Swedish Massage vs Thai Massage
Not all massages are created equally, but before you can learn the similarities and differences between Swedish and Thai massage, it helps to first know what a massage is in general.
Massage is a healing practice, one that involves a therapist kneading and rubbing your body using their hands. Varying degrees of pressure applied to your joints and muscles ideally soothes your physical pain and tension.
What Is a Swedish Massage?
Two very popular types of massage are the Swedish and Thai styles. They each have their own benefits and drawbacks.
Swedish massage is a full-body kind of massage. This gentle style is good for managing minor levels of pain, people who have never had massages before, and those just wanting to relax. Swedish massage sessions usually run from an hour to an hour and a half, and you'll be in various stages of undress.
Who it is for?
Swedish massage sessions work well for people who are sensitive to the touch. It's also very effective for anyone with a lot of tension in their body.
What Is Thai Massage?
Conversely, Thai massage is far more active. Your massage therapist won't just massage your body but also stretch it. You keep your clothes on at all times during Thai massage.
Who it is for?
Thai massage works well for anyone looking to relieve their pain and stress, with the aim of reducing or even eliminating it. This kind of massage is effective in improving your overall energy levels, circulation, and flexibility.
Swedish vs Thai Massage: Techniques
The techniques in each style are rather different. In the Swedish massage style, your therapist will use a combination of up to five different techniques. These include kneading and long, flowing strokes, typically in the direction towards your heart. They might also do vibration and tapping, deep circular motions, and passive joint-movement techniques.
Swedish massage is a result of what the Western world has learned about anatomy and physiology. The focus is on relaxation and healing. Lotions and oils are often employed to relax the skin and help the message be more effective. Due to that, clients are often naked under a towel or sheet or just in their underwear.
Thai massage, on the other hand, works the whole body using sequential movements, not unlike a yoga class. Your therapist uses their fingers and palms to apply firm levels of pressure to your entire body. You should wear loose and comfortable clothing since you'll be twisted and stretched into different positions for an hour or so.
Eastern understandings of anatomy are the background for Thai massage. Even though a number of techniques are identical or similar, in the Thai system, there is also the use of acupressure points for relieving tension. Another technique is using pressure to block blood flow in particular body parts for a few seconds because upon release, the new blood flow improves the massage effect.
Swedish vs Thai Massage: Pressure and Positions
The positioning you undergo as the client is one of the broader differences between the two styles. In the Swedish style, you'll undress as much as you are comfortable with and then lie on a massage table under a sheet. Depending on your preference or the part of the massage, you'll either be face up or face down.
You might have to flip over once or twice in a Swedish massage, but in a Thai session, you'll wind up changing positions many times. This lets the therapist focus specifically on particular areas so the massage is more effective. Thai massage doesn't rely on lotions and oils, so remaining clothed is often recommended. even though you'll be in a number of positions, you don't need to work at it. Thai massage has earned the nickname of 'lazy yoga'.
Swedish vs Thai Massage: Benefits
Each system has its own benefits. Both are adept at the relief of joint and muscle tension within your body, but Thai massage goes further by also including the mind-body connection. Hopefully, you'll leave a Thai session with mental peace of mind, at least for a while.
Consider a Swedish massage if you really just want to relax a bit, if you're okay with levels of nudity, are new to massage, want something gentle, or just love oiled massage therapy. If your physical flexibility is lacking to some degree, then Swedish massage might be right up your alley.
Thai massage is something to try if you want full-body treatment instead of just relaxation. Try it to boost your energy levels and overall health. It's great for those who like to keep their clothes on or don't prefer oiled massages.
Swedish vs Thai Massage: How to Prepare for a Session?
Preparing for a massage has a number of steps identical to both styles. First of all, relax your body and mind as much as you can. Try to get there early, even, in case they have a quiet room before your appointment.
Also, don't eat heavily before an appointment. A light meal should be at least an hour before your session so our stomach can be done before the postures. Give your eyes and ears a similar break by shutting off your phone.
Home stretching can help you start the pain reduction before your session, and drinking tea or water will help speed up the flushing of toxins that inevitably get released during the poses and strokes.
One major difference in how you get ready for each massage is with the clothes you wear. While you'll be mostly or even totally undressed for a Swedish massage, your body will be oiled up pretty good when it's done. The commonly used oils don't stain or leave residue behind, but you might want to avoid wearing clothes that are particularly nice anyway. At the least, wear something that will be easy to put on when you get off the table.
Conversely, plan to be dressed for a Thai session. Wear something comfortable that will also protect your modesty from a number of different angles. If you have clothes you wear for yoga, those would be a great choice, provided that they're fresh and clean.
While you might want a warm shower after a Swedish massage to get the oil off your skin, it's a good idea to shower before either kind of massage. Your therapist will appreciate it.
Also, try to schedule either for a day or afternoon off from work. Heading into your job after a massage can waste the afterglow. You will appreciate it.
