Thai massage uses gentle pressure and stretching techniques to relax the entire body. This is an ancient healing practice that originated in India. It is dated to about 2,500-7,000 years ago.

The technique used by Thai massage professionals is very different from what people in the West may be used to. Unlike Swedish or shiatsu massage techniques, in which a person lies passively on a bed, the client lies on the floor and participates more actively in the massage.

 Thai massage has many health benefits, from reducing stress to relieving muscle tension. It can even increase energy.

1. Reduces stress

Thai massage involves moving and manipulating the body to relieve physical and emotional tension. Stress is not necessarily bad. Often, stress can act as a positive motivator that could help people perform better and achieve more in their personal and professional lives. However, excessive stress can negatively affect mental and physical health. Chronic or long-term stress can lead to serious illnesses, such as depression and cardiovascular disease. Thai massage uses gentle pressure and stretching techniques to relax the body.

2. Boosts energy

Thai massage can increase people's physical energy levels. A medical trial looked at the effects of Thai and Swedish massages on people experiencing fatigue. The results revealed that Thai massage increased energy and mental stimulation, while Swedish massage was more likely to improve relaxation and sleep.

The Thai massage technique is based on the concept of energy lines, or meridians. Most practitioners believe that there are various Sen or energy channels within the body. Sen corresponds to various parts of the body, such as bones, muscles, blood and nerves. Some Sen also affect the mind and consciousness. These are called thin channels.

The theory suggests that tight muscles cause blockages in different meridians. These blockages reduce the flow of life energy, which leads to stiffness, pain and disease. Thai massage uses different techniques that open or restrict different Sen to correct the flow of life energy.

3. Relieves headaches

A 2015 study by Trusted Source found that Thai massage is an effective treatment for people who have chronic, severe headaches.

4. Stimulates circulation

Thai massage can improve blood and lymph circulation by using gentle stretches. These yoga-like stretches increase blood circulation, which fills the body's tissues with oxygen. This helps promote cell growth and heart health.

One study looked at the benefits of Thai foot massage in people with peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes. Researchers found that this massage helped improve people's balance. They believe this is because it improved blood circulation, which in turn stimulated the somatosensory system. This is a system that plays an important role in balance.

5. Improves range of motion

Thai massage includes yoga-like stretches that help reduce stress and improve circulation. Gradual, gentle stretching enhances a person's flexibility which, over time, allows for a greater range of motion. Thai massage can also improve joint fluid circulation, or synovial fluid, which reduces friction between joints. This can improve joint mobility and range of motion.

Thai massage is especially beneficial for athletes who experience muscle or joint pain and can benefit greatly from it. Athletes are prone to fatigue, muscle and joint pain and injury during their training. This is why many athletes work with specialized sports massage therapists. Sports massage combines assisted stretches and various massage techniques to treat sports injuries and improve an athlete's range of motion.

Practitioners often use assisted stretching to target a specific body area or muscle group. Thai massage, on the other hand, gradually stretches the entire body, allowing the person to relax. The dynamic stretches used by professional massage therapists can provide deeper and more effective stretches than some assisted sports massage stretching techniques.

The relaxation combined with the invigorating and rejuvenating effects of Thai massage help people feel mentally and physically restored. Thai massage also improves circulation, which brings more oxygen to muscles and other tissues. This can prevent injuries and improve the athlete's ability to recover from intense training.

After a Thai massage, a person can feel very relaxed. However, they must keep in mind that their muscles have been worked, stretched and . After a Thai massage, a person should rest and drink plenty of water.

For a Thai massage, the client usually lies on a special mattress on the floor if it is the traditional one or on a bed if it is Thai with oil or bags. A massage therapist will slowly work the client's body through various stretches. The therapist may use their hands, knees, feet, or legs to help manipulate the person's body into different positions. This should not cause pain or discomfort, it offers healing and deep relaxation.

 

Come to the appointment in casual or sporty clothes. Try to avoid tight clothing as it may limit your range of motion during the massage.

Thai massage also uses energy work, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to open channels that will improve the flow of energy throughout the body.