Swedish massage, or “therapeutic massage”, currently represents the Western standard for massage therapy. It is a general massage system that focuses on increasing circulation and promoting relaxation. Based on a Western approach to anatomy and physiology – rather than the predominant focus of Asian massage techniques on flow of energy within the body – Swedish massage incorporates five types of basic stroke: effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement and vibration.

Swedish massage is an expected modality for most spas around the world.