Top Benefits of Thai Massage
Thai massage is one of the most popular massages across the world. It is a therapeutic massage that is different in many ways from Western massage techniques. Also called “lazy man’s (or woman’s) yoga”, it involves what seems like a series of assisted yoga poses. In a typical Thai massage session, the practitioner guides you in performing different stretches to relieve tension in your entire body.
Some people get Thai massage on a regular basis because of the numerous health benefits that it can bring. In this article, we will learn more about Thai massage and its positive effects in your body.
If you’re ready, let’s get started.
What is Thai Massage?
First things first, what is Thai massage and how is it different from other forms of massage?
Thai massage originated in India and has been around for more than 2,500 years. It is a healing art that has influence from both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. By combining Ayurvedic principles and working with the body’s energetic pathways such as in traditional Chinese medicine, blockages along energy lines are released.
Unlike other types of massages, particularly Western ones, you don’t simply lie on a massage table and let the therapist use oil, their hands, and other objects to relax or stimulate your muscles.
In Thai massage, you lie on a mat on the floor while the Thai massage practitioner manipulates your body in certain ways and helps you perform stretches to provide relief, enhance circulation, and improve flexibility. The practitioner will move your limbs to stretch joints and massage certain points in your body according to traditional Thai medicinal theory.
This means the practitioner may kneel on the back of your legs and pull your arms such that your back will be arched, or perhaps put his shoulder under your heel so as to lift your leg and stretch your hamstring. The list of possible stretches goes on.
Because this massage involves a lot of movement and you will leave your clothes on when you get a massage, it is recommended to wear loose clothing that you will be comfortable to move in. Often, the spa can also provide loose-fitting clothes for clients.
The Benefits of Thai Massage
Why do people love getting a Thai massage? Here are some of the top benefits of Thai massage backed by science that contribute to its popularity:
Helps with back pain
Results of scientific studies show that Thai massage is an effective solution for back pain. In a study in Thailand involving 120 participants with low back pain, it was found that Thai massage can provide significant relief from back pain.
In this research, half of the participants got Thai massage, while the other half was treated with other techniques such as hot packs and manual stretching. After being treated twice a week for four weeks, the researchers found that both groups had positive results.
There are also other studies which found that Thai massage can reduce back pains associated with tight muscle clusters in the upper back.
Improves flexibility and range of motion
Because Thai massage combines stretching with compression and acupressure, your joints’ range of motion and flexibility will be increased.
In an experiment involving 34 soccer players, the participants showed significant improvement in their performance in sit-and-reach exercises after getting Thai massage three times in a 10-day period. According to the researchers, this is because Thai massage can improve blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles. This also minimizes pain and reduces muscle adhesions.
Aside from flexibility, the study also found an improvement in the football players’ speed and agility.
Reduces the intensity of headaches
Do you experience migraines or tension headaches frequently? You might want to consider getting a Thai massage to ease the intensity of your symptoms.
In several small studies involving participants with chronic headaches, it was found that Thai massage can relieve the symptoms.
Eases anxiety and lowers stress levels
Although Thai massage involves more movement compared to other massage techniques where you passively lie on the massage table, anyone who has tried getting a Thai massage knows how calming and relaxing it feels.
According to some studies, those who receive Thai massage show lower psychological stress after. In fact, brain scans have shown that this massage can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Helps revive energy
Because Thai massage incorporates movements in the whole body just like in yoga, those who get Thai massage feel rejuvenated.
In a study that compared the effects of Thai massage and Swedish massage on those who are experiencing fatigue, It was found that those who received Thai massage felt physically energized and mentally recharged.
However, it is important to note that the study size was small, so it is best to just try it out for yourself to find out if it is true.
Final Thoughts
Before you book for a Thai massage in the closest spa, you should keep in mind that not all Thai massage practitioners are created equal. This traditional healing art requires a lot of experience and skill for it to be done right.
If you’re looking for an expert Thai massage therapist that you can rely on, you might want to consider ThaiMassage-NYC. This is one of the most trusted in the city because it is led by a practitioner with 30+ years of experience.
Interested to learn more about how they can help ease your pain and other adverse symptoms? Get in touch with Thai Massage NYC today!
