At a glance
| Duration | 60 minutes standard |
|---|---|
| Price | 60 minutes · ask for today's price |
| Pressure | Light, medium or firm: your choice |
| Oil | Light, unscented |
| You wear | Disposable shorts we provide |
| Best for | First-timers, general relaxation |
What is Swedish massage?
Swedish massage is the style most people picture when they hear the word "massage". It was systematised in Europe in the nineteenth century and is now the foundation that most massage training starts from. It uses a light oil and five basic strokes, combined in a steady sequence over the whole body.
The five strokes behind every Swedish massage
- Effleurage: long, gliding strokes that spread the oil and warm the muscles.
- Petrissage: kneading and lifting, like working dough.
- Friction: small circles with the thumbs or fingertips on tighter spots.
- Tapotement: light, quick tapping with the edges of the hands.
- Vibration: gentle shaking to finish an area.
Light, medium or firm? You choose
Swedish massage is the most adjustable style on our menu. Most guests choose medium. If you want it lighter, choose relaxation massage; if you want sustained, intense pressure, choose deep tissue.
Swedish vs Kerala vs deep tissue
| Swedish | Kerala | Deep tissue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil | Light | Generous, warm | Moderate |
| Pace | Moderate | Slow | Slow |
| Good first massage? | Yes | Yes, if you like oil | Better as a second |
Traditionally used for vs what research generally supports
Swedish massage is one of the most studied styles. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) summarises research suggesting massage may help some kinds of pain in the short term and may reduce anxiety, while noting that more and better studies are needed. We treat it as what it is: a reliable, relaxing massage.
Is Swedish massage suitable for everyone?
Massage is not a medical treatment, and the team at Chameli Spa are massage therapists, not doctors. Please tell reception before you book, and your therapist before you start, if any of these apply:
- a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis, now or in the past, or you take blood-thinning medicine
- surgery, a fracture or a sprain in the last few weeks
- a fever, an infection, or broken, sunburnt or irritated skin
- a heart condition, uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes with nerve changes, or a recent injury you haven't had checked
- allergies to nuts, coconut, sesame or fragrance (we'll switch to a plain oil)
If in doubt, ask your doctor first. A good massage can wait a week; an aggravated injury takes longer.
Questions before you book
Is Swedish massage good for a first massage?
Yes. It's adjustable, familiar and uses a light oil, which makes it our usual suggestion for first-timers.
How much is a Swedish massage?
Sessions run 60 minutes as standard; message us on WhatsApp for today's price.
What's the difference between Swedish and deep tissue?
Swedish uses varied strokes at a pressure you choose; deep tissue uses slower, sustained pressure focused on specific tight areas.
Do I keep my underwear on?
We provide disposable shorts to wear during oil massages, and you're covered with a towel throughout.
Book your swedish massage
Sessions run 60 minutes as standard; message us on WhatsApp for today's price. Call or WhatsApp to check today's hours. Send a WhatsApp with the time you'd like and we'll confirm a room; calls are answered by reception.
Al Ittihad Street, near Falcon Towers, 2nd Floor, Al Rashidiya 2, Ajman, United Arab Emirates