Swedish massage Versus Thai massage

By far the two most popular and beneficial massage techniques known all over the world are Swedish and Thai massages. Though most spas have both these massages on their menu, they are extremely diverse when it comes to techniques, benefits and procedure. Delving into them further let us tell you about these massages and how they differ…

The Swedish Style

Considered the most basic methods of massage in the west and is among the first styles of massage that new masseurs get to study. Developed by Henrik Ling in Sweden in the 1700s, Swedish massage particularly allows the body to absorb more oxygen, thereby rejuvenating the body. Swedish massage is also geared towards detoxification by increasing the speed by which the cells of the body eliminate their waste materials.

But more than this, Swedish massage brings to the receiver an immense feeling of satisfaction and relaxation. Swedish massage involves a combination of five basic strokes and concentrates on the muscles and connective tissues of the body for improved circulation, relaxation, pain relief, and an overall healthy being. The main principle of a Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins. Swedish massage helps a great deal when it comes to muscular strain as it flushes the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes and increases circulation without increasing heart load. The procedure or technique is extremely simple. It just has 5 basic strokes which begin with long, soft gliding strokes all over the body, then kneading of individual muscles followed by friction of hand and oil and lastly vibration of the hands on the individual’s body. It is a delicate and relaxing massage.

Benefits of the Swedish massage

1. Relax ones muscles
2. Improves circulation
3. Increase range of physical movement
4. Relief from pain and stress
5. Helps reduce discomfort if suffering from stiff joints, muscle tension, sprains.
6. Helps making ligaments and tendons supple and flexible
7. Energizes the nervous system
8. Enhances skin glow

Avoid :

• “If you’re suffering from fever, acute phlebitis, jaundice, diarrhea, varicose veins, vomiting, bleeding, or thrombosis.
• If you are suffering from heart problems or high blood pressure, avoid this massage on the abdomen
• Anyone with bruises or fractures should not massage the areas of injury
• Pregnant women should consult their doctors before undergoing this massage therapy.

The Thai Style

Practiced in Thailand for over 2,000 years, Thai massage works to clear energy blockages and restore balance and harmony to the body. “It has even earned the name "lazy man's yoga. Like yoga, Thai massage helps to strengthen the body and increase flexibility, while allowing the client to benefit from the relaxation and healing properties of massage. Thai massage is more energizing and rigorous as the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. It is more like an exercise than rubbing oils and getting a massage done. Many people say Thai massage is like doing yoga without any work. Muscle compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure are also used during treatment.

Contrary to the popular Swedish massage of the west, which focuses on the physical aspect of the body with the kneading of muscles, Thai massage addresses and combines techniques usually found isolated in the western physiotherapies including trigger point treatments, myofascial techniques, neuro-muscular therapy among others.

Benefits of the Thai massage

1. Helps detoxification
2. Boosts Immune System
3. Increases flexibility
4. Improves breathing
5. Improves posture
6. Helps back pain and arthritis
7. Helps toning the body
8. Slows aging
9. Prevents illness
10. Raises energy level and stamina

Avoid :

• If you are suffering from any of the following problems always avoid taking a Thai massage.
• If you have skin disease, rash, or open wounds
• Immediately after surgery
• Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
• Prone to blood clots.
• If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
• Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage.
• Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.