Why is Thai Massage Painful?

When it comes to Thai massage, it's important to understand that it involves the application of firm pressure to contracted muscle tissue. This is done in order to help release tension and improve circulation of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. As a result, this type of massage can be painful at times. It's also important to consider your flexibility and overall health before receiving a Thai massage.

The pain associated with Thai massage can be compared to the sensation of eating chili peppers. This is because the pain causes the body to release endorphins, which produces a feeling similar to that of opiates. After a Thai massage session, many people feel energized and high like a kite. A study was conducted to examine the benefits of Thai foot massage in people with peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes.

The results showed that Thai massage increased energy and mental stimulation, while Swedish massage was more likely to improve relaxation and sleep. It's also important to note that Thai massage is based on the principles of yoga. Therefore, if you reconcile Thai massage with its yogic roots, the question of pain or the absence of pain clearly passes into the field without pain. The dynamic stretches used by Thai massage therapists can offer deeper and more restorative stretches than some assisted stretching techniques in sports massage.

If someone is considering receiving a Thai massage but is concerned that their medical history will prevent them from doing so, they should first consult their healthcare provider. Additionally, if you find that the massage is getting too strong, simply tell your massager the word “jeb” and they will know right away. During most massages in Thailand, it's common to wear loose-fitting clothing provided by the spa instead of going completely naked like during deep tissue massages.

Tiffany Greenhalgh
Tiffany Greenhalgh

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