Swedish massage became popular in the West during the 19th century through the influence of the Swedish Masseur, Pir Henrik Ling. It is now one of the most commonly taught and well-known techniques in the world.
Naturally Envolved
Pir Henrick Ling, a fencing master and gymnastics teacher, opened his school of massage in Sweden in the early part of the 19th century the French terminology that is now so familiar became the standard as the system of Swedish massage travelled all over Europe. These French terms for the massage strokes that are used, such as effleurage, petrissage and tapotment, are still commonly used today.