Like many travelers, I enjoy a good massage on vacation. But on a recent trip to Sweden, I had to experience Swedish Massage in its birthplace! As a massage therapist, I was fascinated to find how closely it mirrored what I learned in school—effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement, just as Per Henrik Ling, the founder of Swedish Gymnastics, intended.

Swedish Massage was originally part of a holistic system focused on movement and rehabilitation, designed to promote the oneness of mind and body. It wasn’t just about relaxation but about restoring mobility and circulation—a concept that still holds true today.

This experience deepened my appreciation for how massage and movement go hand in hand. Whether for recovery, fitness, or self-care, the principles of Swedish Massage remain relevant. Have you ever connected massage with exercise in your wellness routine?

Ashiatsu is a painless deep tissue massage intense enough to relax every fiber of your being. This unique form of barefoot deep tissue massage (which looks a bit like acrobatics from the sidelines) is perfect for athletic clients who prefer deep work. For $90, clients can try a 90-minute session of Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. Ashiatsu is available 7 am - 7 pm Monday through Saturday at 2020 Washington KCMO 64108.