This is the most frequently use technique of aroma therapy in the western world today. It origins date back to the Far East and the teachings and practices of ayurveda. The massage practices impressed a young Swedish doctor called Dr. Per Henrick Ling during his travels on the Asian continent. He continued his work upon his return to further develop, replicated and modify these techniques to better suit western philosophy.
His study of physiology, gymnastics and massage techniques were based on the ancient principles of Ayurveda and the various adoptions derived from Asia, Egypt and Greece.

All these variants have been practiced since ancient times by numerous cultures, but finally the Western world recognises this as a therapeutic massage affecting the individual and their well-being by affecting the nerves, muscles, glands and circulation promoting a healthy body.

He proposed numerous different strokes during a massage.

LIGHT EFFEURAGE - Gliding, Fanning, Tree branching, shingling etc.

Relaxes muscles (parasympathetic nervous system)
Relieves pain (Gate control theory, endorphins)
Increases arterial and capillary circulation
Increases vasodilation (slowing heart rate and blood pressure)

DEEP EFFEURAGE - Knuckling

Increases venous and lymphatic flow removing wastes, reducing edema
Improves nutritional status of tissues
Increases arterial and capillary circulation, bringing nutrients
Warms superficial tissue
Desquamation of dead skin
Relaxes muscles (parasympathetic nervous system)
Relieves pain (Gate control theory, endorphins)
Increases arterial and capillary circulation
Increases vasodilation (slowing heart rate and blood pressure)
Deeper muscle relaxation
Capillary dilation longer lasting

PETRISSAGE - Picking up, wringing, kneading, open C/closed C, alternating thumb, squeezing, lifting, skin rolling (lifting tissue away from underlying structures)

Stretches muscle fibers and stimulates muscle tone, broadens fibers
Breaks up adhesions
Increased circulation and waste elimination
Moves interstitial fluid
Slow-relaxes nervous system
Fast-stimulates NS
Increases glandular activity of skin
Increases peristalsis when done over abdomen
Affects proprioception

DIRECT PRESSURE FRICTION - Compression

Compresses and spreads tissue
Temporary ischemia
Mobilizes muscle/tendon junction
Reduces pain and spasm
Hyperemia
Increases peristalsis when done over abdomen

LINEAR OR CIRCULAR FRICTION

Breaks up adhesions
Assists in realigning scar tissue
Relaxes muscles by stimulating Golgi tendon reflex

HEAT RUB FRICTION

Heats skin
Warms tissue
Vasodilatation
Relaxes muscles

TAPOTEMENT - Tapping, Pincement, Slapping Hacking, Cupping, Beating, Pounding

Loosens mucus in thoracic cavity
Stimulates nervous system, muscles, vessels
Enhances muscle tone via contract-relax response
Increases circulation
Stimulates organs through low back
Increases gaseous exchange
Stimulates skin and glandular activity

FINE VIBRATION - Static or moving

sedates nervous system
reduces pain(gate theory)
relaxes muscle

COARSE VIBRATION - Static or moving- shaking firmly on the muscle.

Loosens ligaments Stimulates organs
Reduces muscle guarding
Rejuvenating tired muscles

JOSTLING/SHAKING

Increases synovial activity
Increases circulation
Stimulates organs
Reduces muscle guarding
Rejuvenating tired muscles

SWEDISH GYMNASTICS - Active free, active assisted, passive, resistive

Stretches muscles and ligaments
Increases circulation and nutrition
Increases waste elimination
Loosens adhesions
Increases ROM and flexibility
Stimulates NS
Increases blood pressure and temperature