Involves systematically stroking, kneading and pressing the soft tissues of the entire body in order to induce a state of total relaxation. The receiver is naked, and oil is used to lubricate the skin. Hands flow continuously over broad areas of the body, whereas in shiatsu pressure on small areas or points is applied.
Named after a Swede, Per Henrik Ling, who developed Swedish massage at the beginning of the nineteenth century, from his knowledge of gymnastics, physiology and from Chinese, Egyptian, Greek and Roman techniques.

The Book of Massage (modified)