Thai massage is a very ancient art based on the Ayurveda. It has its origins in India and became popular in Siam (now known as Thailand). This massage technique is used in conjunction with yoga positions. This means that the patient has the advantage of benifiting from both of these techniques.
While undergoing this massage treatment, the patient is put into many yoga positions. There are 2 different styles of Thai massage.The Northern style emphasises stretching movements, and the Southern style uses more pressure.
The patient lies down on a mat or firm matress on the floor. They should be dressed in loose comfortable clothes. The therupy is done either alone or in groups. Mainly hands, elbows, and knees are used, but in some styles, the feet can be used as well. Firm rhythmic pressure is applied to the patient's entire body. The whole body can also be stretched. Fingers, ears, and toes may be pulled, knuckles cracked and the therupist may even walk on a patient's back. This massage therupy uses the natural energy lines of the body.
The entire session can last quite a while, often up to 2 hours and above. This original massage therupy is a serious treatment and should not be confused with the massage, bearing the same name, that is used as a sexual massage.
Purposes of Thai massage include:
* Adjusting the skeltal structure * Increasing flexibility * Muscle and joint tension relief * Balances the body's energy * Stimulates the internal organs. This is aceived by putting pressure on peripheral reflex points * Relives tension * Releases toxins from the body
This massage therupy is also very relaxing. In fact you get many of the benefits of yoga without putting so much effort into the procedure. Like yoga, Thai massage envelopes your whole body and mind, allowing you to see the big picture and improve your health both mentally and physically.
There are no age restrictios on this massage therupy and it can benifit young and old alike. In this age of stress and excessive tension this ancient threrupy comes as a welcome relief to all our stress and constant rushing about. So next time you find yourself stressed out and harrased by life's problems, forget about them for a little while when you relax with a Thai massage.
Grounded in ancient Buddhism, Thai massage is said to have been developed over 2,500 years ago, by the Buddha's physician, Jivaka Kumarabhacca or as he is known in Thailand, Shivago Komarpaj. The 'Father Doctor', as Shivago is affectionately known, introduced his particular form of massage to the Buddhist monks to help them soothe their bodies after long hours practicing meditation.
Unlike most massage therapies, Thai massage is performed when you are fully clothed.
Once dressed in light clothing, you will be invited to lie down on a mat. At first it may feel a little strange as you are physically wrestled into a series of near impossible positions. However, your therapist will actually be pulling and pushing your body into deep stretches similar to those in yoga, and it is easy to see why Thai massage is sometimes referred to as 'yoga for two'. The trick is to relax your body and let the professional take control.
The technique involves the therapist putting gentle but firm pressure on specific energy points of your body with their palms, thumbs, feet and elbows (to stimulate your internal organs), and incorporates gentle rocking movements (to further enhance the stretch). This will also include pulling your head, legs, arms, fingers, toes and ears, so don't be alarmed if you hear your joints cracking! The aim is to release toxins and waste materials from your joints, muscles and connective tissues and this can sometimes result in a 'rush' as your blood flow is instantly improved.
Thai massage is great for improving the function of the lymph glands and increasing blood circulation. It is fantastic at helping to relieve musculoskeletal problems such as back, neck, shoulder and hip pain and is especially good for releasing stress and tension, and encouraging relaxation of both your body and your mind. Be sure to tell your therapist if you have been suffering from any particular physical problem as this will affect your treatment.
Not to be confused with another activity loosely described as 'massage', Thai massage is a traditional form of natural holistic therapy. So, please don't embarrass your therapist by asking for anything inappropriate, those interested in the more notorious form of 'massage' can head towards the special massage parlors near the go-go bars.
A good, professional Thai massage should last for at least an hour. It is wonderfully soothing and relaxing, and afterwards you may feel a little light headed, as if just woken from a lovely dream.
So, if you have ever wanted to feel rejuvenated, restored and relieved of stress, head towards your nearest Thai masseur. Or better still, why not head straight to Thailand and indulge yourself by having a Thai massage in the paradise setting of a lush tropical beach?
Both Zach Thompson & Christine Oatley are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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