Swedish massage in Bandlaguda Jagir, Hyderabad

What Swedish massage is

Swedish massage is the technique most of the world now takes as standard. It was set down in nineteenth-century Europe as a handful of named movements, and a therapist trained in it still works through those same movements in sequence: long gliding strokes with warm oil, kneading and lifting of the muscle, circular friction with the thumbs, light rhythmic tapping, and gentle movement of the joints.

Compared with our other styles it sits in the middle. It is firmer and more structured than an aromatherapy massage, broader and lighter than deep tissue, and it uses oil, unlike Thai massage.

Who it suits

Anyone who wants a proper, recognisable massage without having to settle on a speciality first. Because the sequence is a known one, it is easy to say what you want: more time on the back, lighter on the legs, skip the tapping. Guests who travel and book massages in different cities often ask for Swedish for exactly that reason.

How the session works

Your therapist asks what pressure you like and where you want the time spent, then works through the sequence with warm oil. You change in private and lie under a towel or sheet, with only the area being worked on uncovered.

Say so if a particular movement does not suit you. The tapping in particular is one some guests enjoy and others would rather skip, and leaving it out changes nothing else about the session.

Questions about swedish massage

Other treatments

• Full body massage
• Deep tissue massage
• Balinese massage
• Aromatherapy massage
• Hot stone massage
• Thai massage
• Foot reflexology
• Couples massage
• Four hand massage