English
Coming Soon
FAQs:
What is a Thai Massage?
A Thai massage is a form of therapeutic touch that differs in many ways from traditional massage. Instead of a massage table, you lie on a mat on the floor while the provider manipulates your body in certain ways to stimulate organs and improve flexibility. Thai massage is part of traditional Thai medicine. Similar to Chinese medicine, it works with the body's energetic pathways. These are also called sen. In the Thai language, the name for Thai massage is Nuad bo-rarn. Nuad means "massage." Bo-rarn means "ancient." So in Thailand, it is an ancient massage. Some also translate it as the "ancient healing way."
What Does a Thai Massage Include?
Performed on the floor or on a firm mat, a typical Thai massage session lasts around 90 minutes. Practitioners use their entire bodies, including their hands, elbows, feet, and knees to stand, kneel, or walk on the recipient and create deep pressure.
Unlike Swedish massage, oils are not used during Thai massage. Clients usually begin lying on their back with their face up, while the therapist starts massaging the feet and continues to move up the legs, "applying pressure with a rhythmic, rocking motion using the palms of their hands and thumbs. Next, the client is guided into a series of stretches targeting the legs, hips, and lower back.
Thai massage has been called the 'lazy man's yoga' because as a recipient, you need only relax and allow the practitioner to take over moving your body for you. At most, your participation will be to breathe on certain cues to help deepen into stretches.
A skilled therapist will be able to adjust how much pressure is being offered during a session. Be sure to let them know ahead of time how much pressure you prefer and speak up if you are at all uncomfortable during your session.
What Techniques Are Used with Thai Massage?
In a traditional Thai massage, practitioners use their hands, thumbs, elbows, forearms, and sometimes even their feet to reduce tension in their muscles.
Thai massage is based on the idea that energy moves through your body along predictable lines or pathways known as sens.
To increase the flow of energy along the sens, the practitioner will move your body into yoga-like positions in addition to pulling and rocking your body in various ways.
The combination of stretching, movement, and pressure is what distinguishes Thai massage from other types of massage.
Thai massage may be a good option for you if you want a more active type of massage, where you move and participate instead of lying down throughout your massage.
Who Should Not Get a Thai Massage?
Thai massage is not advised for pregnant people in their first trimester. Beyond the first semester, expectant mothers should consult with a doctor and talk to their Thai massage practitioner to make sure a session is safe.
Most experts agree that Thai massage may exacerbate certain health issues. Anyone dealing with the following conditions should avoid Thai massage and similarly styled bodywork:
- Unmedicated high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Blood clots
- Osteoporosis
- Cancer
- Early-stage MS or Parkinson's disease
If you have any health concerns and are not sure if Thai massage is suitable for you, check with your doctor.
Does Thai Massage Help Osteoarthritis?
Thai massage has been shown to improve joint function for people who experience stiffness and pain when moving. In one study, researchers used a program of Thai massage combined with wand exercises to study the effects on people suffering pain from knee arthritis. The study found that after the eight-week program, the participants walked with greater ease and experienced less pain. In a further study, 60 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee were given three weeks of Thai massage, which was found to provide the same level of pain relief as a three-week course of ibuprofen.
Can Thai Massage Be Dangerous?
Just about any massage could be harmful when administered improperly. It’s important to get the massage at the hands of a certified therapist. Thai massage incorporates some elaborate and complex moves and doing it wrong could end up harming the one getting it.
If you are recovering from any kind of physical injury (like a sports or workout injury), or if you are pregnant, taking restricting meds, or suffering from any chronic condition – you must take caution and not put your body through too much too fast. Speak to your massage therapist before you start the process.
As for side effects, muscle soreness or sensitivity, or redness in the areas of the massage are a possibility. One masseuse remarked that a traditional Thai massage is a highly concentrated session and that because of its intense nature, it could also cause side effects. A more standard table massage also holds that possibility, but to a lesser degree, since a Thai massage manipulates the body with more vigor.
Also, there is the possibility of internal or external bleeding. This is an issue because the massage is traditionally carried out with both parties wearing clothes. If there is a pre-existing condition of some kind, this needs to be known.
Is Thai Massage Good for Sciatica?
Thai massage could help you reduce back pain from sciatica, as one study even found that Thai massage was an effective therapy for reducing chronic low back pain. Thai massage is also helpful to patients because it improves circulation and reduces muscle tightness.
1. Improved Circulation
Like other massage therapies, Thai massage can warm muscles and improve blood circulation. When circulation is improved, more oxygen and essential nutrients are delivered to repair damaged tissues. Besides improving blood circulation, Thai massage can improve lymph circulation. The lymphatic system is responsible for producing antibodies and flushing out excess fluids/white blood cells from inflamed areas of tissue. In short, improving your circulation with Thai massage can help healing processes work more efficiently and could help you find pain relief without relying on medications.
2. Reduced Muscle Tightness
Sciatica is often caused by muscle imbalances or overtight muscles. For example, overly tight hamstrings can increase stress on the lower back, which can exacerbate symptoms of sciatica. One great benefit of Thai massage is that incorporates many yoga techniques. Yoga poses, like a spinal twist or a pigeon pose, target tight muscle groups that aggravate this issue. Yoga poses like a supported bridge pose can help flex and extend the spine, which can relieve nerve pressure. Some professionals may recommend exercises for sciatica, which may seem counter-intuitive to some patients, so Thai massage is a great way to strengthen your body with low-impact exercises/stretches.
What Should You Wear to a Thai Massage?
Thai Massage has a lot of movement and stretching. Thus, it requires loose comfortable clothing. Leave the leather pants and pencil skirts at home! The best practice is to wear a T-shirt and yoga pants, sweatpants, or shorts. Below we’ll give you some pointers to take into consideration when dressing up for a Thai Massage treatment.
1. Efficiency
As Thai Massage is a lot about pressing, acupressure, and stretching, it’s quite essential to wear clothes in order for the masseur/therapist to get a firm grip. You should be wearing comfortable, flexible, loose-fitting clothes to be able to do the stretches on you and other “acrobatic” moves or Yoga-like poses.
2. Practicality
Cotton is the preferred material for clothing because it doesn’t slide on the skin and it takes up a sweat, which again prevents sliding and gliding. However, any loose materials can do the job. A very roomy, airy, and comfy and they can be worn as loungewear, for Yoga, dance, and beach cover-up.
What is the Difference Between Thai Massage and Regular Massage?
During a regular massage, the masseuse uses techniques like rubbing or stroking using different parts of their arms, like elbows, hands, forearms, and fists, to move their way back and forth softly.
This relaxes the patient by relieving tension on different parts of the muscles, and hence it is often called a “soft massage.” On the other hand, traditional Thai massage uses all the mentioned parts of the arm and includes the feet and legs, depending on the session.
Thai massages use various stretching techniques and acupressure, among others, to increase the patient’s range of motion and promote multiple body functions, like better circulation.
If you’ve ever experienced a regular massage, you would know that the masseuse uses a massage table for the clients to lie in, but you’ll be lying down on a mat during a traditional Thai massage.
The mat allows the Thai massage practitioner to perform efficiently and makes it easier for the clients to participate during the session.
Another thing you’d notice is that, unlike regular massages, which require oils and lotions, traditional Thai massage requires none. So you can expect to be fully clothed during the whole session.
Do Thai Massages Hurt?
First of all, you must understand that Thai massagers normally use their hands and elbows to pressure your body. Their main objective is to help you release tension in your contracted muscle tissue that blocks blood circulation. So, by applying firm pressure to those tight muscle tissue, it allows your blood to circulate better and as you may know already, blood transports nutrients and oxygen in your body. When having contracted muscle tissue, it blocked the circulation of good nutrients to go through and fix your pain. Therefore, that is why Thai Massage can be painful sometimes because the massagers need to apply firm pressure to your contracted muscle tissue.
Honestly, there is no one else in the whole wide world who will know your body’s limitations better than you. When having a Thai Massage, sometimes it can be so painful that you doubt whether this massage session will cause you more harm than good or not. If you are aiming for just physical relaxation from a traditional Thai Massage store, we recommend you tell your massager right away when it’s too painful for you.
The History of Thai Massage
Much of the history of Thai massage is a mystery. Many records about it have been destroyed over time. It's possible that the tradition of Thai massage was primarily passed down orally for centuries."
Many historians agree that it started at least 2,500 years ago. They attribute its start to an Indian doctor, Shivago Komarpaj, also called Jivaka Buccha Komar. He is known throughout Asia as "Father Doctor".
Shivago Komarpaj was a colleague of the Buddha. He helped to spread traditional medicinal practices throughout southern Asia. Over the years, with foreign influences, Thai massage has developed into a popular holistic health tradition that includes aspects of yoga, Ayurveda, and Chinese medicine.
The Techniques of a Thai Massage
Thai massage, also known as Nuad Thai, is a traditional form of massage that originated in Thailand. It involves a combination of acupressure, stretching, and assisted yoga postures. Here are some of the techniques commonly used in Thai Massage:
1. Compression: This involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, often using the hands, thumbs, elbows, or feet.
2. Rocking: The therapist gently rocks the client’s body back and forth to help release tension and promote relaxation.
3. Stretching: Thai massage incorporates a variety of stretching techniques, including passive stretching, where the therapist moves the client’s body into different positions, and active stretching, where the client actively participates in the stretch.
4. Joint mobilization: The therapist moves the client’s joints through their full range of motion to improve mobility and flexibility.
5. Palming and thumbing: This involves using the hands and thumbs to apply pressure to specific areas of the body, such as the back, neck, and shoulders.
6. Energy line work: Thai massage involves working on the body’s energy lines, which are believed to be pathways for life energy. By applying pressure along these lines, the therapist can help restore balance and promote healing.
7. Stretching with the feet: Thai massage therapists may use their feet to apply pressure and assist in stretching the client’s body. This technique is particularly effective for larger muscle groups like the back and legs.
8. Circular pressure: The therapist uses circular pressure with their palms or thumbs to work on specific points on the body, such as the feet, hands, or neck.
9. Twisting and rotating: Thai massage incorporates a lot of twisting and rotating movements to help loosen the joints and increase flexibility. For example, the therapist may twist the client’s spine or rotate their hips.
10. Lymphatic drainage: Some Thai massage techniques, such as palming and thumbing, can help stimulate the lymphatic system and improve circulation.
11. Deep breathing: The therapist may encourage the client to take deep breaths throughout the massage to help promote relaxation and increase oxygen flow to the body.
12. Herbal compresses: In some Thai massage sessions, the therapist may use herbal compresses, which are cloth bundles filled with herbs that are heated and then applied to the body. This technique can help soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation.
Overall, Thai massage is a unique and effective form of massage that can help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Thai Massage Movements
Thai massage movements involve a combination of acupressure, stretching, and assisted yoga postures. Here are some of the most common movements used in Thai massage:
1. Palm pressing: This involves applying firm pressure with the palms of the hands to different areas of the body, such as the back, arms, legs, and feet.
2. Thumb pressing: The therapist uses their thumbs to apply pressure to specific points on the body, such as acupressure points or trigger points.
3. Elbow pressing: The therapist may use their elbows to apply pressure to larger muscle groups, such as the back, hips, and thighs.
4. Finger pressing: The therapist may use their fingers to apply pressure to smaller, more specific areas of the body, such as the temples, scalp, or face.
5. Stretching: Thai massage incorporates a variety of stretching techniques, including passive stretching, where the therapist moves the client’s body into different positions, and active stretching, where the client actively participates in the stretch.
6. Compression: The therapist applies pressure to specific points on the body using their hands, feet, or other body parts. This technique can help release tension in the muscles and promote relaxation.
7. Rocking: The therapist gently rocks the client’s body back and forth to help release tension and promote relaxation.
8. Twisting: Thai massage involves a lot of twisting and rotating movements to help loosen the joints and increase flexibility. For example, the therapist may twist the client’s spine or rotate their hips.
9. Energy line work: Thai massage involves working on the body’s energy lines, which are believed to be pathways for life energy. By applying pressure along these lines, the therapist can help restore balance and promote healing.
Seven Thai Massage Benefits
Scientific and clinical research doesn’t support the benefits of Thai massage 100%. Some call it a placebo and nothing else, and there is no doubt that there is a highly subjective element to the technique. When it comes to the mind and body connection, there are no metrics with which to quantify success and positive results. Therefore the benefits of Thai massage – as opposed to other forms of massage – are controversial.
It’s called alternative or traditional medicine for a reason. It’s not trying to comply with some modern society’s views, nor with its standards of medicine. Maybe you will reap the rewards of Thai massage, and maybe not. It’s really personal because it’s based on your body and its flow of energy (or lack thereof). Here are seven benefits of Thai massage, some of which are shared with other modern and ancient massage techniques.
1. Pain And Stress Management
Back pains and muscle tension are some of the most popular reasons for signing up for a traditional Thai massage. Helping the muscles unwind and getting the blood to flow are constituents of many massage techniques.
2. Flexibility And Range Of Motion
Because of its close association with yoga, the stretches performed in a traditional Thai massage could improve the mobility of the body’s joints. This aids in the range of motion and in flexibility, by and large. It may not happen after a single session, but after some time you could discover that you’re able to boldly go where you were not able to before.
3. Energy Booster
Again, the connections within the body’s pathways of energy are what this technique is about, and it is where it stems from. Unblocking certain areas help the life force within you become more available in the body, just as certain nutrients and practice increase bioavailability. As a result, you may experience an increase in energy, which lasts well beyond the session and opens doors to vitality.
4. Headache Relief
This one benefit could be particularly useful for those who suffer from chronic headaches, specifically tension headaches. And just to be clear, migraines are a different kind of beast altogether, and are not coupled with ordinary headaches in this case.
5. Overall Health And Wellness
Inspired by yoga and ayurvedic medicine, a Thai massage aids in a wide variety of conditions: from asthma and bronchitis to irregular menstruation and digestive issues. Mentally, there are those who claim it helps with depression, hysteria, and mental disorders. Ideally, this kind of massage complements other forms of treatment. Many employers also offer massage benefits, as a part of their wellness program.
6. Rest & Relaxation
Like many other forms of massage therapy, traditional Thai massage can help to put your body and mind at rest. For some – despite the pulling and moving and physical manipulation – this will express itself as the massage is going on. Others could feel it more after a massage has taken place And some still may find that there is no real attribute of rest that can be associated with the technique, not in the traditional sense of rest, anyway.
7. Positive Emotions
Plainly put, traditionally Thai massage can help you feel better about yourself. Your body may be experiencing different things, depending on your muscles and joints, etc., but you also may find that your mind and general feelings are leaning more towards positivity and wholesomeness. Other forms of massage, as well as aromatherapy, definitely share this trait.
What to Expect from Thai Massage
With Thai massage, you can wear your own loose-fitting clothes, or the practitioner may have you change into scrub-like garments — a loose cotton top and drawstring pants. You keep your clothes on throughout the massage.
Typically, you’ll lie on a mat or massage mattress on the floor, not on a massage table. Once on the mat, your practitioner will slowly move your body through multiple stretches, using the weight and pressure of your body to assist you.
Unlike a Swedish massage, oil isn’t used and your muscles typically aren’t kneaded. Instead, the practitioner will use their hands, thumbs, elbows, and knees to stretch, pull, and rock different parts of their body. They may even sit on you to stretch you into certain positions.
Some types of stretches may involve going through yoga-like movements with the practitioner holding or pulling you to maintain a pose.
If your muscles are sore or tense, you may feel some discomfort. If you do, let your practitioner know so the pressure and stretching can be reduced.
If you have an injury, or some part of your body is particularly sensitive to pain, be sure to let the practitioner know before they start the massage session.
How Often to Get Thai Massages
After a Thai massage, a person may feel very relaxed. However, they need to keep in mind that their muscles have been worked, stretched, and prodded. After a Thai massage, a person should rest and drink plenty of water.
There are no guidelines for how often a person should get a Thai massage. People should try to incorporate daily maintenance routines that involve stretching and relaxation techniques. This will help them remain flexible for a long time after their massage.
People should also listen to their bodies. If someone experiences lasting pain or discomfort in one area of their body, they should see their healthcare provider, as this could indicate an underlying health condition.
If someone wishes to focus on a specific area of their body, they can choose to work with a massage therapist to schedule regular sessions until they are satisfied with the results. At that point, they can consider spacing out their appointments and focusing on maintaining the results.
What Not to Do After a Massage Therapy
Here is a checklist of the things you should not do after getting massage therapy. Doing these things after a massage cannot prevent you from getting the maximum benefits from massage therapy. We have listed ten (10) things that you should not do after a massage.
1. Not Drinking Enough Water
After massage therapy, decreasing your water intake after the massage therapy is not ideal. Massage therapy can help to detoxify and rehydrates your skin. You must drink enough water to assist the hydration and detoxification process.
2. Take A Shower Immediately
By taking a shower immediately after your massage therapy session, you will wash off the massage oils. These massage oils are not yet completely absorbed by the skin cells. It is best to shower after an hour of your massage therapy session. Let the message oil sit and absorbed your skin cells within an hour.
3. Taking a Hot Shower
After your massage therapy, we know that taking a hot shower is tempting. However, if you are suffering from a muscle injury, it will increase inflammation. You have to skip first taking a hot shower. It is better to use cold water for pain relief. Moreover, it is ideal to use warm water when taking a shower. This can help to relax your body.
4. Eating A Large Meal
After a massage, you may feel hungry. This happens due to the increase of blood circulation, which maximizes body systems function including, our digestive system. And, by eating a large meal, you will end up feeling bloated, sluggish, or lethargic. It is best to eat a light and healthy snack to feel more energized after a massage.
5. Drinking Coffee
After relaxing massage therapy, you may be in the mood to take a great cup of coffee. However, drinking coffee after a massage is not a good idea. You cannot maximize the detoxification and rehydration process. You need to wait a few hours after your message before drinking a cup of coffee. This can help you avoid dehydration. Moreover, it is best to drink your coffee the next day and rehydrate yourself by drinking enough water.
6. Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages cannot encourage the hydration and detox process. It can cause dehydration. You have to avoid drinking alcohol for a day. It is best to drink enough water to promote hydration and to help flush toxins. Moreover, by avoiding alcohol, you can prevent next-day soreness.
7. Doing Strenuous Exercises or Activities
After a relaxing massage, you may feel energized to go to a gym and do some strenuous exercise. However, this can lead to muscle soreness. Moreover, doing some strenuous activities can injure your muscles. Avoid doing some strenuous activities after your massage therapy. It is best for your body and mind to relax. You can do some light activities – watch some movies or read some good books – chill and relax! Moreover, after a massage is the best time to hibernate. You can nap for a while.
8. Stressing Yourself Out
One of the main benefits of massage therapy is helping you manage your stress. It aims to reduce your stress. However, not avoiding things that cause you to stress can make you feel anxious, which cannot help your body and mind to continue the relaxation mode. After massage therapy, you should create a plan for the day. You have to make enough ‘me-time’ or self-care time. Moreover, you have to schedule your day as a low-stress one. For example, make sure not to have any other meetings or errands after a massage. Take a rest!
9. Forget to Stretch
You may feel that your body is so relaxed after a massage. It also helps to loosen your stiff muscles and knots. However, if you forget to stretch after a massage therapy session, you can’t prolong this effect. After a relaxing massage session, make sure that before you get off the massage table, do some moderate stretches within a minute or two. You can do some lunges, shoulder, and torso rotations, and toe touches. You may also continue doing some moderate stretches at home.
10. Not Doing the Homework Assigned by the Therapist
If you forget to follow the advice of a massage therapist, you will decrease the benefits that you can get from massage therapy. Follow the advice and instructions of your massage therapist to get the most out of your massage therapy session. If your therapist assigned some stretching, stretching, or some movement-based exercises – don’t forget to do them! You have to do your homework to gain the long-lasting effects of massage.
Risks of Thai Massage
There are a few potential risks of Thai massage, just like any form of massage. It may cause changes in your heart rate. This could be harmful if you have a heart condition. There is also a small risk of injury to muscles or bones from a rough massage.
However, for most people, Thai massage is not only harmless, it can be helpful. Be sure to visit a licensed practitioner to lower the risk of injury from a Thai massage.
Each state has different requirements, but most want a minimum of 500 hours of training for someone to become a licensed massage therapist. This shows that they have the knowledge to safely help you feel better and improve your overall well-being.
Massage Therapist Duties and Responsibilities
A massage therapist is responsible for treating clients through soft tissue manipulation while maintaining a safe and relaxing experience. The therapist should be good at perceiving clients' wishes and needs through spoken language, body language, and other cues and modifying their treatments accordingly. They usually report to the owner or manager of the business.
Here are some typical duties and responsibilities of a massage therapist.
Provide 30-60 minute massages to clients by appointment
Guide clients through service offerings and determine which massages would benefit them most
Take a detailed client history and note any health conditions
Evaluate clients to determine painful or stressed areas of the body
Advise clients on stretching, strengthening, or relaxation methods
Suggest future massage appointments and regimes to clients
Listen to clients during appointments and adjust technique as they desire
How to Find a Massage Therapist
Like choosing other healthcare professionals, it's important to be a conscious consumer when selecting a massage therapist. Ask your primary care provider or someone else you trust to recommend a reputable business or therapist.
Don't be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist questions such as:
- Are you licensed, certified, or registered?
- What are your training and experience?
- How many massage therapy sessions do you think I'll need?
- What's the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?
A skilled therapist has a vast toolbox of techniques that can be incorporated based on your needs, and he or she will respond and modify these techniques based on your feedback. Massage therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages. It's not only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. It's a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are looking for a stress reliever.
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.