Benefits of Swedish and Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu and Swedish massage are probably the two best-known types of massage, but which one is right for you? Shiatsu is aimed at helping people feel better, energizing the body to fix problems within itself, while Swedish massages focuses more on relaxation and bringing the person being massaged to a calm and happy state.

Why Shiatsu

Originated in Japan and China, Shiatsu massage has been incredibly popular around the world for more than 50 years. Shiatsu means "finger pressure," and helps describe the technique used. Shiatsu massage therapists put pressure on different points of a person's body, along with rotating and stretching limbs, joints and specific focus areas of the body.

Shiatsu massage follows the Eastern belief in the medicine that the body can heal itself. Shiatsu massage is supposed to put the body in balance, so it can self-repair any injuries. Shiatsu is great for people with nagging aches and pains that can benefit from massage in key areas.

Why Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is seen more as a relaxation technique. Most massages people get at professional massage businesses or spas are Swedish massages. During the massage, the therapist will use light to medium pressure and massage the person in long and relaxed strokes.

The goal is to release endorphins into the body to make the person feel relaxed and happy. Most people that get Swedish massages immediately feel better following their treatment. While this type of massage is incredibly popular, it does not specifically target any types of injuries. It's primary focus is to release tension from the body, opposed to be a technique to repair injured muscles for instance.

Massages have a wide range of benefits and Shiatsu and Swedish massages are no exception. Both will leave the person getting the massage feeling better. It all depends on what time of treatment you enjoy getting. Swedish massage may be more relaxing, but Shiatsu massage can be rejuvenating and exhilarating.