It has been said that Thai massage has a slightly more healing effect than Swedish massage, which focuses more on relaxation. The main difference between the two is the lack of equipment used. While Swedish and deep tissue massages are performed on a massage table, Thai massages are performed on a mat. This allows for a fuller range of motion, which is beneficial.
Unlike Western massage styles, you won't just be lying on your back or stomach when you get a Thai massage. Neither will your masseuse, who gets an even greater advantage by being on the floor rather than hunched over a table. During a Thai massage, the masseuse moves around and above the client to access a wider range of angles in each part of the body, even in cases where the client is much larger than the masseuse. Instead of using only the hands, fists, forearms and elbows, the Swedish masseuse's usual tools, the Thai masseuse can generally use her legs and feet during the massage.
They often use a combination of both to gain an advantage by starting deep stretches of the client's arms, legs, hips and shoulders. Thai massage incorporates stretches similar to yoga to reduce stress and improve circulation. Gradual, gentle stretching will improve a person's flexibility over time, allowing for a greater range of motion. It's difficult to say which massage is better as both Thai and deep tissue massage have many amazing health benefits. It really depends on what therapy best suits your condition.
For example, if you've had problems with muscle pain, tension, and knots, a deep tissue massage is ideal. However, for your overall health, improved movement and joint relief, including other benefits, Thai massage is the way to go. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to relieve muscle and joint tension in the body. Thai massage incorporates this but goes further as it also aims to promote inner peace and tranquility. Eastern philosophy attaches great importance to the strong connection between mind and body, and the Thai system works to relax the mind by relaxing the body.
Research shows that a calm and peaceful state of mind helps to relax the body and treat physical problems and accelerate recovery. Before starting a massage, a Thai massage therapist usually begins with a prayer that allows them to clearly focus on the client's needs and maximize the relaxation and healing that the massage produces. The results revealed that Thai massage increased energy and mental stimulation while Swedish massage was more likely to improve relaxation and sleep. So now that we know what some of the differences are between Thai massage and deep tissue massage, what are their benefits? As always it's important to tell your massage therapist about any discomfort or pain you're feeling and when they occur. A Thai massage focuses more on various movements, stretches similar to yoga and in many cases the masseuse will stand on her back and use her feet to apply additional pressure to target areas. This shouldn't cause pain or discomfort but if it does then let your therapist know. For example in some cases a Thai masseuse stands on the client's back and uses flexible feet instead of stiff forearms to knead the back muscles.
Sufficient stretching is required during a typical Thai massage which is jokingly called Lazy Man's Yoga. Sports massage combines assisted stretching and various massage techniques to treat sports injuries and improve an athlete's range of motion. To increase energy flow through the senses your Thai masseuse will move your body in a wide variety of different yoga-like poses while pulling and balancing your body in various ways. People with certain health conditions such as cancer or cardiovascular disease those who are pregnant or have just undergone surgery should not receive a Thai massage as it could pose health risks.
