Thai Massage | An active way to relax

Even if you haven’t had one, you have probably heard of Thai Massage. Being one of the most popular kinds of massage out there, it is an excellent way for beginners to step into the world of remedial therapy. 

As opposed to what the name suggests, this alternative treatment practice finds its roots in Indian Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. Unlike the western forms of massage like Swedish, this doesn’t solely involve a therapist kneading and massaging your pressure points. It requires relatively active participation from the client, which makes it akin to an assisted yoga-session. 

What are the techniques used?

Since it is not an inherently western massage, Thai massage therapists use various methods like stretching, pulling, and rocking to improve one’s flexibility and range of motion. Similar to Shiatsu massage, Thai massage also works on the principles of energy flow. Therapists aim to remove blockages and correct the energy flow attributed to an overall improvement in the client’s well-being. 

What are the benefits?

• Reduced backache: One of the major complaints of people who turn towards alternative therapies is back pain, which is unsurprising based on the strenuous lifestyle that most people lead. This is an excellent option for some true relaxation for people who suffer through the chronic neck and shoulder pain due to their desk-jobs.
• Joint pain reduction: Due to various stretches and deep muscle compression used in this therapy, people who suffer from pain in their joints can initiate movement with assistance and work towards improving their overall flexibility.
• Stress relief: It goes without saying that with tedious jobs, comes a lot of stress. In its essence, Thai massage uses yoga poses that help people stretch out and release all the tension. A weekly massage would be especially beneficial for folks who work under a lot of pressure to maintain their well-being and stability.
• Rejuvenation: More often than not massage therapy can leave you feeling relaxed but tired, and even though rest and recovery are an essential aspect of remedial massage, Thai massage will usually leave you feeling reinvigorated and fresh – physically as well as mentally.
• Relieves Headache: People suffering from chronic headaches and migraines looking for a non-medical way of managing them could opt for Thai massage regularly.

This ancient way of healing can surely improve an individual’s general health when conducted under qualified supervision. Those who regularly go for a Thai massage can experience a general boost in energy, improved range of motion and sleep schedule. In addition to this, Thai massage is a great way to stimulate blood circulation and enhance lymph drainage in the body. Ordinary people, alongside athletes, can make use of this therapy to improve their muscle flexibility.

Although it is suitable for most people, one should talk to their practitioner and discuss any health-related issues that need to be considered before beginning the therapy. 

Yours in self-care,

Adrian Wilk