Thai Massage, often called Thai Yoga Massage, is an energy and bodywork practice that originated in Thailand and is considered part of Traditional Thai Medicine. It appears to have been influenced by Buddhist, Indian and Chinese traditional practices. Thai Massage incorporates aspects of energy work, acupressure, and yoga traditions.
The practice of Thai Massage became popular in the west, beginning in the 1980’s when western tourism to Thailand increased, as well as the interest in experiencing alternative health techniques.There is no doubt that to the uninitiated Thai massage can seem fairly strange and different compared to traditional Swedish massage, for example. However, to emerge from a wonderful Thai massage is to feel as if you have truly experienced another level of Thai culture and certainly a whole other depth of relaxation.
Rather than shying away from the unknown, learn about 5 Benefits of Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) and embrace one of the best features of any stay in Thailand.
* Mindful RestLying down in a dimly-lit room, the very commitment to a massage is a way of surrendering to the here and now; of allowing your body and mind to flow as slow, methodical movements lull you into a restful, centred state. By disengaging from the hubbub around you and the sensory overload of life, taking a massage in Thailand gives you the space and time to let go of stresses and strains; a meditational therapy that guides you to experiencing the ‘now’ in a liberating way that resonates throughout your whole being. In this respect, TTM can be deeply transformative.
* Eases Muscle & Joint PainThe power of human touch is extraordinary when it comes to affecting your emotional and physical wellbeing. One of the instant results of relaxing into a massage in Thailand is how the kneading, rocking, and static pressure can work its therapeutic magic on tired and aching muscles and alleviate tension in joints and fascia. As mobility is improved, and muscles stretched, your muscles and joints feel less heavy and pain can be relieved too.
* Energy ReleasingA big misnomer when it comes to TTM is that it lulls you into a fatigued state. Whether you have a foot or full body massage, the effect is to relax and energize you at the same time, leaving you feeling lighter and less sluggish. Working along so-called Sen lines, energy is moved around the body so that any restricted or blocked flow is released through chakras that are akin to the traditional acupuncture points and trigger points. Movements that manipulate, massage, stretch, and create pressure are a way of maintaining internal balance and connecting the body, mind, and beyond in harmony; releasing energy along the way.
* Yoga-Inspired WellnessThe health and fitness benefits of yoga have long been accepted and TTM is considered a Thai yoga massage. Your therapist moves your body into yoga positions, creating stretch, flexibility, and extending your range of motion without you having to sweat it out in a yoga class; perfect for those who are physically limited due to injury or illness as well as being an introduction to movement for those not used to exercise. If you are a fitness fan, a massage can complement your exercise plan, reducing muscular pains and problems.
* Customized TherapyUsually TTM begins with you lying on your back whilst the therapist works up from your feet, before you turn over, with some possible movements whilst you are on your side too, before you flip over. A well-trained practitioner will focus on areas of the body that need more work as well as vary the strength from light touches to deeper tissue massage and more demanding stretches. The key is to feel relaxed and comfortable even if TTM is challenging your body at times.