Partially due to popularity in the United States, the word massage has became synonymous with Swedish massage. This massage style was developed in 1812 at the University of Stockholm through the dissection cadavers.
Swedish massage incorporates five major types of techniques: effleurage (gliding movements), petrissage (kneading movements), tapotement (gentle drumming or pounding movements), vibration, and friction.
Thai massage has been taught and practiced in Thailand for more than thousand years. The principles of Thai massage are based on the body’s energy paths. It is believed that disease is the results of blocked energy pathways associated with spiritual beliefs.
While Thai massage does include similar techniques as Swedish massage, it also embraces rigorous yoga-like stretches. In Thai massage the entire body is pushed, pressed, rocked, vibrated and rhythmically compressed by the therapist’s body—hands, feet, elbows, knees, forearms and shins. At times, the therapist can stand and sit on the client while realigning them to either internal or external alignments.
Despite the techniques, there are no significant differences in psychological or physiological reactions between Thai and Swedish massages. Both styles can lower the resting heart rate, relax muscles and relieve back pain. The inclusion of stretching in Thai massages may increase the range of motion more than Swedish massage. Both styles are beneficial to health and are known to reduce anxiety as well as to improve moods.
When receiving Thai massage you will be wearing comfortable clothes and laying on a padded mat on the floor.
Swedish massage is typically done on a massage table, with the recipient dressed down and covered with drapes.
If you would like to schedule a massage that is an infusion of Swedish and Thai massage, book an appointment at our school’s massage clinic.
We offer discounted massage appointments either for a 60 or 90 minute massage.
We are located in central Denver with easy access from I-25 and Speer Blvd.
For more information about massage at our student clinic click here.