Recent research has revealed that Thai massage is associated with many health benefits, such as improved circulation, increased range of motion, and reduced stress levels. This ancient practice has been used for centuries in India and Thailand, and is now gaining popularity in the West. Thai massage offers a variety of benefits for the body and mind, including reducing the severity of headaches, decreasing lower back and joint pain, increasing flexibility, calming anxiety, and energizing the body. This type of massage is unique in that it uses gentle pressure on energy lines and yoga-like stretches to relax the body at a much deeper level.
This deep relaxation can improve a person's personal perspective as well as their emotional state. It can also promote deeper, more restful sleep every night, allowing the body to heal itself physically. In one study, researchers used a Thai massage program combined with wand exercises to study the effects on people with knee arthritis. Thai massage is different from other forms of massage in that it is meant to energize the body rather than relax it.
This is why it is important for pregnant women to talk to their doctor and Thai masseuse before beginning a session. It is also important to inform your masseuse of any injuries or areas of your body that are particularly sensitive to pain. The techniques used in Thai massage include acupressure, stretching, and friction. Acupressure involves applying pressure along energy lines in order to balance the body's energy flow.
Stretching helps to increase flexibility and oxygen supply to muscles. Friction involves applying pressure along the grain of the muscles to break knots and align tissue fibers correctly. The researchers hypothesize that the increase in flexibility may be due to improved blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles. Beyond physical benefits, Thai massage can also help with general well-being and creating a sense of vitality.
Whatever variation you get, it will be much more active than most massages you've ever received before, so be prepared! If you have any questions or concerns about Thai massage, read my article in the Charlotte Agenda for more information, images, and discussions.
