Traditional Thai Massage & Spa- Things You Need to Know about

Thai massage is an integral part of the culture and tradition of Thailand. It is the ancient practice of physical and mental well-being that has become popular not only in Thailand but also around the world. It is regarded as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as this is a practice that is coming down to generations and has become a part of Thai culture.

Thai Massage- A Brief Overview

Thai massage is a completely different practice than just massaging your body. It includes passive stretching, proper pressing movements, and assisted yoga. Thai massage is more energizing than any other type of massage. This message is one of the most popular Asian massage procedures where yoga is included but the client doesn’t need to work out at all. Rather, the therapist conducts your moves and stretches in several postures while you just lie on a mat.

There is a similarity between Thai massage and Shiatsu, as in both formats, the massage is done to align the energies of your body. The massage therapist is an expert to compress the energy point of your body to reduce stress and improve flexibility. Thai massage is quite effective in dealing with back pain, muscle spasticity, migraine, and balance issues.

How Thai Massage Is Different Than Other Types of Massages?

In the Thai technique of massage, the therapist aims at the pressure point of your body and compresses those to release energy. Also, they conduct muscle stretching in a rhythmic pattern so that your body regenerates from stress. A professional Thai massage therapist uses his/her feet, hands, elbows, forearms, and knees which is uncommon in other massage systems. This procedure is done on a mat and without oil and also on the top of your clothes.

What Are the Benefits of Thai Massage?

Any kind of body massage is considered an alternative to medicines. A Thai massage is an ancient form of massage that has been used to relieve lots of physical ailments and energizes you. Here are some of the amazing benefits of Thai massage-

Relieves Headaches

If you have tension headaches or migraine, Thai massage can work wonderfully for you. It can ease the symptoms of your headache and also reduce its intensity of it.

Relieves Joint Pain

Thai massage along with wand exercises work magically in removing your joint pain and stiffness. People, suffering from knee arthritis, get relief from such pain after an 8-week program of Thai massage.

Reduces Back Pain

Thai massage is one of the most effective and non-pharmaceutical methods of healing back pain. Muscle stretching, assisted yoga, and compression on the pressure points can relieve your pain and stiffness, and you feel comfortable.

Increases Motion and Flexibility

This is another amazing benefit of Thai massage. Researchers have seen that persons related to sports have got more flexibility and speed after getting Thai massage for a certain period.

Revives Energy

Your entire body moves in Thai massage and therefore, you feel more relaxed and rejuvenated. After a single session, people feel more energized than before.

Eases Anxiety

While it makes you energetic, Thai massage also relaxes your nerves and gives you a sense of relaxation. It lowers your anxiety and stress levels and you feel calm and soothed.

Origination of Thai Massage

Shivago Komarpaj, a Pali Buddhist doctor is considered the inventor of Thai massage. He is regarded as the doctor of Lord Buddha 2,500 years ago. According to ancient scriptures, Komarpaj was noted for his exclusive knowledge of alternate medical skills and holistic medicine and his treating technique for Buddha.

As per historians, Thai massage is also a combination of holistic medicine and alternative treating technique from India, China, and other South-East Asian countries. As per historians, the Thai massage practiced today is the result of the 19^th Century combination of the practice of holistic medicine and healing tradition.

Types of Thai Massage

Thai Foot Massage

If you are suffering from pain in your lower leg area and feet, this particular type of Thai massage is for you. This invigorating process involves hand uses for massaging and also includes stretching of the muscles. Not only that, but this method of massage includes acupressure to reinvigorate the reflex points of your feet.

To provide you with a relaxing Thai foot massage, the therapist uses a stick along with her fingers, palms, knuckles, and thumbs. For painful and tiring feet, a Thai foot massage is a very good choice. It can improve your flexibility and also make blood circulation and lymphatic movement better.

Thai Herbal Massage

In this type of massage, the concoction of different herbs is used by keeping that inside fabric and tied tightly. The poultices are made of herbal materials and kept on the pressure points of the client’s body. Those herbal remedies are pressed all over the client’s body to soothe their muscles and stimulate their senses.

The poultices are made of turmeric, cinnamon, lemongrass, camphor tree, kaffir lime, and tamarin. The aroma of the herbal elements uplifts your mood and relaxes your stress level while the pressure on the body relieves energy and improves blood circulation.

Thai Hydro Massage

As the name suggests, this Thai massage incorporates water pressure for massaging the body. This method of Thai massage is very effective in healing any pain due to injury, lower back pain, the pain of arthritis, and many more.

Thai Hot Stone Massage

Thai hot stone massage therapy is a unique massage technique that is used to loosen up your muscles and joint stiffness and thus, reduce and heal pain related to those issues. Here, the therapist uses smooth and warmed stones on the body of the client and kneads different areas of the body.

Thai Oil Massage

Basically, Thai Massage is a dry technique of massage where the pressure points of your body are targeted and it often becomes a bit painful. But, Thai oil massage is a modern rendition of the traditional method where essential oil is used for massage. This method is more relaxing and relieves the pressure point to soothe the client. It calms the mind, softens the skin, and improves blood circulation throughout the body.

Types of Clothing You Should Wear during the Massage

If you visit any Thai massage center in Bangkok, you will be given a shirt and a pair of pants. You can still be in your own clothes, but using their clothes can be more comfortable as they are soft, clean, smooth, and airy.

The principle behind Thai Massage Therapy

A Thai massage is a form of oriental style of massage therapy that is related to regenerating the energy line of your body. When you are sick, your body lacks energy flow and you feel restricted. Thai massage improves the energy flow throughout your body and thus, brings back harmony and balance.

The therapists are professional and have great ideas of pressure points. They know how to put pressure and how much pressure is required for a client. They also know how to stretch the muscles of the client’s body and encourage energy flow in their body.

Who Should Go for Thai Massage?

Thai massage can help anyone, but if you are getting troubled due to intense joint pain, stiff muscle, and immense body fatigue, this massage is entirely for you. Also, Thai massage can help people who are suffering from stress and anxiety a lot.

When Should You Not Go for Thai Massage?

A Thai massage is an intense form of massage where your body feels pressure and sometimes goes a bit harsh on you. So, if you are pregnant, suffering from any acute illness, or recovering from surgery, you should avoid Thai massage.

Tips to Maintain before Taking a Thai Massage

You should avoid eating heavily before taking a Thai massage. Make sure you share your health history with the therapist as many people with a certain history of illness should not take Thai massage.

Cost of Thai Massage

Basically, the cost of the Thai massage depends on the Thai massage parlour or its location of it. If you are comfortable in a mediocre massage spa, then a one-hour massage session will cost you $6. But, there is a luxurious spa where you can have lavish treatment and the cost can go up to $15 for a one-hour session.

As Thai massage is popular around the world, you will find several massage spas in your country too. You can tip the therapist after the service, but if you are in Thailand, don’t go for tipping as it is not a custom in Thailand.

Hopefully, you get enough ideas on Thai massage and spas. So, if you feel you can have this treatment, you just need to find a great and reputed Thai spa and go for a relaxing session. If you are in Thailand, you will find several spas where you can get updated services. Know your health condition and then go for it.

Check out these further articles on Thailand:

Traditional Thai Massage & Spa- Things You Need to Know about

Thai Massage- A Brief Overview

How Thai Massage Is Different Than Other Types of Massages?