Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage uses a system of long gliding strokes, kneading, and friction techniques on the more superficial layers of muscles.  It usually goes in the direction of blood flow toward the heart because there's is an emphasis on stimulation the circulation of the blood through the soft tissues of the body.  Swedish can be a relatively Vigorous form of massage, sometimes with great deal of joint movement included. 

Swedish massage can:

relax muscles;   improve circulation without increasing heart load;   increase range of motion;   help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it;   relieve pain and discomfort associated with muscle tenison, fractures, sprains, sciatica, and stiff joints;   shorten recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes;   stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple;   and stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time relaxing the nerves themselves.