When it comes to relieving muscle pain, tension, and knots, a deep tissue massage is the way to go. But if you're looking for overall health benefits, improved movements, and relief for your joints, Thai massage is the better option. The main difference between Thai massage and classic Western styles is the lack of equipment. While Swedish and deep tissue massages are performed on a massage table, Thai massages are done on a mat.
This allows for a greater range of motion for the customer, as they won't be lying on their back or stomach during the massage. The masseuse also gets an advantage from being on the floor instead of hunching over a table. During a Thai massage, the masseuse moves around and above the client to access different angles on every part of the body. They use their hands, fists, forearms, elbows, legs, and feet to knead back muscles and initiate deep stretches of the client's arms, legs, hips, and shoulders. Both Thai and Swedish massages can lower your resting heart rate, relax your muscles, and relieve back pain. Stretching is an important part of Thai massage that increases range of motion more than Swedish massage.
Both styles are beneficial to health and can reduce anxiety and improve mood. A Thai massage can be done on a mat on the floor in a room with a good view or even in a spa center or park path where tourists can sit in a chair and stay fully dressed. The word 'massage' has become synonymous with Swedish massage due to its popularity in the United States. During a Thai massage, the client may change position several times as performed by the masseuse. Both styles are beneficial to overall health and well-being as they relax the muscles and relieve back pain, allowing the body to recharge and feel full of energy. Thai massage was developed thousands of years ago in Thailand while Swedish massage was developed in 1812 at the University of Stockholm through dissection of cadavers.
Thai massage doesn't necessarily include essential oils or lotions so you can stay partially or fully clothed. In some cases, a Thai masseuse stands on the client's back using flexible feet instead of stiff forearms to knead back muscles. The masseuse knows what they're doing so you don't have to worry about stretching too much or hurting yourself unless you go to a low-end street massage shop where they either skip or don't do properly the part of the massage that includes changes in position. After trying Thai massage for myself I felt more relaxed, freer and more stretched than ever before.
