Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage vs. Classic Thai Massage

Este Spa & Hammam in Birmingham has a wide variety of Far East and Classic massage styles available for relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic healing — you may have heard of some of them including: Balinese massage and Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, and even pregnancy massage. 

Besides Classic massage (e.g., hot stone, anti-cellulite, medical and sports massage) and Far East massage (e.g., Shiatsu, Banya Venik, and Ayurvedic Turkish massage) styles, the new Este Spa & Hammam Midlands location will feature both Moroccan and Turkish hammam treatments when the new Este Birmingham spa opens! 

‍What is the difference between Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage and Thai Fusion massage?

A Hawaiian Lomi Lomi full body massage is just as beneficial as a classic Thai massage, but they do have some differences which might be important to you when it comes to booking therapeutic spa time. 

Our Este Thai and Lomi Lomi bodywork treatments both fall into our Far East offerings — here’s the full list of Este Far East massages: 

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

‍Key Differences Between Lomi Lomi and Thai Massage.

‍Lomi Lomi massage originates from ancient Polynesia, the style took root in Hawaii and is considered by many to be a sacred practice. Traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi is distinguished by its rhythmic flowing strokes that gently rub and knead the body. 

‍Thai Fusion massage came by way of India and has ties to Buddhism; it’s an ancient therapy that dates back more than 2,500 years. Thai full body massage is distinguished by its bendy yoga-style technique, as the body’s core and limbs are actively pushed and pulled during treatment.

‍Lomi Lomi massage characteristics 

• Loving 
• Sensual 
• Gentle
• Tranquil 
• Smooth
• Calming 

‍Thai Fusion massage characteristics 

• Active 
• Energetic 
• Yoga
• Bendy
• Flexing 
• Mobility 

Much of the difference between Thai and Lomi Lomi have to do with the style, level of energy, and massage therapist technique. 

Overall, Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage is more passive and relaxed; it involves calming smooth therapeutic touching with gentle pressure. Thai Fusion is more active and energetic; the limbs will be stretched and bent to increase the maximum range of motion in the body. 

‍What Do Lomi Lomi and Thai Fusion Massage Have In Common? 

Massage therapy has a solid reputation for being able to alleviate aches and pains, help repair injuries, alleviate stress, and most importantly, provide individuals and couples with much needed relaxation time.

‍Here’s what these two distinctive styles have in common: 

• Full body relaxation  
• Pain relief
• Improve muscle tone, flexibility
• Reduce stress, anxiety 
• Improve blood circulation 
• Eliminate tension
• Improve sleep
• Stimulate lymphatic system 
• Boost immune system
• Better digestion

Lomi Lomi and Thai Fusion massage are both excellent forms of bodywork: they help the body and mind to relax, increase blood flow, and reduce tension. Clearly they both have their own special origin story and differ in treatment — it’s up to you to decide which massage style suits your health, skincare and beauty goals. 

On a side note, if you are looking for spa treatments that involve full body massage that target your skincare health, then you should definitely check out the skin and beauty benefits of Moroccan hammam and Turkish hammam!   

‍What Is A Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage? 

Lomi Lomi is a wonderful full body massage experience that leaves you feeling mellow and comforted inside and out. 

During a Lomi Lomi treatment a massage therapist will use the pressure of fingers, thumbs, arms and elbows to stimulate a healing environment for the body. Rhythmic flowing strokes are typically associated with the Lomi Lomi ‘loving hands’ style. During a Hawaiian massage you only need to focus on relaxing and giving in to a nurturing touch.   

Lomi Lomi full body massage is a totally soothing experience that calms the nervous system and promotes a tranquil mental state. Read more about our Este Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage. 

‍What Is A Thai Fusion Massage? 

Feel more energised and flexible after a Thai Fusion bodywork treatment. If you appreciate the benefits of yoga, you will love Thai massage! 

Thai Fusion is a deep, intensive massage treatment that keeps the body supple and flexible. Regular Thai massage will increase your flexibility, as this style of massage is more active than passive. During a treatment expect your massage therapist to actively pull your limbs and press into your core body from head to toe.

This style of massage has a reputation of being able to shift energy blockages in the body. Thai Fusion is a great treatment to improve posture (i.e., similar to yoga and pilates), and can help realign a body that sits or stands for long periods of time without movement.   

Your body will feel more supple and your posture will be improved with Thai Fusion techniques. This style of massage has fitness benefits; find out how our Este Thai massage will improve your range of motion and increase your mobility.   

‍How Can Massage Therapy Help Me? 

Whether you select Thai or Lomi Lomi, any form of gentle or active massage is healthy and therapeutic for your body and mind. 

There is proven medical evidence which supports therapeutic touch and body massage can help to:

• Lower blood pressure
• Boost the immune system
• Decrease the stress hormone cortisol
• Release feel-good endorphins that help reduce pain
• Reduce episodes of depression and irritability
• Relieve stress and tension

‍Health & Body Benefits Of Birmingham Este Spa & Hammam

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

We invite you to learn more about the benefits of hammam massage, including hammam foam massage, hammam hot scrub, as well as many other Moroccan and Turkish hammam advantages in our blog: 10 Hammam Health Benefits! 

More Este Spa Birmingham and Luxury Hammam UK updates coming soon.