Thai massage: A whole-body massage therapy

After an operation many years ago, a friend of mine suffered from many aches and pains throughout her muscles and joints. Like many people who have suffered from similar ailments at some stage in their lives, she tirelessly sought therapy after therapy in order to gain a little relief.

She had received great results with many different therapists who helped in offering short-term pain relief. However, her aches and pains did not resolve until she discovered traditional Thai massage.

What is Thai massage?

Traditional Thai massage is a gentle bodywork therapy, which combines assisted stretching, gentle traction, acupressure, and palming (massaging) over the whole body. Also known as Thai yoga massage, the treatment typically takes place on the floor - on a mat or squishy futon.

You will remain fully clothed during your treatment. It’s advisable to wear loose-fitting clothes so that you’re comfortable and there’s no restriction to movement. 

The massage therapist will apply pressure on various points, loosening your muscles and alleviating joint pain. This is very different from the likes of Swedish massage, which uses stroke-like movements.

The treatment usually takes place in a lovely, calming therapy room and will typically last one to two hours. No oils or lotions are used.

What can Thai massage help with?

All types of massage can soothe aching muscles, help you to relax and improve mood. But, Thai-style massages, in particular, can provide temporary pain relief, increase circulation and provide a general sense of well-being. 

With traditional Thai massage, energy blockages are released with a calming, meditative atmosphere. It blends elements of acupressure, physiotherapy, meditation, energy healing, chiropractic and Ayurveda.

With regular treatment, your therapist can quickly start to release tight muscles and painful joints. Benefits can range from helping ease headaches, digestive problems, back pain, neck tension, joint pain, menstrual problems, insomnia to other stress-related conditions.

How does Thai massage work?

One of the reasons traditional Thai massage is so effective is that it is a whole-body treatment, and not focusing on one particular area. Over the whole of the human body, there is a webbing called Fascia. This means releasing/treating more than just one part of the Fascia is therefore much more effective.

If you'd like to find out more about Thai massage or try it for yourself, you can reach out to a professional on Therapy Directory.