Health Benefits of Thai Massage

Getting a Thai massage is a lot different from the typical rub down aromatherapy sessions. It can be intense and show you the tension and current state of your body. With life’s everyday pressures, stresses, and demands, the body doesn’t get the necessary rest and rejuvenation it needs. The Thai massage is unique in that it addresses physical, mental and even emotional aspects of your being. Read on to find out how a Thai massage can be beneficial for you.

Vastly different from the Swedish technique, Thai massage focuses on deep therapeutic pressure on the muscles to implement neuro muscular therapy along with trigger point treatments in problem areas. The session usually consists of yoga-like stretching techniques with deep massage of the muscles. A unique combination of Chinese, Indian and Thai medicine, the Thai massage has been practiced for nearly 3,000 years.

Tools used in Thai Massage sessions

The equipment your Thai masseuse may use will vary. But for the most part, the following items are usually found in a Thai massage room.

• Herbal compress
• Mat (instead of table)
• Oils (optional)
• Pillow

• Improves posture
• Improves breathing
• Helps health arthritis
• Great for relaxing muscles
• Releases tension
• Increases mobility and flexibility
• Improves blood circulation
• Improves organ functions
• Dissolves blocked energy
• Helps with athletic performance
• Eliminates headaches

Along with physical improvements, Thai massages can improve mental functioning as well. One will have a clearer mind and a sense of peace after their first massage experience. A lot of tension release goes on during these types of sessions. Most people notice:

• Mental clarity
• A clear mind
• The ability to get more done at work
• A greater ability to concentrate

Thai massage benefits also include physiological benefits include a raised energy level, less stress and even better self-discipline such as in improvement with food habits.

A typical massage usually lasts about 90 minutes. Many places have the option of a 60, 90, or 2 hour session. Depending on your needs and comfort level, pick a time that will allow you to adjust to the different techniques and gain familiarity with the masseuse.

Be sure to dress in relaxed clothing as you’ll be laying on a floor mat. There may be relaxing music playing in the background along with the option for oils to be used. The session usually starts at the feet and is worked up to you mid area to pull and rotate your legs. The same thing will happen with your arms.

Any trouble areas will be targeted immediately and may become intense during the session. This is known as “pressing” and can create slight pain in order to release the tightness from your body. If this is the case, let the masseuse know immediately.

The focus of the massage is to stimulate energy flow and release tension in the body. Therefore a lot of pulling and stretching is involved. The mission is to improve musco-skeletal function and the ability to increase flexibility. Your muscles will be stretched more than you may be used to.

Nothing is rushed; the masseuse takes their time to iron out every kink in your body. It may be painful at times and will involve use of the herbal compresses and walking on your back.

Most people feel rejuvenated, relaxed and immediately notice an increased flexibility after the massage. Your posture will improve and the tension in your problem areas will be gone. These feelings and results increase if you go for Thai massages on a regular basis.

Thai Massages are not recommended for…

• People who have just had surgery
• Anyone with blood clots – a Thai massage can also displace the clots which can be dangerous
• Anyone with rashes or open wounds on the skin
• Recent fractures

Special cases:

• Pregnancy – confirm with your doctor regarding this type of massage. They are available and should be done by a masseuse who specializes in pregnancy massages
• Chemotherapy patients – there are cases where a doctor will recommend Thai massage, be sure to consult with one before using this type of treatment.

• Arrive early to get a sense of the atmosphere and become familiar with the staff. These two elements can make or break your experience.
• As mentioned earlier, dress in loosed clothing, preferably sweats. You will be on the floor and a lot of stretching and pulling will take place. You want to be as comfortable as possible.
• Drink fluids to stay hydrated, especially after your first session. A lot of energy channels have been rejuvenated and your circulation system is in full swing. Drink water or healthy fluids to help your body relieve itself of toxins that have been sitting around for too long.
• Don't wait too long to do a follow up session - depending on what the masseuse recommends, don't wait until you start feeling tense all over again to go back for another session. Try to go on a regular basis.