What is Thai massage?

What is Traditional Thai Massage?

Traditional Thai massage, also known as ancient massage, is a form of therapeutic massage. The recipient lies flat on a mat or mattress on the floor, and the massage therapist uses compression, kneading, and pressure points along the body to stimulate internal organs and increase muscle flexibility.

Thai massage therapists use their hands, thumbs, elbows, forearms, and even feet to massage muscles. It involves more body movement than other types of massage where the recipient lies still.

Although it is called Thai massage, the underlying beliefs are similar to Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is believed that energy flows through different parts of the body, and massage and stretching can help improve energy and blood circulation.

Types of Thai Massage

Thai massage can be categorized in several ways. One simple way is to categorize it by its benefits, which can be divided into 3 main types:

• Massage for health: This type of massage is suitable for everyone, including the elderly. It helps stimulate the body's systems to relax, increase blood circulation, and improve sleep.
• Massage for treatment: This focuses on relieving pain symptoms such as back pain, neck pain, muscle aches, frozen shoulder, and stiff knees.
• Massage for rehabilitation: This type of massage is used to rehabilitate patients, such as those with stroke, paralysis, and Parkinson's disease.

How is Thai Massage Different from Other Types of Massage?

There are many types of massage, and while most aim for relaxation as one of the main goals, Thai massage differs from other types in a few ways:

• Thai massage is performed on the floor: Many other types of massage are usually performed on a bed or massage table.
• You can keep your clothes on during Thai massage: You may wear loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement. In contrast, some types of massage may require you to remove all or most of your clothing.
• Thai massage does not use massage oil: Unlike oil massage, which uses essential oils for relaxation, Thai massage does not. This is because massage oil can affect the massage therapist's ability to control pressure.

Thai massage involves a lot of body movement: There may be adjustments similar to yoga poses, pulling, or pressing to stretch the muscles. This is different from many other types of massage where you usually just lie still.

Benefits of Thai Massage

Thai massage has many benefits, depending on the purpose of the massage:

• Relieves muscle aches: This includes neck, shoulder, and other body aches.
• Reduces joint stiffness: A study showed that participants with knee osteoarthritis who received Thai massage combined with cane exercises for 8 weeks experienced less pain and improved walking.
• Relieves back pain: Thai massage can help relieve back pain and can be used in conjunction with other treatments. A study of 120 people with back pain, half of whom received Thai massage twice a week for 4 weeks, showed a significant reduction in back pain. Some studies have found that it may also help reduce upper back pain. However, if you have persistent back pain, you should see a doctor before getting a Thai massage.
• Helps reduce headaches: Studies have shown that people who received 9 Thai massages in 3 weeks were able to reduce tension headaches or migraines.
• Helps improve range of motion: Thai massage involves pressing, squeezing, and stretching muscles, which helps joints and muscles move more freely and become less stiff.
• Helps reduce stress: Although Thai massage uses more pressure than other types of massage, many people find it relaxing. Researchers have scanned the brains of people receiving Thai massage and found that it helps reduce anxiety. This stress reduction may be more effective when combined with adequate rest.
• Increases energy: Thai massage involves movement of almost the entire body, similar to yoga, which can make recipients feel more energized.
• Helps improve blood circulation: Thai massage helps improve blood and lymph circulation through stretching, allowing tissues in the body to receive more oxygen, which affects cell growth.
• May help stroke patients: A 2012 study found that stroke patients who received regular Thai massage may be able to perform daily activities better, as well as reduce pain and improve sleep. However, stroke patients should always consult their doctor before getting a Thai massage.

Other potential benefits of Thai massage include improved sleep and better digestion.

However, if you have severe muscle pain or other physical abnormalities, you should see a doctor before deciding to treat yourself with Thai massage, as some conditions may worsen with Thai massage.

Who Should Not Get a Thai Massage?

Thai massage affects blood circulation and muscles, so it may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions:

• Heart disease or coronary artery disease
• High blood pressure
• Spinal problems, such as osteoporosis
• Diabetes
• Recent surgery
• Open wounds
• Cancer
• Pregnancy
• Blood disorders
• Blood clots
• Burns
• Thrombocytopenia
• Muscle aches from fever
• Acute muscle pain, swelling, redness

If you have any of these conditions, you should avoid Thai massage until you have recovered or consult your doctor to assess your suitability.

Steps in a Thai Massage

The steps in a Thai massage may vary depending on the therapist's technique and the type of massage. The main steps may include:

• The therapist may ask you to change into clothes provided by the facility, or in some cases, you may be allowed to wear your own loose-fitting, comfortable clothes.
• Once you have changed, the therapist will prepare a mat or mattress on the floor, along with a pillow for your head.
• The therapist will gently stretch different parts of your body, possibly using pressure.
• The therapist will use their hands, thumbs, elbows, and knees to massage different parts of your body.
• In some cases, the therapist may move your body into positions similar to yoga poses through pulling and pressing.
• These steps may cause some people to feel sore or achy muscles. You can tell the therapist to reduce the pressure.
• If you have any injuries or areas of your body that are particularly sensitive, you should inform the therapist before starting the massage.

Potential Risks of Thai Massage

Thai massage has some potential risks, as do many types of massage:

• It may be dangerous for people with heart disease. Since Thai massage changes the heart rate, people with blood and heart conditions should consult a doctor beforehand.
• Pain may occur if the massage therapist uses too much pressure or uses pressure that is not suitable for your body. This can cause muscle or bone injuries.

However, most people experience more relaxation and benefits from Thai massage than risks. It is still advisable to consult with the massage therapist before deciding to use the service.

Why Does Thai Massage Hurt?

Many people seek Thai massage hoping it will relieve pain or other symptoms, but after the massage, they experience muscle aches or soreness, causing concern. Here are some possible reasons for pain after a Thai massage:

• Getting a Thai massage while having a fever: People with a fever usually have body aches and may think that Thai massage will help relieve the symptoms. However, getting a Thai massage while having a fever can actually make the pain worse.
• Getting a massage while experiencing muscle pain: People who get Thai massage for treatment, such as to reduce muscle pain, are more likely to experience muscle soreness after the massage.
• Getting a Thai massage after inflammation: If you have acute muscle or tendon inflammation with pain, swelling, and redness, you should not get a Thai massage immediately, as it may increase the pain after the massage.
• Too much pressure: In some cases, the massage therapist may apply too much pressure, causing pain. You should immediately tell the therapist to reduce the pressure.
• First-time Thai massage: People who are getting a Thai massage for the first time, or who have not had a Thai massage for a long time, may not be used to the pressure, which can cause soreness after the massage.

How Often Should You Get a Thai Massage?

The number and frequency of Thai massages may vary depending on individual needs. In general, if you want a massage for health purposes, you can get a Thai massage 1-2 times a week. If you are getting a massage to treat pain, you may get a massage every other day and gradually increase the intervals as the pain improves.

However, regardless of the purpose of the Thai massage, you should not get a massage every day. You should allow your muscles to rest for a day or two. You may consult a doctor or Thai massage therapist to plan a massage schedule that is right for you.

In conclusion, Thai massage is an ancient practice with many benefits, such as reducing aches, pains, and headaches, increasing body flexibility, promoting relaxation, and reducing stress and anxiety. It is now recognized by modern science.

However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with health problems that may be affected by Thai massage. You should always consult your doctor before making a massage appointment.