Thai massage combines the Chinese and Indian medicinal practices (Ayurveda). It doesn’t work solely on the body, but, it constitutes a holistic therapy.  Through pressure points, stretching exercises and muscle relaxing – reflexology techniques among others, Thai massage restores the harmony in our body which is the reason that makes it so effective and unique in its kind. Besides, it is not accidental that this type of massage is being practiced for over 1,500 years. It is a profound treatment for the entire body, during which the person under therapy should wear light, comfortable and clean clothes.

The so-called pure Thai massage doesn’t make use of essentials oils. Their use is not excluded though in particular cases, as some oils help in the treatment of a cold or detoxification. This is considered as a variation of the typical Thai massage. It should also be noted that this sort of massage has nothing to do with sexual intercourse.

The cleanliness of body and clothes is a necessary prerequisite both for the masseur/se and the person under treatment, as contact between the two of them is direct.

What does this sort of massage have to offer?

  • Relaxation, stress minimization, spiritual clarity, “cleansing and emptying” of our mind
  • Increased mobility in all the muscles of our body
  • Particular discharge and attenuation of pain in the bodily parts suffering the most (i.e. waist, back, nape, hip, shoulder blade, arms) due to long sitting hours
  • Stimulation of the nervous system
  • Release of bodily toxins responsible for obesity, bad mood, aches in the stomach and other parts of the body
  • Discharge of the large intestine – constipation
  • Stimulation of the circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
  • Sense of well-being
  • Improvement and enhancement of the immune system (thus protecting us more effectively from diseases and increasing our energy level)
  • Physical exercise – Thai massage is also known as passive yoga
  • Improvement of fitness
  • Flexibility and resilience
  • Treatment of psychological symptoms through the excretion of hormones responsible for our good mood, but also through the work in our bodily organs related to our feelings (i.e. by working on the liver, we contribute to the release of anger)
  • Delay on the aging process
  • Contribution to self-concentration and the cognitive process in general, through the stimulation of the nervous system
  • Improvement of physical appearance, as we are more content and with fewer toxins
  • Automatic boost of self-confidence, as the body feels healthier

Some of the most common queries related to Thai massage follow below:

I have heard that the pressure exercised on the body is excessive and I don’t want to be in pain. I just want to relax.

The extent of pressure is adjusted easily and directly according to the issue in hand and the tolerance of the person receiving the massage. The intention is not to suffer. The only sure thing is that once the massage session is concluded, you will feel less pain in the troubled parts of your body (i.e. your waist or back).

I suffer from chronic diseases (i.e. diabetes, epilepsy) and I don’t think I can have a massage.

Before a massage session – and any session – the masseur/se must seek information about your current health condition. You can definitely have a massage, even if you suffer from some chronic disease; as long as the masseur/se knows about it, he/she will avoid particular techniques, pressures, etc. Nobody should feel excluded from the pleasures of life, but, he/she should be careful in the ways of enjoying them.

At this point, there should be a special mention to:

Those who have just been through surgery: you will have to wait before having a massage session

Pregnant women: from the 4th month onwards, you can have a massage only with your doctor’s consent, while particular postures and movements are suggested per case

Those who have open wounds, tumors, phlebitis, varices, melanomas, burns, rashes, contagious skin diseases: you can have a massage, but, your masseur/se should definitely be informed about your state – without you feeling any shame – so that he/she can judge whether some parts of the body should be avoided or others should be reinforced through the right technique

Those who have just received chemotherapy or radiation: you will have to wait before having a massage session or address an experienced therapist

Is my age relevant?

No, as this massage, through its numerous techniques and postures, can be personalized to any human being and any corresponding needs. Did you know, for instance, that there is even special massage for babies?

My time is precious and in fact, I don’t have free time. How long would a session take?

Quite some time. It is something worth its time and fee. It lasts at least one hour and a half, and from that point on it depends on what needs to be treated as well as on the mood and free time of both the masseur/se and the person in therapy. The masseur/se doesn’t get tired (as someone would think); the session is beneficial for him/her as well at all levels, so there are occasions when time is not a good enough reason to end a session. Actually, it is a gift to ourselves or better said an investment.

What should I do before or during a massage session?

Nothing in particular. Before a massage session, we avoid heavy meals, alcohol or coffee. Our last meal should be at least an hour before our session. During the massage, you do nothing; you just need to relax and breathe. Devote this time to you.

In general, engaging with our body, either through exercise or personal care, has only positive outcomes to offer – whether short term or long term – and is certainly not a waste of time or money. It is an investment on a better today and a more quality-oriented tomorrow. It is advisable for someone to choose whatever suits his/her character and lifestyle and applies to his/her symptoms in the best possible way. Only then is there strong enough motivation to get us up off the couch before or after work. The requirements of everyday life do not allow for free time; therefore, it is up to us to make time for something that interests us.

I would like to emphasize that it is not necessary to have a problem to get in the mood and find the time to deal with it. Being proactive and maintaining our harmony and balance are the best treatments and the most profitable investment.

I think it’s time to learn to love our body and our self and fully accept us the way we are, without any guilt or remorse. Our body will then compensate us. Do not forget that our soul, our spirit, our feeling, and our bodies are inextricably related among them.

You can check also here The harmonious conjunction of Technique with Light and Energy 

 

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