What is the Difference Between Shiatsu and Thai Massage?

shiatsu massage

A career as a massage therapist is an effective and meaningful way to help people who are dealing with chronic pain, stress, or recovering from an injury. However, in addition to helping people, many massage therapists choose this profession because of the flexibility it offers. Massage therapists enjoy their independence, because most practitioners learn a wide array of massage techniques like Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, Shiatsu and Thai massage. Another advantage is the wide range of work environments, including:

  • Home or Offices
  • Clinics and Hospitals
  • Hotels and Resorts
  • Fitness Centers and Spas
  • Sports Events and Teams
  • Cruise Lines

Why Do Clients Get Shiatsu and Thai Massage?

When the muscle and tissue of the body are massaged using Shiatsu and Thai massage, the pressure on the area slows and calms the nervous system. Plus, the heart rate and blood pressure are lowered. When there is less tension, and the body is relaxed, stress and pain are decreased. During Shiatsu and Thai massage, the calming or parasympathetic response in the body increases, causing less anxiety.

What is the Difference Between Shiatsu and Thai Massage?

There are many different massage techniques, two of which are Shiatsu and Thai massage. You may have wondered what the difference of these two massage techniques include. First let’s look at what is Shiatsu and Thai massage.

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a form of massage therapy that was originally practiced in Japan. The treatment is based on traditional medicine from Asia Pacific, combined with some Western medicine therapies. As a Shiatsu therapist, you will use the palms of your hands, fingers, and thumbs to apply pressure to various areas of the body to aid in correcting imbalances and relieving multiple painful conditions.

With Shiatsu, you apply pressure to increase the flow of energy throughout the client’s body and alleviate imbalances that cause pain and tension. In addition to relieving pain, anxiety, and stress, the treatments promote a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing. Shiatsu treatments can help to regulate the nervous system and improve the systems that control hormones, the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Among the conditions that Shiatsu is beneficial for are:

  • Bronchitis
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic Neck and Back Pain
  • Sciatica
  • Joint Pain
  • Sprains
  • Sinus Problems
  • Issues with Posture

Shiatsu can increase the natural painkillers in the body called endorphins. The treatments can reduce the heart rate and blood pressure to manageable levels.

Shiatsu is similar to physiotherapy, lymphatic drainage, and osteopathy. However, Shiatsu considers health problems as blockages in energy and imbalances in the body rather than a diagnosis of traditional health providers. Combined with acupressure and stretching exercises, Shiatsu can improve bone structure and muscle tone.

What is Thai Massage?

Thai Massage is one of the oldest alternative health therapies and dates back to the time of Buddha. The technique is said to have been created by Buddha’s personal physician. Thai massage provides a feeling of relaxation. The treatment can relieve tension and pain in the muscles and joints and relieve stress.

Thai Massage is usually administered with the client wearing a loose shirt and pants. The loose clothing offers a much more relaxing experience than clothes that restrict movement. You may use your hands, thumbs, knees, or elbows to apply pressure to various parts of the body. Rather than lying on a table, the client lies on the floor and is a more active participant in the treatment.

What is The Main Difference Between Shiatsu and Thai Massage?

A Shiatsu treatment primarily consists of applying pressure and manipulating the pressure points. Shiatsu uses palm and finger pressure on the meridians to balance the body, mind, and spirit.
However, Thai massage is similar in some way to yoga. It mobilizes, stretches, and pulls the client’s body to relieve tension and stress. Thai Massage is designed to make the energy points of the body accessible and combines acupressure, yoga movements, and stretches to balance the body.

Where Will You Learn Shiatsu and Thai Massage?

For a career in massage therapy, you must enroll in an accredited, vocational school program. Vocational training prepares you to work as a massage therapist by teaching you the skills you need. Training to work as a practitioner can be completed in less than a year. After passing the licensing exam, you are prepared for entry-level positions as a massage therapist. During the massage therapy program at Gwinnett College, you will learn how to determine the most effective treatment plan for each client.

Final Thoughts

A larger portion of the time spent in this problem includes clinical lab work so you will gain the skills you need to heal clients naturally by correcting imbalances in the body. Adding Shiatsu and Thai massage to your knowledge of massage therapy to help give a well-rounded treatment to your clients and help them relax, relieve pain and improve stress levels.

Want to Learn More?

Are you interested in learning more about starting a career in massage therapy? Upon graduation, Massage Therapy Program students will receive diplomas and be qualified to seek entry-level positions as clinical, medical, or deep tissue massage therapists in wellness clinics and centers, spa environments including resorts and franchises, and self-employment.

The massage therapy training diploma program consists of a well-planned sequence of courses, each preparing the college student for the more intensive information to follow. The school curriculum includes training to provide college students with scientific knowledge, manual skills, and business mastery to become a professional massage therapist.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a massage therapist today.