Swedish Massage and Shiatsu Massage
In massage therapy school, you will learn numerous bodywork techniques and styles. But probably two of the most important ones are Swedish massage and Shiatsu massage. By mastering these two fundamental techniques, it's relatively easy to branch off into other styles. Deep tissue massage, Thai massage, and even reflexology incorporate many of the basic features of Shiatsu and Swedish massage therapy.

What Is Swedish Massage Therapy?
If you've ever seen a sports film in which an athlete is receiving a fairly intense massage session, you've probably already seen what a Swedish massage looks like. Also called a Western massage or classic massage, the Swedish massage is essentially a full body massage technique that targets the major muscle groups. By kneading the myofascial tissue, a practitioner can help oxygenate the blood, reorient the different tendons and ligaments, and help reduce lactic acid build up in sore muscles. In the United States, the Swedish massage is probably the most popular massage therapy technique.

What Is Shiatsu Massage Therapy?
Shiatsu (also known as finger pressure massage) is a technique borrowed from ancient Japan. By targeting key areas on the body with fairly intense finger pressure, a practitioner can induce slight pain or discomfort that is quickly followed by myofascial release. The general idea is very similar to the Swedish massage, but with Shiatsu massage, pressure is more localized since the massage therapist uses fingers instead of the entire hand. This particular massage therapy technique is extremely effective if the patient is already suffering from sore muscles and general pain or fatigue.