The Benefits of Thai Massage: A Comprehensive Guide

Thai massage is a form of therapeutic touch that differs from traditional massage in many ways. Instead of lying on a massage table, you lie on a mat on the floor while the provider manipulates your body in certain ways to stimulate the organs and improve flexibility.

Thai massage

is an ancient healing practice that originated in India and dates back about 2,500-7,000 years ago. It is part of traditional Thai medicine and uses gentle pressure and stretching techniques to relax the entire body.

Traditional Thai massage requires more active participation than other types of massages. The massage therapist will guide you through manipulating your limbs in different positions similar to yoga, to benefit from deep muscle compression, joint mobilization and acupressure. Some people may experience muscle pain after a Thai massage session, but this is normal and usually nothing to worry about. The massage therapist will apply sustained pressure to the blood flow for about 30 seconds; then, when released, the blood flow increases the effect of the massage.

However, it is important to note that the physical intensity of this massage technique could cause health complications or worsen pre-existing injuries. Thai massage also uses energy, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to open channels that will improve the flow of energy throughout the body. Pregnant women should consult with a doctor and talk to their Thai massage therapist after the first semester to make sure the session is safe. If someone wants to focus on a specific area of their body, they can choose to work with a massage therapist to schedule regular sessions until they're happy with the results. Thai physiology believes that disease is the result of obstruction of energy pathways associated with spiritual beliefs. The cut type is a specific form of Thai massage that involves applying pressure to specific energy channels.

It's like the typical stereotypical Western massages that appear in many movies or in the photo below. A Thai massage can be done on a mat on the floor, in a room with a good view in a spa center, or even on the park path where tourists can sit in a chair and get fully dressed. A Thai massage doesn't necessarily include applying any essential oil or lotion, so you can remain fully, or at least partially, clothed. While Swedish and deep tissue massages are performed on a massage table, Thai massages are performed on a mat. It is only used in Thai massage and is used on specific parts of the body, usually areas where the legs and arms meet on the torso.

A randomized trial examined the effects of Thai and Swedish massages on people experiencing fatigue. Similar muscle relaxation and lengthening can be experienced after a Thai massage session, but without the effort of an hour-long yoga class. The ultimate spa getaway for massages, reflexology, body scrubs and waxing in the heart of downtown San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Tiffany Greenhalgh
Tiffany Greenhalgh

Freelance zombie buff. Award-winning travel enthusiast. Alcohol ninja. Extreme coffee junkie. Certified social media lover.