For some people, massage may mean to get your body pressed at some points or just general kneading of the body. But few may know that there are many different kinds of massages, of which each offers a different purpose.
Thai massage and Swedish massage are kinds of massages. They both are very different in both their approach and philosophies. The differences between these two massages are listed below.
- The basic difference between these two massages is that Swedish Massage originates from the west while the Thai massage has an eastern origin, that too from India.
- A range of lotions and oils are used in Swedish massage to give a pampering and a calming effect to the client. The client is undressed and only covered with a cloth for the massage to be done. The massage is usually performed on a table where the client lies down with comfortable padding. In the case of Thai massage, the client can remain fully clothed, and no oils or lotions are used for the massage. The massage is usually performed on the floor on a mat.
- In a Swedish Massage, the basic techniques of massage are used which includes, kneading, rolling, gliding, stroking, shaking and pounding. Swedish massage is often called relaxing or the classical massage. It is to give a relaxing feeling to the client and reduce anxiety and overall pain of the body. Whereas Thai massage is mostly referred as the yoga for lazy people by the west. Thai massage may seem simple but it is almost like yoga, but in this, the client does not have to do anything. The body is stretched fully in Thai massage, and some pressure points are pressed. This massage also reduces anxiety and increases the blood circulation and reduces stress. Thai massage is a total healing massage, it loosens the taught muscles and relieves joint pain by putting pressure on the body. It used the technique of blocking and then releasing the blood flow from different parts of the body to improve blood circulation and leaving the client energized and relaxed.
- In Swedish massage, the client is required to stay in one position mostly and is the typical form of massage. While in a Thai massage the client is required to change positions often resulting in twisting and turning off the client a lot, so most people do not prefer to go for it. But all in all, a Thai massage is a spiritual massage that has healing powers, and in the end, the body feels free of pain and relaxed.