Thai Massage

Need to relax but looking to do it a different way? A lot of us are not typical massage people. Maybe you’re the type that’s always on the go. You know you need to mellow out, but you can’t imagine just laying there for an hour while someone gives you a back rub. Or maybe you do get the traditional massage, but you’re interested in a little massage adventure? Hey, how many times can you relax with just someone’s hands? Okay, a lot of times, probably, but you know, massages can be relaxing, fun, and engaging all at once. How, you ask?

The Thai Massage is also referred to as the “Thai Yoga Massage,” because the massage therapist actually massages you into different yoga positions. You’ll stretch the muscles you would in yoga, without feeling the straining and pain. It’s described as both “relaxing and energizing.” Instead of just the old hands routine, the masseuse actually uses his or her arms and legs to move you into these positions. This is the ultimate stretch, people. Your muscles will totally breathe and be ready for anything after this. If you’ve always wanted to try yoga but just don’t think you can bend that way, this might be the massage for you.

Developed about 2,500 years ago (!) by a physician of the one and only Buddha in India, the practice made its way through Asia to Thailand, picking up other countries’ influences along the way. Now, muscle compression, acupressure, and joint mobilization are all part of the process, thanks to the practices of India, China, and Thailand, to name a few. The therapies of these cultures are often cleansing both physically and spiritually, evident in the Thai massage. This is both a work out and a massage, so you will leave feeling totally invigorated and refreshed.

The massage usually lasts from one to two hours, and is usually performed on the floor on padded mats, so movement can happen comfortably. There are no oils used in a Thai massage, and it is done with full clothing on. It is known as a CAM practice, or complimentary and integrative medicine and alternative healing. “Thai massage incorporates everything from yoga asana and yoga therapeutic practices and postures to reflexology and Thai foot massage.”

The Thai massage is great for anyone who needs to both relax and re-energize. It is a great process for anyone going through a lot of stress, since it goes above and beyond the typical massage. It is also a good idea for anyone thinking of trying yoga, because it nice, soothing, lax transition into the tranquil form of exercise that, normally, can be quite a strain on your muscles and flexibility.

The Thai massage can have amazing benefits, results, and healing. It not only relaxes you and cuts your stress, it can also improve your circulation, increase your energy and flexibility, improve your range of motion, and can center you spiritually and really clear your mind.

However, there are certain people that the Thai massage is not a good idea for, and in certain cases, quite a risk: the massage is not recommended for those with any sort of infectious skin condition or rash, or open wound, since you will be being worked around into different positions on the mat with your massage therapist. It is also not recommended right after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, or for people who are prone to blood clots. Pregnant women should check with their doctors first, and really, it is best to check with your doctor first anyway before trying the Thai massage if you have recently been ill, had any sort of condition, surgery, treatment, etc. This procedure is close contact with your body, so just be careful and safe, and you can get the most out of this potentially amazing, cleansing massage.