swedish v holistic

[Awesome Uber]

As someone who is new to massage therapy, which of the two would be best and what is the difference?

Thanks

 

[Crikey a Wild Ski Bum]

Why not remedial massage?

That's what i'd go for!

 

[Team Captain]

There isn't any difference that I'm aware of.

 

[Shadow hunter]

There is no difference between the 2.

Myarka

 

[WILNA S]

Swedish is an actual massage technique

Holistic is treating the 'whole' person but not getting anywhere near their a*se or thighs

I usually go for the Swolistic Lomi Luna 5 hand reverse massage with extra backflips and thrunge work (on Sundays).

 

[hobojo]

We do Holistic and have adapted to include the buttocks and thighs as necessary. Holistic is supposed to treat mind, body and spirit but body is where the training is focused!

 

[plabeWede]

 

[LexQ]

Hi

Calling Swedish style massage "holistic" is silly and just another marketing scheme. Any form of therapy whether it is complementary or orthodox has the potential of being holistic with the right intent, ie taking the overall physical, psychological, environmental, spiritual etc wellbeing into consideration. Most "holistic" massage courses are just Swedish style body massage with the use of a oily/creamy/powdery medium. It's just a technique that is taught. So unless the tutor and the students have a broader vision of health and vitality, I question these courses are that "holistic".

As a very good friend of mine who is a community nurse said cheekily to me once, "I'm a holistic therapist, I use the holistic approach in my work, therefore I'm a holistic therapist!"

Said of course tongue-in-cheek, but she has a valid point, it's the attitude and approach of the practitioner whether nurse, massage therapist or otherwise, that is important.

Going back to massage. Of my experience of exploring many massage therapies (either as a punter or to train in) to me three particular techniques show up as highly holistic based on traditional paradigms are: Thai Yoga Massage, Lomi Lomi Massage, and Shiatsu, where the principles of body, mind and energy/spirit are integrated.

Not saying that these are the only three, heaven forbide, but using them purely is an illustration for the questioning the term "holistic massage", which is based on modern anatomy & physiology ideas and Swedish style rubbing (derived from Chinese An-Mo massage).

RP

 

[kdevnucgipdiejeht]

Totally agree. To give a 'holistic' treatment the receiver has to be actively involved. Both giver and receiver work with common intent towards an agreed outcome. This may be physical, emotional, spiritual or an combination. I know of no basic Swedish or Holistic course that teaches this most important area. This is why continued training and development is so essential.

By the way, as well as covering this area of healing at a very deep level, NO HANDS Massage also protects a therapists very vulnerable hands and wrists.

 

[Shiloh]

Hi Bodywork

Since you have mentioned No-Hands massage, a colleague has this year studied levels 1&2 and has practiced on me. In the feedback I gave back, I said to her that is what I expected from a "holistic" massage not what is usually taught on "holistic" massage courses. Then I remembered she teaches ITEC "holistic" massage, oops! She took it well I think :-S

Best Wishes

RP

 

[Downtide]

We all know that even within the ITEC & VCTC courses the tutors vary dramatically. Lets hope she is one of the enlighten few who 'go that extra mile' rather than just stick to the basic syllabus.

 

[xieybupwixiisweht]

Hey Reiki Pixie!

You certainly get about on here! How's life?

In retrospect, I feel the ITEC Swedish or Holistic course, whatever it is branded as, is best dispensed with as quickly as possible. Move into some proper bodywork quick! If I would have continued practicing Swedish massage I would have gone crazy - been bored senseless and no doubt stopped doing it

I found it to be an entry into working with the body, and a pleasant one, but nonetheless a very limited one. I have met people who have been doing just swedish massage for 20 years plus....AARRGGHHH

Oh thats another thing - the swedish and holistic schools are sooo repressed about massaging buttocks and general nakedness. I've heard of people being mummified (with literal restricted breathing) in towels by female therapists obsessed with towel technique!!


J

 

[blackbluelove]

I use the phrase "Massage using Swedish techniques" I still get asked about pigtails and being topless, morons lol