Old Estonian Massage in Tallinn

Old Estonian Massage is a holistic massage based on the principles of native Estonian folk medicine — combining modern knowledge and the client's needs with the unique rhythm and style of traditional Estonian massage.

Price
45 min45 €
60 min60 €
90 min80 €
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Old Estonian Massage, also known as soonetasumine

An effective massage from Estonian heritage that works through the body thoroughly and helps keep the body in balance

Old Estonian Massage, known as soonetasumine, is a way of working through the body that comes from Estonian heritage. In the past, massage knowledge was passed down within families, and different parts of Estonia had their own way of doing it — in southern Estonia it was known as soonetasumine (“sooned” meaning muscles), while on the island of Saaremaa it was known as mudimine.

Although massage was once done differently from place to place, today’s Old Estonian Massage has a recognisably distinct style, a unique rhythm, and a very effective way of working the body. It’s a massage that’s caring, yet on the firmer side, working through the body thoroughly.

Old Estonian Massage is recommended for the following conditions:

  • Chronic muscle tension and muscle soreness
  • Stiffness in the back, neck, and shoulders
  • A mildly irritated nervous system, stress
  • Fatigue from mental work
  • Slowed bowel peristalsis
  • Body posture issues
  • Tension headaches
  • Recovery after intense training or a sports competition
  • Reduced joint mobility
Old Estonian Massage in nature — massage therapist massaging a client's back, Old Estonian Massage in Tallinn at Osso Massage

How is Old Estonian Massage done at Osso Massage?

Like most folk remedies from colder regions, Old Estonian Massage is also done through light, thin clothing and on a mat. This sets soonetasumine apart from classical oil massage and gives the therapist the freedom to use a wider range of techniques.

The body is treated as a whole — for example, a client complaining of shoulder pain will also have tension released from the legs and glutes, since tension in one part of the body always affects others.

Woman in a grain field dreaming of an Old Estonian Massage
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Benefits of Old Estonian Massage:

  • Estonian heritage tradition — a unique massage not found anywhere else in the world.
  • Holistic body treatment — the whole body treated in one session.
  • Massage with clothes on — suitable for those who prefer to keep their clothes on.
  • Rhythmic and calming — the unique rhythm creates deep relaxation.

Contraindications for Old Estonian Massage:

Old Estonian Massage in Tallinn — on a mat
  • Acute heart failure
  • Excessively high or low blood pressure
  • Risk of thromboembolism
  • Acute inflammatory diseases (flu, fever)
  • Festering inflammation and wounds
  • Infectious diseases
  • Skin and sexually transmitted diseases
  • Phlebitis
  • Bleeding
  • Tumours or suspected tumours
  • Thyroid conditions
  • Acute psychological/emotional state
  • Acute kidney failure
  • Acute liver failure
  • Acute injuries (fractures, tears, bruising)
  • Large birthmarks and bruises in the treatment area
  • Massage should not be done immediately after an injury or surgery

Our Old Estonian Massage specialists

Liis TammLiis Tamm

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Old Estonian Massage is a good fit if you…

  • have a stiff back, neck and shoulders, and your muscles have been tense for a long time
  • prefer a firmer, thorough massage that works through the whole body
  • feel drained from mental work or stress
  • would like to try a traditional Estonian massage, done on a mat through clothing

A strong and effective massage from Estonian heritage that works through the body thoroughly. Soonetasumine is firmer than classical oil massage but doesn’t cause pain. It’s done with clothes on, on a mat on the floor.

Both are done through clothing and on a mat, but the technique and approach differ. Old Estonian Massage has a distinctive rhythm reminiscent of runic song, and a distinctive way of working the body — shaking, kneading, and rubbing. Thai Massage focuses more on stretching and is definitely more intense.

Although soonetasumine is firmer than classical oil massage, it shouldn’t cause pain. If anything feels uncomfortable during the massage, let your therapist know.

It depends on your physical condition. For chronic tension and pain, it’s initially recommended to come more often — once a week or every two weeks. For maintenance, once a month is usually enough.

The session lasts 45–90 minutes. A 90-minute session allows the whole body to be worked through thoroughly.