Massage Therapy Matchup: Holistic versus Deep Tissue

Massage therapy is a common go-to solution whenever your body feels a bit sore, especially after a long and tiring day full of physical activities. It can also be the perfect option when you need some form of rest and relaxation to escape life’s daily stress and challenges. Other times, it can be a source of therapeutic remedy for chronic, concentrated, and even referred bodily aches and pains.

You might know for sure how each part of your body feels, but do you know exactly which massage technique is the right match for your needs? There may be days when you would simply need a holistic massage. But there are also times when a deep tissue sports massage is the best solution.

So, between a superb massage that is holistic and the best deep tissue massage, how do you know which one to choose?

Principle Behind the Massage

Let’s start off with the principle behind each of these two very different massage forms.

With a holistic massage (also called Holistic Massage Therapy or HMT), the massage aims to deliver your massage needs to address your entirety as a person. Healing is directed towards your body’s physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual aspects.

Here, you can get a full-body massage that literally gives you an overall rejuvenation. Your massage therapist can perform holistic massage upon your request or you can opt for massage chairs with a similar function like that of the Inada Nest.

So, what’s the catch with the other one?

Deep Tissue Massage (DTM), on the other hand, focuses on targeted areas and specific muscle groups. Basically, this kind of massage aims to reach the deeper layers of your body. Specifically, Deep Tissue Massage like the one delivered by massage chairs such as Synca JP1100, Luraco i7 Plus, and Panasonic MAJ7, is best applied to areas of your body where you feel chronic pain.

You can opt for a deep tissue massage if you have pain and limited movement brought about by muscular knots and adhesions. Also, similar to the sports program found in the Novo V2, Osaki Ekon, and Osaki Monarch massage chairs, deep tissue massage is also a source of relief for small muscle injuries.

Massage Performance

Now, let’s look at things this way.

When it comes to the movement and techniques performed, the ones used for holistic massage versus that of deep tissue massage also vary. Holistic massage is all about tapping into the various aspects of your being. The movements in this kind of massage are delivered in a manner that induces a feeling of bodily connectedness.

While firm pressure can also be applied to holistic massage, it certainly differs from deep tissue massage because this kind of massage therapy uses combined modalities of long and gliding strokes. Some squeezing and kneading movements are also notable as they promote overall blood circulation and better lymph node function via improved waste product (toxin) elimination.

Here's where the distinction lies.

Intense and focused pressure is common for deep tissue massage therapies as it aims to help alleviate discomfort in areas where you feel chronic pain. This kind of massage is directed not only on your body’s top surface muscles but also on the ones that lie unseen and underneath.

Movements of elbows and knuckles to create steady pressure are used to connect and establish contact with the deep muscle fibers of your body. There are also specific techniques used so that your muscles’ connecting tissues (or muscular fascia) get stretched and subsequently get cleared of knots and adhesions.

As the deep tissue massage progresses, you will feel gradual pressure and relief working its way layer by layer on your muscles. Contrary to popular belief, pain from deep tissue massage is not supposed to linger because the ultimate goal of this kind of massage therapy is to release chronic muscular pain and contractions.

Massage Results

Here’s another way to picture their difference – what can you expect from each massage? When it comes to their outcome, these two forms of massage therapies also produce distinct results.

Holistic massage therapies work on ridding your body of muscular tension due to the stresses of everyday life.

Meanwhile, the effectivity of deep tissue massage in reducing pain is reflected in some studies and randomized trials of patients with lower back and shoulder pain. Data from research papers like these show how deep tissue massage has a positive effect when it comes to pain reduction and even improved range of motion. Other conditions with chronic pain that are typically addressed with deep tissue massage therapy include Fibromyalgia, Plantar Fasciitis, and Frozen shoulder.

So which massage is right for you?

Now, for the bottom line.

All things considered, both holistic massage and deep tissue massage therapies offer distinct yet beneficial qualities for your varying soul healing needs. For overall natural health, stress relief and total body rejuvenation, go for holistic massage therapy. If, on the other hand, you want to be free of chronic pain and regain flexibility in your movements, then deep tissue massage may be right for you.