WHAT IS A TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE?
One of the most common questions we get from new customers is “What is a Thai Massage?”
If you have ever been to Thailand you will know regular massage is a way of life. On every street and beach, you will find a massage spa ready to soothe your aches and pains. If you have a regular massage you will find you those aches and pains don’t tend to exist in your life.
A traditional Thai massage is performed on a mat or futon on the floor. You remain fully clothed as this is a dry massage requiring no oil.
The therapist will stretch your body using assisted yoga stretching movements. They will apply pressure using a technique called acupressure. Acupressure works by applying pressure to your pressure points in the same way acupuncture uses needles on the same areas. They will kneed and stretch you using their hands, elbows, knees and feet which helps balance your body’s energy system.
You start by lying face down. The therapist will start from the feet moving upwards. It will feel far more dynamic and attentive than a standard western massage.
If you are new to massage one key lesson is to learn to relax. It’s very natural to want to ‘push back’ when your body is being compressed. This actually makes it harder for you and the therapist. Concentrate on relaxing your muscles and just go with the therapist’s movements. This will greatly increase the benefits you derive from your massage.
A full-body traditional massage treatment can range from 60 – 120 minutes. It will cover all the main body limbs (front and back) as well as the head, neck and shoulders.
What are the benefits of a Thai Massage?
Regular massage can help you improve your posture, increase your range of motion and improve your flexibility. It can also improve your blood circulation as the therapist warms up and applies pressure to your body.
It helps balance the energy system of your body. A lot of focus is applied to the pressure points around your body and this focus helps balance your body system. You should find you feel like you have more energy and greater flexibility.
The therapist will manipulate your muscles releasing any pent-up tension or knots. This process releases your body’s natural endorphins making you feel much more relaxed and stress-free.
The main benefits of a Thai massage are:
- Aches and pains are relieved following the release of physical tension and stress
- Greater feeling of relaxation as emotional tension is released that’s contained within the body
- Improved blood circulation
- Greater body flexibility and range of motion
- Natural pain relief for symptoms like headaches, back ache and sciatica
How does it work?
Eastern philosophy believes we have energy lines that run through our entire body. These are known as Meridan or Sen lines and along these lines are acupressure points. It’s believed by applying pressure to these points allows the energy to flow through the body. This energy is known as Qi (pronounced Chi)
What should you expect from a Traditional Thai Massage?
Your therapist’s training, experience and personal style will play a large part in your massage experience. In Thailand, there are two main styles, the northern and southern.
The Southern-style tends to be more invigorating and is taught out of Bangkok. The Northern style is a more rhythmic and gentle massage and is taught in Chiang Mai. Most Western spas adopt the northern gentle, rhythmic style.
All good spas should conduct a health screening before your massage. It is important to let the therapist know of any medical condition, restricted movement, injury or sensitivity. They can then adjust the massage to your personal needs.
Performed on the floor on mats or futons yet many western spas use modern adjustable massage beds. Check with the spa that their beds are heated as this makes a real difference to the experience, especially in the colder winter months.