Thai Massage is far from gentle, which makes it very satisfying
By Azra Shuib | September 16th, 2022
Traditional Thai Massage is widely known all over the world, but not many realize the benefits in the body recovery process. Athletes may not be unfamiliar with recovery massages, but Thai Massage is also suitable for those who just need a recharge or escape from the bustling city life and the never-ending workload at the office.
Thai Massage is said to have been developed more than 2,500 years ago. It’s very much associated with Buddhism, Ayurvedic practices and traditional Chinese medicine. This can be due to the amalgamation that happened centuries ago due to the strategic location of Thailand being in between India and China.
It has strong roots in heritage and therefore it’s unlike Western kind of massages. Often massages are depicted in a setting where the patient lies on the bed while the massage therapist applies oil on the patient’s body to knead and rub the pressure points. But Thai Massage is different - it is done while you are fully clothed and laying down on your stomach, and it is definitely not gentle.
While other massages enable you to indulge in slumber bliss, Thai Massage involves pulling and cracking the arms, while the therapists sit on top of you. There is no oil involved, hence no smooth and soothing movements that put you to sleep.
This does not mean you should just give in to the applied pressure. If you feel any pain or discomfort, you can always tell the masseuse to reduce the pressure so that you could still enjoy the massage session.
Although it can be a bit uncomfortable, Thai Massage has a lot of benefits in relieving body pain and stress. It’s energizing and its ungentle nature ‘wakes’ your body up to a fresher feeling.
More benefits of Thai Massage:
According to small studies, Thai Massage is found to have the ability to reduce the intensity of migraine and headaches. It is also found that the benefits could last from several days to about 15 weeks.
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It is widely known that massages can be effective in treating back pain. But Thai Massage has been proven as an effective treatment for back pain as well as in the upper back.
Pulling and cracking motions in Thai Massage helps to increase blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles, hence improving muscles flexibility. Researchers have also found that Thai Massage could help in increasing speed and agility among sportsmen.
It can also be beneficial for those with knee arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knee, as studies have proven that Thai Massage could help with pain relief.
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Although Thai Massage does not come across as relaxing, it is a form of therapy that can invoke a sense of relaxation. Studies have also noted how people who get Thai Massage have lower psychological stress following treatment.
Thai Massage’s energetic nature can definitely improve your energy levels if done regularly. Apart from athletes, Thai Massage sessions are also recommended for sedentary people who feel like they are stuck in a rut and always tired no matter how much sleep they get. The therapeutic benefits of a massage can help to increase oxygen levels to the body, stimulating a natural healing and toxins removal process. All of this will lead to a good night’s sleep, ensuring that you wake up feeling recovered and fresher the next day.
To get the best out of your massage session, it’s best to be well-planned:
· Refrain from eating a heavy meal at least 1 hour before the massage
· Always arrive 10 to 15 minutes earlier than your scheduled appointment to get ample time to complete any forms or to change before the massage
· Let the masseuse know about any health complications or pain in certain areas because not everyone is suitable for a Thai Massage.
This entirely depends on what works or feels comfortable to you! As a general recommendation, those who just want to relax and bounce back with more energy may benefit from a monthly session. If you are trying to treat musculoskeletal problems from too much or lack of activities, a fortnightly or monthly session can be beneficial.
Athletes on intense training or those who work high-stress jobs can benefit from a monthly massage, depending on the condition. You can discuss with your attending doctor or the massage specialist to get the ideal interval for you.
As a reminder, Thai Massage is not suitable for:
· Pregnant women
· Children
· The with certain underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, varicose veins, autoimmune disease, decreased pain sensitivity, cancer, epilepsy, tumours, or are on medication that thins the blood
· Those with metal implants
Interested to get a session? Book Thai Massage to get the best out of your trip!
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