Thai massage is an ancient practice with many benefits backed by modern science. It can reduce the severity of headaches, decrease lower back and joint pain, increase flexibility, ease anxieties and energize the mind and body. It has its origins in Buddhism, and has been influenced by Ayurvedic practices in India and traditional Chinese medicine. Thai massage is an age-old practice that can be used to promote blood and lymph circulation, fill the body's tissues with oxygen, promote cell growth and heart health, and even reduce the severity of headaches.
It is also a deeply relaxing and tension-relieving mindful movement practice that helps increase a person's range of motion and promotes flexibility through its unique combination of assisted stretching, yoga, breathing, and massage. Research has found that Thai massage is an effective treatment for people suffering from chronic tension headaches. It can also be used to treat sports injuries and improve the athlete's range of motion. A study even found that it can help relieve late-onset muscle pain (DOMS) after strenuous exercise.
Thai massage is always done clothed, on a mat or on the floor. The therapist will guide the patient through a series of yoga-like stretches, as well as a combination of abdominal work, breathing signals, deep tissue massage and applying pressure to specific points on the body. A 90- or 2-hour massage is highly recommended for a full body treatment, as one hour is not enough to feel the full benefits and allow the therapist to get to work on every part of the body. People who have cancer, are pregnant, or are recovering from surgery should not have a Thai massage.
If you have an underlying health condition, be sure to ask your doctor if this traditional form of massage is safe for you. Thai massage is a form of therapeutic massage that normally falls under the category of complementary and alternative medications. It is a great way to relax and feel truly at peace. To come out of a wonderful Thai massage is to feel that you have truly experienced another level of Thai culture and, certainly, a completely different depth of relaxation.
