Traditional Thai massage is an ancient healing system that combines stretching and targeted acupressure, stimulation and manipulation of energy lines called “sen”, and assisted yoga postures.
This massage rarely uses oils or lotions but sometime uses hot balms on sore or tight muscles, and is performed on mats which the customer remains clothed during treatment. Customer’s muscles will be compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked in order to clear energy blockages and relieve tension. The masseuse uses thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to create a movement on the recipient.
In this process, joints are opened, muscles and tendons are stretched, and energy is balanced. The overall effect is one of deep relaxation, both physically and mentally.
Benefits
The benefits of Thai massage are numerous, with the most predominant being the maintenance of good health and the ability to treat a wide spectrum of health concerns. Thai massage has many health benefits for example:
- Reduced stress
Thai massage involves moving and manipulating the body to relieve physical and emotional tension.
Thai massage uses pressure and stretching techniques to relax the body. Many people find that Thai massage significantly reduces levels of a certain stress and researchers conclude that Thai massage is more effective at reducing stress in healthy people than simply resting.
- Stimulates circulation
Thai massage can promote the circulation of blood through the use of gentle stretches. It is like a yoga stretches which helps to increase blood circulation, and fills the body’s tissues with oxygen. This helps promote cell growth and heart health.
They believe that this is because it improved blood circulation, which, in turn, stimulates the somatosensory system. This is a system that plays a major role in balance.
- Improves person’s flexibility
Because Thai massage incorporates yoga-like stretches to reduce stress and improve circulation, the gradual, gentle stretching will increase the person’s flexibility over time, allowing a greater range of motion.
Thai massage may also improve the circulation of the fluid in the joints, or synovial fluid, which reduces friction between the joints. This can improve joint mobility and range of motion.