Thai massage is a traditional massage that has a lot of stretching as carried out by the therapist. It is traditional taught in Thailand and was developed more than 2,500 years ago. The therapist flexes and stretches your body into various positions and you reap all the associated benefits of the stretches. The sessions can be one or one and a half hours long and after the treatment you will feel that your body is freer and this will allow you to move and breathe a lot easier. It is always advisable to let the therapist know if their touch is too heavy or not heavy enough.
Like most eastern massages Thai massage is based on the meridian system which runs longitudinal through the body carry life force Chi or Ki. Other massages which also use the meridian system are Shiatsu and Chinese Remedial Massage or Tui Na. There are twelve main meridians and these correspond to specific human organs and the Yin or female meridians flow upwards while the Yang or male meridians flow downwards.
The therapist works on the body pressure points, just as an acupuncturist would use needles, the therapist can use hands, feet and elbows to release any blockages.
Thai massage is also known as “Nuat boran” and when translated “nuat” is pressure and “boran” is ancient. Another name given is “passive yoga” because you can reap the benefits of a yoga practice without having to do any of the work.
The benefits of this massage include considerable relief for headache and sinus problems. The client often feels that their stress levels are lowered, sore parts of the body feel much better and it has also been reported that it can alleviate depression and anxiety. Thai massage has been shown as a very effective way to help relieve lower back pain.
This massage is carried out while the client is fully clothed. You will however be asked to remove footwear and jewellery. As a new client, you will be asked several questions, including if you are pregnant, do you have high blood pressure and do you suffer from any severe back problems. If the answers are affirmative, the therapist can then adjust the massage to suit your health situation. The massage usually starts at the feet and moves up the body. All parts of the body are treated. It is a holistic massage. All parts of the body are massaged and, as with yoga all sense of mind, body and spirit are awakened.
Some of the benefits include:
* Effective relief of muscle and joint tension
* Increase in flexibility
* Energizes and relaxes the body
* Relieves tension
* Balances the entire body
The treatment is usually carried out with the client lying on a mat on the floor. Not all clinics or spas offer this massage but it is well worth find one that does and then you can enjoy the benefits that it gives you.
