Chinese Massage Vs Swedish Massage | Which is Better?

Swedish massage and Chinese massage have different objectives and concentrate on different muscle connections within the body.

The key difference: Swedish massage focuses on promoting relaxation, stress relief, and improved circulation through gentle, long strokes and kneading motions. On the other hand, Chinese massage aims to balance the body’s energy flow (Qi) and promote overall wellness using various techniques such as acupressure, stretching, and joint mobilization.

Depending on the client’s condition and issue, Swedish massage may need constant, regular treatment and a variety of pressure. Chinese massage, in contrast, uses a more holistic perspective and can treat a wide range of conditions by using the body’s natural healing process to help heal the body.

In this article, we will explore the differences between Chinese and Swedish massages in depth that include the techniques, benefits, and aftercare. We will discuss which massage technique is best for you.

What Is the Difference Between Swedish and Chinese Massage?

1. Technique

Techniques used in chinese massage vs swedish massage

Let’s examine the different techniques used in both Chinese and Swedish Massage.

In Chinese massage, acupressure points, which are body-wide targets that can trigger physiological and biochemical responses, are used in this massage technique. A patient’s Qi is reworked as these changes are induced, aiding in their healing.

Chinese massage employs five primary methods:

Compression: Direct pressure is applied to a patient by pushing and twisting actions known as compression. This pressure can release knots in the muscles and ease stiffness. Furthermore, compression enhances blood circulation.
Friction: Friction uses a method similar to other types of massage. To realign muscles and release tension, it uses rubbing or gliding strokes. To warm up the muscles, massage therapists may rub the area in circular strokes to generate heat.
Vibration: To exert force, a therapist may rock, shake, or vibrate a region. This eases tension, enhances digestion, and clears stasis, allowing the Qi to flow properly once more.
Pinching and Grasping: The soft tissue will be the center of the therapist’s attention as they knead, pinch, and twist the area. This releases stress and promotes Qi flow via the meridians when applied to areas like the upper shoulders.
Joint manipulation: Joint manipulation, which focuses on the axis of body components like the shoulders and hips, entails tugging and turning motions to expand the joint range. Moreover, it encourages flexibility in the limbs and spine.

On the other hand, Swedish massage is more superficial and works primarily on the physiological aspects of your pain. Some refer to it as a classic massage. By relieving muscular tension, the approach seeks to encourage relaxation.

Swedish massage is kinder than deep tissue massage and is more suitable for those looking to unwind and relieve tension. Swedish massage may relax tense muscles brought on by regular activities like computer use or exercise. Those who frequently carry a lot of muscle tension may find it helpful.

During a Swedish massage, the following methods are employed:

Kneading
Effleurage – a long stroking movement that creates friction to warm up a muscle.
Joint movement
Circular movements

2. Convenience

Both Chinese and Swedish massage can be performed in the comfort of your own home or at a massage parlor. Swedish massage can also be done at your local spa.

If you want to get the most out of your relaxing treatment, it is best that you go to the place where your therapist works for your treatment.

3. Purpose and Benefits

Chinese Massage

The primary purpose of Chinese massage is to promote overall mental and physical health. Not only will this massage help with the physical pain you might have, it will also help promote your emotional support and better your mood.

The advantages of Chinese massages include:

An increase in blood flow
Improved emotional well-being
Improved ability to breathe
Quicker recovery from surgeries and injuries
Healthier Immune System
Increased cardiovascular fitness
Longer rounds of sleep
Improved balance
Improved organ performance
Increased energy levels

Chinese massage focuses on a patient’s energy, mental health, and physical health, whereas other massage techniques may provide some of the above advantages by realigning Qi flows. You come away from it feeling stronger mentally, emotionally, and physically balanced.

Swedish Massage

The main purpose of Swedish massage is to relieve muscle tension, increase lymphatic drainage and promote better blood flow to your muscles and organs. As an added bonus, the techniques used during this massage will promote overall relaxation of your mind, body, and soul.

Your heart may benefit from a Swedish massage. A massage therapist works on the body’s soft tissues and directs the strokes more toward the heart to increase blood flow.

Other benefits include the following:

It helps reduce symptoms of depression
It helps reduce stress and anxiety
Relieves pain and tension in the muscles
Increase nerve stimulation
Increases Dopamine, Serotonin, and Oxytocin in the body, which are your happy hormones.
Lymphatic drainage
Improves flexibility

4. Price

Price of chinese massage and swedish massage

A Chinese massage can cost between $80- $245 per session. Your sessions will be between 20 minutes to an hour.

A Swedish massage can cost between $40-$100 per hour. Your sessions can last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Packages are often available for you to buy, making your sessions cost less.

5. Frequency

I recommend having a Chinese massage once a month or every six weeks. This will help you maintain the benefits of the treatment. Remember that longer sessions will be able to treat your entire body. If you have specific needs, such as your neck area, you can ask for a session that works solely on that area.

I recommend a Swedish massage at least once a month or every two weeks. When you are feeling particularly stressed or tense, you can go for a session once a week. Because Swedish is not an invasive treatment, you can go twice a week in severe cases.

6. The Aftercare

Chinese Massage

You want to pay attention to how your body reacts after your massage. Is your body a bit tender? If the pain after your massage does not get better after 24 hours, you need to let your therapist know.

It is normal to release some emotions after your Chinese massage. When the blockages in your QI are released, emotions can run high. Let the emotions happen and tell your therapist which emotions came out. You will feel emotionally rejuvenated after you let it out.

Swedish Massage

After your Swedish massage, I often tell my clients to go home and rest. You can have a nice bath with Epsom salts which will help ease your aches and pains. Remember to drink a glass of water after an Epsom salt bath, as the salts will dehydrate you.

Stretching after a massage is essential to help realign your muscle fibers and improve your muscle recovery. It will help increase your flexibility as your muscles are already warm from your massage, so stretching will ensure you get the best benefits.

CHINESE VS SWEDISH MASSAGE [COMPARISON SUMMARY]

Massage type	Chinese Massage	Swedish Massage
Technique	In Chinese massage, acupressure points, which are body-wide targets that can trigger physiological and biochemical responses, are used in this massage technique.	Swedish massage is more superficial and works primarily on the physiological aspects of your pain. Some refer to it as a classic massage. By relieving muscular tension, the approach seeks to encourage relaxation
Purpose	The primary purpose of Chinese massage is to promote overall mental and physical health.	The main purpose of Swedish massage is to relieve muscle tension, increase lymphatic drainage and promote better blood flow to your muscles and organs.
Frequency	once a month or every six weeks	at least once a month or every two weeks
Convenience	At home or at a spa	At home or at a spa
Cost	$80- $245 per session	$40-$100 per hour

What’s Better for You? Swedish Massage Or Chinese?

Chinese massage is ideal for those who want to ensure their body works together. It is a more holistic treatment approach than Swedish massage, meaning other treatments, such as Acupressure and Reflexology, can be incorporated into your treatment session.

In my professional opinion, those suffering from chronic sinusitis, migraines, and battling to sleep at night should go for a Chinese massage, as this treatment is a better option for you than a Swedish massage.

Swedish massage is frequently used in conjunction with other therapies for diseases. Swedish massage has numerous physiological and psychological advantages. Those who struggle with health issues like edema, muscle tension, and persistent discomfort can benefit from Swedish massage. For those who are physically well and fit, it is also advised.

When my clients going through a difficult moment at work or in their personal lives, I advise Swedish massage. The massage will not only help them unwind physically, but it can also help them clear their minds and improve their mood, which will make it simpler for them to handle the demands of daily life.