basic strokes are credited to a later Dutch practitioner, Dr. Johan Georg Mezger.
Some researchers argue that it was Dr. Mezger who actually originated what is known as Swedish massage today and that it had nothing to do with Dr. Ling’s techniques. The basic strokes of Swedish massage, they say, were not a part of Dr. Ling’s Swedish Gymnastic Movements nor was it in the curriculum of the Royal Central Gymnastic Institute which he founded in 1813.
Other researchers counter that Dr. Ling had based the treatments that were part of his Swedish Gymnastic Movements on the Chinese Tui Na, a type of bodywork using acupressure that is also part of martial arts training. He had learned it from a close Chinese friend who was a Tui Na practitioner and a martial arts expert. It was, therefore, not surprising that the body work up and healing technique used in martial arts in China was also used by Dr. Ling for his gymnastics training.
Actually, Dr. Ling’s Swedish Gymnastic Movements and his Royal Central Gymnastic Institute were not merely concerned with gymnastics as a sport. In fact, he had developed a system of gymnastics, exercises and maneuvers – including the basic strokes of what would later be called Swedish massage – as a cure for diseases. He was a member of the Swedish General Medical Association and his techniques came to be known as Swedish medical gymnastics.
Researchers who believe in Dr. Ling as the originator of Swedish massage point out that his system of clapping, knocking, stroking, kneading, pulling, shaking and vibrating are very similar to the basic techniques of Tui Na and are the same as the basic strokes of Swedish massage. They say that Dr. Mezger merely systematized and named these strokes in French. They are now called Effleurage for the long, gliding strokes, Petrissage for the muscle-lifting and kneading, Friction for the firm, deep, circular rubbing movements, Tapotement for the brisk tapping or percussive movements, and Vibration for the rapid shaking or vibrating of specific muscles.
Swedish massage is known to increase blood circulation without increasing the load on the heart, increasing oxygenation of the extremities and hastening detoxification by flushing out uric acid, lactic acid and other metabolic waste. This also shortens recovery time from trauma and muscular strain. At the same time, Swedish massage stretches tendons and ligaments and keeps them supple. It also stimulates the nervous system while soothing the nerves. It relaxes and reduces physical and emotional stress while invigorating and increasing energy. All these contribute to its efficacy in treating various diseases.
If you still haven’t experienced Swedish massage therapy, wouldn’t you want to have first hand knowledge of this massage style that is most popular worldwide? A professional massage therapist in South Tampa can provide not only Swedish massage but also deep tissue massage, sports massage or pregnancy massage for anyone in 33629, including Downtown Tampa, Hyde Park and Macdill AFB.
Article Source: http://theinternetadventure.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/its-called-swedish-massage-therapy-in-south-tampa-but-its-called-classic-massage-in-sweden-941370.html
About the Author
Massage Envy – South Tampa
Contact: Rachel Dunning
3830 W. Neptune St. C-2 Tampa, FL 33629
Work: (813) 251-3300
Email: rachel.dunning@massageenvy.com
Website: www.massageenvy.com
