what is a thai massage?

​Thai massage is a form of therapeutic massage that is different from a traditional anti-stress massage. It is usually performed by lying on a mat or massage bed while the therapist stretches and controls your body in certain techniques to stimulate your muscles and pressure points similar to Japanese massage.

Brief history

Thai massage in Thai language means “ancient massage” and some translates to “ancient healing way.” Thai massage founder has been believed to be Chiwaka Komaraphat, who’s thought of being the Buddha’s physician over 2,500 years ago, in the ancient Buddhist texts. He’s also believed to be having exceptional medical skills with the knowledge of herbal medicine, having treated many people in his time. 

However, the history of Thai massage is more complex with influences from Indian and Southeast Asian traditions of medicine, with the massage techniques practiced and formed over time from various traditions over the kingdoms. There are many variations from region to region in Thailand which are being practiced and not a single theoretical structure that is widely known. 

Therapist performing stretch

technique

In a traditional Thai massage, no oils are used however this differs to the practitioner and therapist or guests desire in addition, you can wear loose-fitting clothes, or the practitioner may have you change into scrub-like garments, a loose cotton top and drawstring pants. Thai massage practitioners use their hands, thumbs, elbow, forearms, and feet to reduce tension in your muscles. Like Japanese massages’ “qi” meridians, Thai massage is based on the idea that energy flows through your body along predictable lines or pathways known as “sens.” To increase the sens, the practitioner or therapist will move your body into stretching or yoga-like positions to pull and extend your muscles in different ways. This combination of techniques is what distinguishes Thai massage from other techniques and types of massages. Thai massage may be a good choice of massage for you if you like energetic, deep tissue techniques where you also move and engage more instead of lying throughout the massage. 

Therapist using feet pressure

benefits

Back Pains

Thai massage is an effective, non pharmaceutical way of reducing back pains. In a study, researchers studied the effects of Thai massage on a group of people with low back pain. Half of the group was treated with Thai massage techniques and the other half was treated with conventional ways such as joint mobilisation, hot packs and stretching. Both groups had significant pain relief which proved that Thai massage reduced back pain related to trigger points, tight muscle clusters in the upper and lower back.

Joint stiffness and pain

Thai massage may improve your joint function if you experience pain and stiffness when you move. Thai massage can also improve your joint function if you are experiencing pain and stiffness when you move around. In a study, researchers tested the effectiveness of Thai massage on groups of people with knee arthritis. The study resulted in participants feeling less pain when walking. 

Therapist applying acupressure

Flexibility 

Thai massage has techniques of compression, acupressure and stretching which improves range of motion in your joints and muscles. Regular Thai massage would ultimately help your posture.The various stretching and pressure applied to the body also improves blood flow and oxygen supply to your muscles which in return, help reduce pain and muscle stiffness. Thai massage is recommended especially for athletes to improve their general speed and agility.

Headaches

If you are experiencing headaches or migraines, Thai massage is also another non pharmaceutical solution. In small studies, Thai massage has been shown to reduce the intensity of migraine and tension headaches. 

Thai massage has effects on the circulatory system so you should make sure to check with your doctor before you schedule a massage also if you have:

• heart disease or coronary artery disease
• high blood pressure
• conditions that affect your spine, including osteoporosis and neurological diseases
• diabetes
• recent surgery
• open wounds
• cancer
• Thai massage isn’t recommended for pregnant women.

conclusion

Thai massage is a great way to get rid of your muscle tensions and joint stiffness. It has been proven to be a non pharmaceutical solution to headaches, migraines, back pain, joint pain. You may experience traditional Thai massage with or without clothing at Carisma & Spa Wellness