Shiatsu or Thai massage — how they differ and which to choose
Both are performed on our massage table, in loose clothing and without oil — and that is where the similarity ends. Shiatsu presses point by point; Thai massage stretches the whole body.
If you want a massage without undressing and without oil, there are two routes on our menu: Japanese Shiatsu and classic Thai massage. From the doorway they look alike, but they do different things to the body. Here are the differences you actually feel.
Shiatsu in brief
Shiatsu massage is rhythmic pressure with thumbs, palms and elbows along traditional lines running through the back, neck, limbs and feet. Your therapist holds each point for a few seconds, leaning her body weight into it. The work is static and orderly: a point, a breath, a move to the next one. A 60-minute session costs 249 PLN.
Thai massage in brief
Classic Thai massage combines pressure along the sen lines with stretching in the style of passive yoga. Your therapist guides your arm, hip or leg into positions you would not reach on your own and holds them for a moment. Hence that feeling of being unfolded afterwards. A 60-minute session costs from 199 PLN, and we cover the background and history of the technique in a separate guide.
The key differences
| Feature | Shiatsu | Thai massage |
|---|---|---|
| Main tool | Static pressure, point by point | Pressure along lines plus stretching |
| Stretching | Gentle, at the end of each area | The core of the session, passive-yoga style |
| Pace | Slow and even | Variable — quiet stretches and clear openings |
| How you feel after | Heavier, settled | Lighter, unfolded |
| What you wear | Comfortable clothing, no oil | Comfortable clothing, no oil |
| 60 minutes | 249 PLN | from 199 PLN |
| For two, 60 minutes | 449 PLN for both | 389 PLN for both |
Full durations and prices are in the price list.
When to choose Shiatsu
When the tension sits in a few specific places — the neck, around the shoulder blades, the shoulders — and you want someone to work exactly there, without sweep and without stretching. Shiatsu also suits people who would rather lie still than be guided into positions, and those for whom oil and undressing are a barrier. What helps a body stiffened by desk work is laid out in our guide to massage for muscle tension.
When to choose Thai massage
When it is about range of movement and that stiff feeling after training or a long day in one position. The stretching covers whole areas at once, so the effect is broader rather than targeted. If you are after calm rather than intensity, go for its relaxing version.
Tell us when booking or on arrival where you feel the tension and what you expect — your therapist will match the technique and the pressure. You can also answer three questions in our massage matcher.
Frequently asked questions
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No. Shiatsu is performed in loose, comfortable clothing and without oil, on our massage table. The same goes for classic Thai massage.
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It is distributed differently. Shiatsu gives a strong sensation in one point, Thai massage across the whole area being stretched. We agree the pressure at the start and one word changes it mid-session.
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Both are a good first choice, because you stay clothed. If your tension is in specific spots, start with Shiatsu; if you feel generally stiff, start with Thai massage. We describe a first visit step by step in a separate article.
Ready for real relaxation?
Book Thai massage in Gdańsk (Zaspa) or Thai massage in Gdynia (Redłowo) at Tera Thai — authentic therapists from Asia, open daily 12:00–22:00, book online 24/7.
