What To Expect for your first Thai Massage
If you’re looking for a new experience that will leave your body and mind feeling relaxed, try out a Thai Massage. This type of massage is meant to soothe away tension and stress, as well as treat chronic pain in certain areas of the body.
There are several beliefs surrounding the origins of Thai massage. It is most commonly agreed that the technique was created by Shivago Kompara, a close friend of the Buddha who had a tremendous knowledge of medicine. According to this belief, the medical massage procedure is at least 2,500 years old. Since then, the practice has evolved into both a spiritual and physical wellness treatment and experience and burst in popularity across the world.
Thai Massage differs from several other types of massage therapies. If you’ve never experienced Thai Massage, you might be wondering what to expect. In this article, we’ll briefly discuss the process of Thai massage, and the benefits you could experience for your body and mind.
Thai Massage Basics
Many newcomers don’t often realise the differences between typical massage techniques and Thai massage. The procedures vary through position, procedure and pressure used. Whilst typical tissue massages ask subjects to lie face down, Thai massage encourages participants to lay on the floor and change between various positions. Furthermore, many tissue massages will use oils to lubricate the skin for rubbing and kneading motions. Thai massage is an exclusively dry massage, it instead uses gentle pushing and stretching motions to prevent friction whilst still offering healing and relaxing properties.
Whilst attending your first Thai massage, your experience may be similar to the following description. Upon arrival, you will be asked by your massage therapist to lie on a mat on the floor. Throughout the process, and with their guidance and movement, you will be directed into different positions. It is useful to imagine you are being placed into different yoga positions. Your massage therapist may use their arms, legs, hands and feet, along with the rest of their body to place you in the correct position. Using pressure and stretching techniques, you will experience an alternative version of massage. The process shouldn’t cause any discomfort, if you feel pain throughout the massage, this should be alerted to your massage therapist so they can adjust their technique.
Things to be aware of whilst attending your first Thai Massage
Here are a few hints to make sure you are appropriately prepared for your first Thai Massage:
- You should aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before your appointment. This will give you time to complete the required paperwork and alert the staff to any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. Certain conditions may alter or prevent you from receiving the massage so it is important to disclose these to prevent injury to yourself.
- Due to the range of movement required during a Thai massage, loose-fitting clothing is advised. Tight or less flexible clothing may limit the scope of your massage or cause some discomfort.
Benefits of a Thai Massage.
Stress Relief
Whilst in small amounts, stress can be beneficial to our bodies and mind, too much stress can be extremely detrimental. Long term extreme stress can manifest in physical pain, cardiovascular disease and depression. Often, relief that is more effective than just rest is required to unwind and decompress. Thai massage has been frequently praised as a valuable stress reliever. The gentle pressure and stretching techniques used throughout the process allow the body to relax and reset.
Energy Boost
Many people frequently report feeling rejuvenated after their Thai massage treatment. This is because the massage causes the body’s circulation system to flow more efficiently, which can help you feel renewed. Researchers have recorded the differences in experiences of Thai massage as well as Swedish massage. Participants of Swedish massage reported improved sleep and relaxation whereas those that attended Thai massage experienced improved mental and physical energy.
Increased Range of Movement
Thai massage is a type of stretching that aims to reduce stress and increase blood flow. Yoga-like stretches are used to reduce stress and improve circulation. Over time, the person’s flexibility will improve as a result of this gradual and gentle stretching, allowing for a greater range of motion. Thai massage can also help to improve the circulation of synovial fluid, which reduces friction between joints. This can aid in improving joint mobility and range of motion.
Final Thoughts
Thai massage is a unique type of therapy that is different from other types. Thai massage does not use oil or lotion, rather it uses gentle pushing and stretching to relieve stress and increase energy levels. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of Thai Massage, or the Thai Massage treatments you could experience, check out Nut Thai Massage.