What's the difference between all these massages?

All massages have some things in common but the specifics vary depending on whether you're having a Swedish, Thai or aromatherapy massage.

All massages work on the basis of touch and stroking of the skin to soothe muscles. However, the specific strokes and intentions of each one - the "how" and "what for" if you like - vary according to various factors, including the place in the world the massage originated.

A Swedish massage is often called a "classic" or "relaxation" massage as it combines all five of the basic massage strokes and it generally leaves people very relaxed. A Swedish massage requires you to lie still most of the time whilst the masseuse moves around you.

A Thai massage is often described as "lazy yoga". Whilst it includes many of the same strokes as a Swedish massage, it also incorporates assisted stretches to really stretch and loosen tightened muscles and relieve joints. It also differs from Swedish massage in that it works along pressure points on your energy paths and, as such, leaves you feeling a strange and wonderful combination of relaxed and energised.

Shiatsu also works on the basis of pressure points and energy paths. It is probably easiest to think of it as the massage version of acupuncture. Shiatsu is a more medical-style discipline and can be used to address specific muscular and joint pains. Want to know more? Have a look at these articles!

 


See also:

* I spend all day on my computer. My neck is permanently stiff. Will a massage help?

* If I have an "all body" massage, will it literally be my whole body?

* I like a really firm massage. How can I make sure I get one?