whats the difference between a swedish massage and aromatherapy massage?

[bellhart]

I want to get my mom a massage for mothers day and they offer a swedish massage and an aromatherapy massage. I never go to the spa so whats the difference between the two?

 

[rossmass]

Hi Bellhart,

In my opinion that depends on what type of oil you are using. But I will try to break it down for you.

I am a Sweden and running a massage studio. "Swedish massage" is in fact referred "Classical massage" in the rest of the world except for US, Canada, UK, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria and... Hungary! (not even all of Scandinavia) In other words - the English or Germanic speaking countries.
Swedish or AKA Classical are using the technique of stroking five styles, which are; effleurage (slid/glid), petrissage (knead), tapotement (rythm), friction (like crossing muscle fibers) and vibration. The massage helps to reduce pain, stiffness in the joints and general muscular improvements.
It was coined by a man in the 19th century I believe, but in fact the technique stems back to Johann Mezger.

Aromatherapy is more focused on using different therapeutic oil. Many therapists from south-east Asia use this technique and calls is "Swedish massage" because thats what the majority knows it for.

Hope it helped!

//Rosita
www.rositasmassage.com