Introduction to Swedish Massage: Basic Strokes, Draping and Effleurage

Best for

Beginners and massage students who want a clear, talking introduction to how a Swedish massage is set up and started.

What you'll learn

• Basic stroking and how the first contact is made
• How to drape a client properly with a sheet
• Skin rolling, with a short demonstration
• How oil is applied and how body position supports each stroke
• Effleurage and follow-through, plus care for your own wrists and elbows

Key moments

• 1:55 – Basic stroking
• 3:10 – How to drape
• 6:07 – Skin rolling demonstration
• 7:47 – Oil application
• 9:30 – Effleurage

Not ideal for

Viewers looking for a quiet, music-only massage to relax to, since this is a spoken lesson of almost 25 minutes.

This video is for relaxation and education, not medical advice. Stop if anything feels painful, and check with a professional if you have an injury or health condition.

Before you press play

If you plan to practise, have a firm surface, a large towel or sheet for draping and a little massage oil ready, and keep your movements slow and your pressure light. Watch the draping section first. Then see the strokes in action in our Swedish back massage basics video, or compare styles in Swedish vs Thai vs deep tissue massage.

Video by AIM Wellness Education on YouTube.