The difference between Holistic and Deep Tissue Massage.

Often I find clients asking what the difference is between Holistic Massage and Deep Tissue. Both treatments can effect you differently, emotionally and physically. Here you have both types of massage explained.
 
Holistic massage meaning whole, this type of massage is a light to medium pressure.
 
The meaning of holistic is the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of pain. The massage combines how you feel emotionally and physically. It helps relieve stress, reduce muscle tension and helps you connect to your spiritual side.
 
Studies show that holistic massage can reduce anxiety and can also help improve blood circulation issues. A 2013 study showed that a four week course of massage therapy reduced heart rate and blood pressure in people with hypertension.
 
Emotionally holistic massage can sometimes release emotion you have been holding in or struggling to let go of. Breathing through your massage can help shift emotional tension and helps the brain focus on forgetting your problems and focus on how relaxed you feel. You can completely switch off and enjoy your experience. We all need this from time to time and will seriously reap the benefits.
 
Each therapist will start the treatment by having a consultation with the client. They will ask a few questions, covering your medical history, lifestyle, what you’re looking to achieve with the therapy, and more. This is important with holistic massage in particular as tailoring the session to each individual is very important. The therapist will be working with you, possibly even communicating if the need arises. We ask things like “is the pressure okay, are you
comfortable’’ etc. The massage draws from a wide range of massage techniques. Therapists trained in holistic massage have typically been through a much wider training curriculum and have a lot of different skills to utilize. The core principles are similar to a Swedish massage. The goal is to improve circulation, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and work on any areas of tissue that need some attention. The therapist can put some added emphasis on creating a relaxing environment if working on a client’s emotional stability. We play relaxing music throughout the treatment and some therapist will burn different essential oils to help you fully relax into your treatment. Its normal to feel a little light headed after your treatment so we always advise you to take your time getting dressed and drink plenty of water. Hydration is key in helping flush out any toxins that have been released during your massage. Massage can take a toll on your energy levels at first and can also lead to your muscles feeling tired. That being said, once you have had a couple of sessions you should start to feel a natural energy like you have never felt before.
 
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage is best for giving attention to certain painful and stiff areas in your body. We use slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. Massage techniques we use to access multiple layers of the muscle and fascia to improve alignment, reduce levels of resting tension and helps improve posture. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage is therapeutic it relieves chronic pain and tension.
 
 
Here are a list of some of the benefits:

• Trapped muscles or nerves

• Release tension
• Sciatica
• Improve posture
• Prevents certain injuries
• Lower back pain
• Injury rehabilitation
• Limited mobility

 
The overall aim is to realign the muscles and release chronic muscle tension from ailments or injuries.
Deep tissue massage can be slightly uncomfortable at times, especially when the therapist is working on a knot in the muscle or a sensitive area that needs more attention. However, deep tissue massage should not be painful. 
After care is very important, we recommend drinking lots of water to help flush out anything that has been shifted.
 
Taking a bath with Epsom salts is great as it will also help draw out any toxins and the heat will help relax the muscles. Fatigue is to be expected and perhaps the feeling of tired muscles. Don’t over do it as the body needs plenty of time to readjust.
 
 
Summary
Holistic massage and deep tissue massage are popular forms of massage therapy. Although some of their techniques are similar, they differ in the amount of pressure that they involve and in their intended purpose.
Holistic massage helps promote circulation and relax the surface muscles also taking in mind the clients well being. Deep tissue massage works into the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to remove knots or chronic tension.
To find a massage session beneficial, people must choose the technique that best suits their needs. We will always be here at Solace to offer advice and help you choose what treatment suits your needs best.