Thai Massage
Thai massage is a form of therapeutic touch that differs in many ways from traditional massage. Instead of a massage table, you lie on a mat on the floor while the provider manipulates your body in certain ways to stimulate organs and improve flexibility.
Thai massage is part of traditional Thai medicine. Similar to Chinese medicine, it works with the body's energetic pathways. These are also called sen.
Much of the history of Thai massage is a mystery. Many records about it have been destroyed over time. It's possible that the tradition of Thai massage was primarily passed down orally for centuries. Many historians agree that it started at least 2,500 years ago. They attribute its start to an Indian doctor, Shivago Komarpaj, also called Jivaka Buccha Komar. He is known throughout Asia as "Father Doctor". Shivago Komarpaj was a colleague of the Buddha. He helped to spread traditional medicinal practices throughout southern Asia. Over the years, with foreign influences, Thai massage has developed into a popular holistic health tradition that includes aspects of yoga, Ayurveda, and Chinese medicine.
You can leave your clothes on for a Thai massage. It's important to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to move in. With other forms of massage, you typically remove all or most of your clothing.
Thai massage practitioners move your limbs around to stretch joints and gently massage key areas of the body according to traditional Thai medicinal theory.
The Benefits!
1. Aids deep relaxation
A Thai massage is incredibly relaxing. Stretching techniques combined with the gentle pressure used by the massage therapist relax the whole body.
2. Improved cardiovascular health
Thai massage has been proven to stimulate blood circulation as well as lymph circulation through the use of stretches, which fills the body's tissues with oxygen and promotes healthy cell growth and good heart health.
3. Stress relief
A 2015 study found that Thai massage significantly reduces levels of a certain stress marker present in the saliva, called sAA. The researchers concluded that Thai massage is more effective at reducing stress in healthy people than just resting.
4. Improved quality of sleep
Because of the way in which Thai massage can lower stress and boost relaxation, it should come as no surprise that it can also aid restful sleep. In fact, the US National Institutes of Health has found that Thai massage therapy can reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality.
5. Headache relief
Research has found that Thai massage is an effective treatment for people who suffer from chronic tension headaches. In a separate study, researchers found that Thai massage can also ease the symptoms of migraine.
6. Reduced muscle tension
Thai massage incorporates yoga-like movement which has been proven to ease stiffness in the body and, over time, improve range of motion and flexibility.
7. Improved athletic performance
One study of 34 football players looked at the effects of Thai massage on their athletic performance. After receiving Thai massages three times within 10 days, they showed significant improvement in their ability to do sit-and-reach exercises.