Traditional Swedish Massage uses five main strokes, and many variations, to achieve its relaxing and healing effects.
 Effleurage is designed to acquaint the therapist with his or her subject’s body and vice versa.
 Petrissage attempts to increase circulation with clearing out toxins from muscle and nerve tissue.
 Friction breaks down adhesions, which are knots that result when muscle fibers bind together during the healing process, thus contributing to more flexible muscles and joints.
 Tapotement attempts to release tension and cramping from muscles in spasm.
 Vibration is particularly helpful to people suffering from low-back pain.