Swedish massage, can't go wrong,or can you?

Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best-known type of massage. If it's you're first time at the Spa or first massage then Swedish massage is a great place to start.

During Swedish massage, massage therapists use oils or lotions to facilitate smooth, gliding strokes called effleurage. Other classic Swedish massage moves include kneading, friction, stretching and (sometimes) tapping.

Feel free to state your preference for pressure during Swedish massage. It can range from light to firm. Swedish massage usually includes some deeper work on areas of specific muscle tension. If you want more intensive work and firmer pressure, get a deep tissue massage. Swedish tends to be very light, long, gentle,relaxing strokes.

Swedish massage was pioneered by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling, at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It was introduced to the U.S. in 1858 as "The Swedish Movement Cure."

Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports massage, deep tissue and aromatherapy massage.

If you have been reading my blogs this week hopefully you are discovering just what type of massage you might like best. Personally, I think nothing is more horrible then looking forward to a great massage and then finding it's not what you thought at all. Tell your therapist up front about any injuries past and present, say what you love the most like your feet or your legs and definitely tell your therapist if you like light, medium, firm or so deep that it almost hurts. These are questions every great massage therapist should ask but often times they will not and you need to speak up!!

You will notice on Le Reve's Spa Menu we do not list every type of massage. Our therapist are trained to give various types and based upon your needs and wants they will choose the best fit for you. You just need to choose how long. I strongly recommend 1 1/2 hours and I discourage a 30 minute massage. It's nice but almost cruel because your just getting in to it and it's over. Call today 805-564-2977 or book on line 24/7 www.le-reve.com

See you at the Spa, Shannon