Difference Between Swedish and Balinese Massage

Massage has a long and wonderful reputation for being able to alleviate aches and pains, help repair injuries, alleviate stress, and most importantly, provide individuals and couples with some much needed relaxation time. There are perhaps over 100 or more different types of massage available around the world, each with its own unique characteristics.

At our new West Midlands Este Spa & Hammam, we have gathered together the best of the best bodywork styles to create an all-inclusive luxury spa massage menu which includes Moroccan hammam and Turkish hammam massage, as well as seven Far East massage styles and 10 Classic modalities of massage. 

To better understand why Este has these two unique massage categories — Far East and Classic — let’s take a look at two popular styles from each category: Balinese and Swedish massage. 

‍What is the difference between Swedish and Balinese massage?

Both Balinese and Swedish massage are excellent forms of bodywork; they both help the body and mind to relax, increase blood flow, and reduce tension. Obviously they both have a unique origin story and differ in their treatment styles. 

‍Swedish massage tends to be better known because of its quintessential ‘hand chop’ technique — it’s practically Scandinavia's most famous export besides ABBA!

Balinese massage is also immensely popular in elite spas around the world because it is the ultimate body-balancer; this massage technique combines a mix of acupressure, reflexology, and aromatherapy. 

Before you decide which style is best suited for you, let’s have a deeper look into what makes Balinese and Swedish massage so special and renowned. 

‍What is a Swedish massage?

Here are the key facts you need to know about classic Swedish massage. It is an active yet gentle treatment characterized by massage motions that chop, tap, knead and roll the upper layer of muscles. This soft tissue therapeutic massage treatment helps to release muscle tension through gentle chopping, kneading, tapping and rolling massage movements. It targets the uppermost layer of muscle to boost circulation and soften connective tissue. This is an ideal massage if you want to energize your body and boost your health. 

Swedish massage helps to elongate the muscles, open the joints and decrease inflammation; flexibility is increased, resulting in a better range of movement. This style of bodywork is ideal for the lower back, shoulders and neck. 

‍Swedish massage benefits include:

• Deep relaxation 
• Relieve tension and stress
• Improve muscle tone and flexibility
• Increase blood flow
• Improve overall health and wellbeing

Swedish massage is considered one of the ‘classics’ in the canon of healing and restorative massage modalities. Find out what other Classic massage treatments are on offer at Este Spa & Hammam Birmingham UK.   

‍What is a Balinese massage?

Discover how to balance out your body the Balinese way; here’s a short history of Balinese massage and its numerous benefits. This style of Far East massage comes from traditional Indonesian massage that originates from the island of Bali. It combines acupressure, reflexology, and aromatherapy to increase blood and oxygen circulation. Balinese massage gets at knotted muscles and achy joints, and has been reported to ease migraines, improve sleep and breathing issues. 

Balinese massage is associated with Ayurveda holistic practices that bring the body into balance — Balinese bodywork helps to generate positive feelings and calmness.  

‍Balinese massage benefits:

• Soothe tired sore muscles
• Improve circulation
• Reduce stress and anxiety 
• Improve sleep and reduce tension
• Total body and mind relaxation  

Balinese massage is one of the many Far East traditional massages we offer at our new hammam spa UK. Take a look at our Este Birmingham massage menu for more details about other Far East bodywork treatments including Shiatsu Japanese massage, Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage, and Ayurvedic Turkish massage. 

‍Can Massage Help Me Feel Better? 

Yes, at Este Medical Group we feel strongly that massage is for life! It’s not surprising that many doctors and therapists recommend soft tissue bodywork as part of an integrative health and wellness plan for individuals and couples. 

Many of our Este Classic modalities of massage target specific health concerns, like our Deep Tissue and Stress Relief massages. For instance, our Sports massage is customised to manage and alleviate musculoskeletal tension and pain, as well as prevent injury. 

‍Massage Elements and Benefits Of Hammam 

Another amazing way to experience massage is during a Moroccan or Turkish hammam spa day! Both our Turkish and Moroccan hammam Birmingham treatments include many therapeutic bodywork elements like hammam foam massage and hammam hot scrub. A hammam spa Turkish bath traditionally involves a head to toe exfoliating body scrub, which is ideal for lymphatic drainage and increasing blood flow. A Turkish bubble wash gently massages the body from head to toe also, but instead of an invigorating scrub the body experiences a gentle and relaxing sensory journey (much like an aromatherapy massage!). 

For better overall health, relaxation, and stress reduction nothing works better than massage therapy. It covers so many concerns from pain management to tension and anxiety relief. Take a moment to discover which massage treatment might be the right one for you! 

‍Here’s our full list of fabulous Este Spa & Hammam massage treatments for 2023! 

‍Alongside Moroccan & Turkish hammam, the new spa will have an enchanting selection of Far East massage treatments including: 

• Balinese
• Thai Fusion
• Shiatsu
• Shiro Abhyanga
• Lomi Lomi
• Banya Venik
• Ayurvedic Turkish

‍Here’s all our Este Medical Group popular massage Classics:  

• Swedish
• Aromatherapy
• Deep Tissue
• Medical Massage
• Sports
• Anti-Cellulite
• Focus
• Hot Stone
• Pregnancy 

‍What To Expect at Este Spa & Hammam UK

Este Medical Group is thrilled to bring the hammam day spa experience to the UK in 2023! Este Spa & Hammam will offer both Moroccan and Turkish hammam spa services, plus an outstanding selection of Classic and Far East bodywork treatments. 

The new Este West Midlands spa facility will be located on Hagley Road in the historically rich and prestigious neighbourhood of Edgbaston. It is expected to be one of the biggest spas in the country; the beauty and wellness complex will feature 30 clinic rooms and 30 spa rooms as well as hammam steam room facilities. 

More Este Birmingham updates coming soon.