Traditional Thai Massage

TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE

“to be authentic is to be clear about one’s own goals and intentions, and to study deeply with knowledgeable people.”
Bob Hadda

The Potential Benefits

of Thai Massage

Massage of all types is often used to relieve stress and protect against stress-related health issues. It is also said to boost energy and improve range of motion and flexibility. Thai massage, in particular, is said to benefit or ameliorate many different health problems. Specifically, it may:

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 pain
Increase flexibility and range of motion
Stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage
Boost energy
Calm the nervous system

"Thai massage" or "Thai yoga massage" is an ancient healing system combining acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures.

In the Thai language it is usually called nuat phaen thai (Thai: นวดแผนไทย; lit. "Thai-style massage") or nuat phaen boran (Thai: นวดแผนโบราณ; lit. "ancient-style massage"), though its formal name is nuat thai (Thai: นวดไทย, lit. Thai massage) according to the Traditional Thai Medical Professions Act.

The Thai Ministry of Health's Department for Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine regulates Thai traditional massage venues and practitioners.

Traditional Thai massage uses no oils or lotions. The recipient remains clothed during a treatment. There is constant body contact between the giver and receiver, but rather than rubbing on muscles, the body is compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked.

The recipient wears loose, comfortable clothing and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. In Thailand, a dozen or so subjects may be receiving massage simultaneously in one large room. The true ancient style of the massage requires that the massage be performed solo with just the giver and receiver.

The receiver will be positioned in a variety of yoga-like positions during the course of the massage, that is also combined with deep static and rhythmic pressures.

The massage generally follows designated lines ("sen") in the body. The legs and feet of the giver can be used to position the body or limbs of the recipient. In other positions, hands fix the body, while the feet do the massaging. A full Thai massage session may last two hours and includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body. This may include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking knuckles, walking on the recipient's back, and moving the recipient's body into many different positions. There is a standard procedure and rhythm to the massage, which the giver will adjust to fit the receiver.

Instead of the relaxing gliding and kneading motions characteristic of more popular forms of massage, Thai massage employs stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques to relieve tension and enhance flexibility and range of motion. It is sometimes called the "lazy person's yoga."

The therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches and also applies deep muscle compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure. Thai massage also utilizes energy work, which, according to ancient Asian culture, treats the subtle energetic field within the body. It corrects blockages, deficiencies, and imbalances in the flow of this energy, which then is believed to improve the client's health.

Is Thai Massage Painful?

Applying pressure to tender muscle fiber adhesions (known as "muscle knots") can hurt, but there is a difference between that type of discomfort and pain due to excessive or inappropriate pressure and stretching. While it may be difficult to avoid some discomfort when targeting muscle knots, a qualified, licensed massage therapist should be able to adjust the massage pressure and movements so that you are not in pain.

Thai massage is sometimes described as painful, but a licensed massage therapist should use your feedback and adjust the degree of pressure and stretching.

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Possible Contraindications

A licensed massage therapist should ask you about your health history before the massage. Thai massage may not be safe for someone with health conditions such as disk herniation, osteoporosis, recent surgery, or cardiovascular disease. If you're considering trying Thai massage, it's a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before getting treatment to discuss whether it's appropriate for you.

Pregnant women should check with their doctor first before getting a massage. If he or she says that it is okay, ask for a recommendation for a licensed massage therapist who is certified in pregnancy massage.

Massage shouldn't be done over bruises, inflamed or weak skin, unhealed or open wounds, skin rash, tumors, abdominal hernia, or recent fractures.

What to Know Before Your Appointment

You are usually asked to bring or wear loose, comfortable clothing to the massage.

A typical Thai massage is 60 minutes to two hours long.

Some additional tips:

Don’t eat a heavy meal before a massage.
If it's your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms and change. Otherwise, arrive at least five minutes early so you can have time to change before starting the massage.
Be sure that your massage therapist has your complete health history because people with certain conditions should not have Thai massage.
If you feel discomfort at any time, let your massage therapist know.