How Is Thai Massage Different From Shiatsu?

Thai massage and shiatsu share many similarities, so it is no surprise that many certified therapists know both techniques. A lot of the historical detail behind Thai massage is lost or destroyed, but documentation shows it is thousands of years older than shiatsu. Shiatsu is more or less an offshoot of its predecessor that combines ancient beliefs with a 19th-century Western understanding of anatomy.

History

• Thai massage has its roots in Buddhism, which arrived in Thailand from India in the second or third century B.C. Taught in the monasteries of Thailand for centuries, Thai massage is an integral part of the religious system. Shiatsu developed in Japan after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Displeased with the ancient method of massage, the practitioners and innovators of this discipline developed shiatsu, which combines Western knowledge of anatomy, many aspects of Thai massage, and Buddhism.

Technique

• Thai massage has the nickname "Yoga for the lazy," due to all the stretching the therapist does for the receiver. Although shiatsu is similar to Thai massage with the method of stretching patients, the stretching is much more intense for Thai massage patients. Thai massage therapists commonly use most, or all of their weight to push, pull or stretch the patient's body. In many cases, people avoid receiving Thai massage because it looks very painful. Once finished with the correctly performed massage, however, the patient will likely feel calm, relaxed and collected.

Effects

• Shiatsu and Thai massage have many similarities in their effects. Understanding the main differences can help someone decide which practice is for them. Shiatsu, being less intense than Thai massage, reduces stress and relieves nausea and vomiting. Thai massage increases patient flexibility. Both practices relieve mental stress and anxiety, increase blood flow, and give the patient energy.

Theories and Speculation

• Practitioners believe Thai massage works on the major energy lines that run throughout the body. The goal of this is to harmonize the body so its natural energy can flow freely. Users also believe it unifies the recipient and the therapist as they transfer energies to each other throughout the rigorous massage. It is common for the caregiver to experience many of the benefits the recipient receives just by performing the massage.

Warning

• Only a certified professional should practice Thai massage. Performing, or attempting to perform a Thai massage on someone could result in serious injury. This more important for Thai massage than shiatsu because it is common to feel slight pain with Thai massage. With shiatsu, there should be no pain. If the recipient feels pain during a shiatsu session, the massage should stop.