Traditional Thai Massage

STRONG PRESSURE

Traditional Thai massage is an ancient, therapeutic healing process comprising a full body massage, concentrating on pressure points using gentle Thai yoga, stretching and moving the body into many different positions using thumbs, hands, elbows and feet. The many advantages include pain relief, loosening tight and aching muscles, improving blood circulation and lymph drainage as well as making you feel invigorated. It will also improve joint flexibility and relieve tension and stress.

You may already be familiar with the many benefits of massage. You know about the stress relief, pain relief, and relaxation that result from a good massage. Even if you’re a massage regular, however, you may be wondering how different types of massage can benefit your body in different ways. You’ve heard about Thai massage and its unique benefits, but how do they differ from what many people consider to be “traditional” massage therapy?

Thai Massage is More Energetic

This isn’t a passive massage where you just lie on the table and drift off while your masseuse works their magic. Thai massage is often described as “lazy yoga.”  During a Thai massage session, your therapist will stretch your body into a variety of positions that most closely resemble yoga positions.  Through this stretching, you’ll relieve muscle tension, increase muscle flexibility, add to your muscle tone, and help aid joint mobility. All of these benefits help in the reduction of stress. They also allow you to be more centered within your body and settled within yourself–all while you remain actively present and engaged in the treatment. A Thai massage is a unique experience in the massage world, but you’ll certainly reap the benefits both during and after the procedure.

Your Therapist Won’t Just Use Their Hands

During a Thai massage, the therapist will use every part of their body to help manipulate yours. The goal of a Thai massage is to invigorate your body, increasing blood flow and mobility in the joints and manipulating muscles toward further relaxation. The therapist will use their hands, feet, knees, and elbows to help further these goals.

You’ll Feel More Centered and Balanced

Following a Thai massage treatment, you’ll discover that you feel more centered and balanced, much like the way you’ll feel after a good yoga workout. During a Thai massage, you’re much more present in your body. As the therapist draws attention to each part of your body, you recognize previously ignored sources of tension and are able to release them. Thai massage keeps you more present within your body throughout the process, so you’ll discover that you’re better able to identify those sources of tension following the massage and prevent them from coming back, rather than simply being relieved that they’re gone.

Where Did Thai Massage Originate?

Thai massage was developed by Buddhist monks centuries ago–some believe more than 2000 years.  Unlike more “Western” massage styles, Thai massage has a rich history that has been passed down for generations. As a result, Thai massage has been well-developed and its benefits well studied.  While you might not believe in the energy lines that Thai therapists believe circulate throughout the body, you will certainly benefit from the years of experience that has gone into their techniques.

What to Expect

Many people are nervous about going into a massage appointment for the first time, especially if they have no idea what to expect. A Thai massage isn’t like the other types of massage you may have experienced. During a Thai massage, there is no table.  Instead, you will be massaged on a special Thai mat on the floor–a very practical choice, since the active stretching during the massage requires your therapist to move all around and over you with ease. You won’t need to remove your clothing; since no oil is applied, you can remain fully dressed for your treatment. Ideally, this means that you should wear comfortable clothes with elastic waistbands. Workout attire would be appropriate for this type of massage because it lends itself to easy movement. At Siam Wellness we provide loose clothing for you to wear, however you may choose to wear your own if you are more comfortable.

Tips and Tricks Prior to Thai Massage

As with any massage, if it’s your first visit, try to arrive at least ten minutes early to give yourself plenty of time ask any questions and relax prior to the massage. Even if you’ve been before, allow yourself at least five minutes to simply relax prior to the massage. Don’t eat a heavy meal just before you come in, but don’t come in with an empty, growling stomach, either! A light meal or snack will be sufficient to allow you to feel comfortable during the massage. Any time you feel discomfort, you should let your therapist know. You should also warn your therapist ahead of time if you have any medical conditions or concerns that might affect you during the massage.

The Specific Benefits of Thai Massage

Thai massage, like other forms of massage, is designed to be of particular benefit to a number of conditions and discomforts. For Thai massage, those include pain in muscles and joints such as sciatica, lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, or heel pain; poor posture; joint stiffness; and carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as a variety of other conditions that benefit from stretching and relaxing techniques. Thai massage can also benefit patients who suffer from recurring headaches, particularly those that are a result of muscle tension. Following a Thai massage, many individuals find that the deep relaxation techniques are helpful for combating insomnia. Thai massage can also be helpful in instances of emotional trauma and low self-esteem, probably due to its tendency to center the mind and body.

If you’re looking for qualified professionals who will allow you to experience the relaxing benefits of Thai massage, contact us!

We’ll answer any questions you have and help you feel comfortable with the process. Already convinced? Schedule your Thai massage appointment today to experience Authentic Thai massage in Edinburgh city centre.

Why Thai? The health benefits of Thai Massage.

Did you know that we offer Thai Massage here at Precision Therapeutic Massage and Esthetics? Learn more about the benefits of Thai Massage in the article below, and then give us a call to schedule your own Thai Massage!

Health Benefits of Thai Massage

Thai Yoga massage is an ancient technique; a therapist specifically trained in the art stretches your body with assisted yoga poses. This massage technique focuses on energy points, called “sen.” When the massage therapist stretches your body, she also presses and massages along the sen lines.

How does Thai massage help muscular tension?

To release muscular tension, the Thai therapist presses feet, hands, thumbs, knuckles and fingers into certain points while holding you in a stretch. This helps relieve areas of stress and tension. Techniques involved include acupressure, tissue compression and soft tissue manipulation.

How does Thai massage improve circulation?

A Thai massage works in similar ways to regular yoga poses. As you hold a pose, your blood slows to targeted areas. When the pose is released, circulation flows back into the area. There are some positions, including the plough, shoulder stand and spinal twist that are particularly effective with circulation. Inverted poses can help with lymphatic drainage.

How does Thai massage help release stress?

Yoga and massage therapy are both listed as alternative approaches to mental health care, according to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. By manipulating your muscles in a Thai Yoga massage, emotional and mental stress are released. Thai massage includes meditation, which also helps you to relax and better manage your stress.

How does a Thai massage boost a body’s immune system?

A boosted immune system is considered one of the benefits of Thai massage. By invigorating the nervous system through massage and relaxing toxins with improved circulation, you may increase your immunity to disease. Yoga devotees also believe that practicing yoga poses can improve your body’s immunity and lead to longevity.

Thai massage may be an appropriate option if you are uncomfortable with being only partially dressed or nude for other types of massage. With this type of massage, you remain dressed and no massage oil or cream is applied. This type of therapy may last one to two hours.

BENEFITS AND EFFECTS OF THE TREATMENT

• Eased muscle pain
• Relieve tension headaches
• Reduce types of back pain (typically subacute and chronic nonspecific back pain)
• Relieve muscle pain and spasticity as well as joint stiffness and pain3
• Increase flexibility and range of motion
• Stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage
• Boost energy
• Calm the nervous system