Thai massage: benefits, recommendations and techniques

A Thai massage session can bring you benefits, both physically and mentally. Improving joint mobility and releasing stress are examples of them.

Traditional Asian medicine has existed for thousands of years, as a prevention and treatment measure for various ailments. Without a doubt, the most popular is Chinese, but Thai also has well-known practices, with traditional Thai massage being the most widespread.

Here in the West we can find expert therapists who perform this ancient massage in spas and massage centers. Not only in a therapeutic way (as a complement to the relief of some ailment), but also as an energizer and well-being for the body. Do you want to know more about Thai massage ? We will explain to you what it is, how it is practiced, benefits and more.

What is Thai massage ?

Thai massage is a type of massage that seeks, through pressure, rocking and stretching in various parts of the body, to stimulate and flow the body's energy. Which, in turn, would bring a feeling of physical and mental well-being to the person who receives it.

It is known in Thailand as "nuad bo rarn", which in English is something like "ancient healing pressure." This ancient massage is one of the four pillars of traditional Thai medicine , along with herbal, nutritional medicine and mindfulness .

In fact, said traditional medicine considers that there are four fundamental elements in the body, which regulate its different functions:

·         Earth: everything solid, such as bones and muscles.

·         Water: are secretions and other body fluids.

·         Air : has to do with breathing, circulation and mood .

·         Fire: related to digestion , sexuality and metabolism.

The function of Thai massage would be to restore the correct functioning of these elements and restore balance to the body, for a better quality of life.

 Where did Thai massage originate?

One of the theories about its origin leads to Shivago Komarpaj, who was Buddha's doctor, approximately 2500 years ago. He combined knowledge and techniques from India, such as Ayurveda medicine and yoga;  with the management of the energy channels of traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese acupressure , to create this therapeutic practice.

Others believe that traditional Thai massage originated thousands of years ago in the fields of that country, when peasants, tired of long work tasks, went to healers to help them improve their ailments. They used their knowledge influenced by other Asian medicines (like the ones we indicated before), resulting in this ancient massage.

The fact is that this technique has been passed down from generation to generation and is still very valid today. In addition, it is a representation of Thai culture in the world, so much so that UNESCO included it, in 2019, on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Thai massage and its health benefits

Among the benefits of massages , and in particular the traditional Thai one, is the feeling of peace, balance and well-being that the person feels after receiving it. Another of them is that it could help with the treatment of lower back pain.

In fact, research at the Andrés Bello University of Chile suggests that it is effective in reducing the perception and intensity of low back pain , considering it a good complementary treatment alternative. Likewise, more advantages are attributed (traditionally) to Thai massage, such as the following:

·         It would relieve tensions.

·         It would promote digestion .

·         It would increase concentration.

·         It would reduce stress and fatigue.

·         It would improve the quality of sleep .

·         It would have relaxing effects.

·         It would strengthen the immune system .

·         It would provide a pleasant and relaxing feeling.

·         It would increase muscle tone and elasticity.

·         It would increase joint mobility.

How is Thai massage practiced ?

If you are interested in making an appointment for a Thai massage, there are several points that you should keep in mind, regarding how the sessions are carried out and what is done in them.

The first thing is that it is practiced on a mat or mat on the floor , this for greater comfort for both the therapist and the recipient, since this way a greater range of movements can be made. Unlike other types, such as Ayurvedic massages , where oils are used; the Thai is free of them and becomes clothed, completely.

The therapist will begin with pressure with the palms of the hands, from the foot area, and then move up the body and return, always with rhythmic movements. As you go up, you can use other parts of the body, such as your forearms, feet or elbows, to massage your client.

It also does stretching or balancing, as well as postures that are very similar to those of hatha yoga , but with the difference that the client will not have to use any type of force. For this reason, some call it the yoga of the lazy. In the video below, you can see an example of the movements done in a session.

If you are wondering about the duration of the Thai massage, then an average appointment at a spa lasts an hour and a half. There are also shorter ones, but it is best to do one full time, to obtain better benefits.

As for the frequency at which it should be done, the ideal is weekly. In ancient times they even did it several times a week; but currently, due to time and budget, the frequency between one and the other is a little longer.

Recommendations for before, during and after the Thai massage

To obtain the greatest benefits of Thai massage , it is necessary that you comply with a series of rules and recommendations before attending the session with the therapist, as well as when you go home. Most likely, the spa or massage center will tell you about them when making the appointment , but we present the most common ones below.

Before starting

1. ·         Go to the bathroom, so as not to interrupt the session.
2. ·         Avoid wearing chains, watches and any other type of jewelry.
3. ·         Do not eat for at least an hour before the massage, Don't consume alcohol either .
4. ·         Inform your therapist if you suffer from allergies, are taking any medications, or have any special medical conditions.
5. ·         Wear comfortable, loose clothing, in order to achieve greater freedom of movement, Ideally, it should be made of breathable fabrics, such as cotton .

During the session

After thai massage

·         Take a relaxing bath .

·         Do relaxing breathing exercises .

·         Wait an hour to eat and opt for light meals.

·         Hydrate yourself; drink water or cleansing infusions to help.

·         Avoid doing stressful activities during the rest of the day, this to prolong the feeling of relaxation . Likewise, do not do strong exercises.

·         Apply some over-the-counter muscle relaxing gel , just in case you feel pain. Keep in mind that if this is very strong, you should go to your doctor.

Contraindications of Thai massage

While it is true that Thai massage is safe for many, there are also cases in which it is not advisable to perform it. There are those who have pathologies and medical conditions, which massage could worsen or interfere with , such as:

·         Fever .

·         Pregnancy .

·         Burns .

·         Osteoporosis .

·         Herniated discs.

·         Unhealed wounds.

·         Hypertension or hypotension .

·         Infections and skin diseases .

·         Cardiovascular and circulatory diseases.

·         People who have an active type of cancer .

·         Those who have suffered recent fractures, dislocations or dislocations.

If you have any of them, the ideal is to avoid massage. There are also cases (such as pregnancy or osteoporosis), where the therapist can do a very gentle massage and with specific techniques, to avoid affecting the health of his client.

In such cases, you must have approval from the treating doctor and choose a therapist with experience in this type of conditions.

Likewise, Thai massage can have side effects after its application. In general, they do not last long, but if they are acute or prolonged you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Among them are:

·         Cramps .

·         Muscle pain .

·         Feeling of nausea or dizziness.

·         Increased urge to urinate .

A good therapist, key in Thai massage

When making an appointment for a Thai massage, it is very important to do it with a true professional in the area, since he will manipulate your body and, if he is not sufficiently prepared, he can cause damage or even injure you.

Our recommendation is to do prior research on the spa and therapists who practice massage. On their website they should report their certifications in the area, years of experience, as well as whether they are members of any national or international organization related to the world of massage.

The International Thai Healing Alliance suggests that therapists should have a minimum of 250 hours of study, over a period of 18 months, before beginning to practice massage. If you take all these points into account, you will surely find an ideal professional and you will have a quality massage.