What are the Benefits of Thai Massage and How Does it Differ from Deep Tissue Massage?

Thai massage is a yoga-style treatment, which applies medium to strong pressure with a few stretches. It is an ancient healing practice that originated in India, dating back about 2,500 to 7,000 years ago. It is based on the principles of energy balance, relaxation and preventive medicine and is often referred to as “the ancient art of healing”. The first difference you'll notice between a Thai massage and classic Western styles is the lack of equipment.

While Swedish and deep tissue massages are performed on a massage table, Thai massages are performed on a mat. This allows the customer a fuller range of motion, which is useful. Because unlike Western massage styles, you won't just be lying on your back or on your stomach when you get a Thai massage. Neither will your masseuse, who gets an even greater advantage by being on the floor rather than hunched over a table. During a Thai massage, the masseuse moves around and above the client to access a wider range of angles in each part of the body, even in cases where the client is much larger than the masseuse.

Instead of using only the hands, fists, forearms and elbows, the Swedish masseuse's usual tools, the Thai masseuse can generally use her legs and feet during the massage. They often use a combination of both to gain an advantage by starting deep stretches of the client's arms, legs, hips and shoulders.

Thai massage

uses gentle pressure and stretching techniques to relax the entire body. One of the most beneficial aspects of a Thai massage is that the technique provides many benefits for many people. Thai massage can improve energy levels, relieve chronic migraines and tension headaches, promote proper blood flow and circulation throughout the body, and improve flexibility.

A Thai masseuse will use your entire body to perform the massage. They incorporate their body weight and use their elbows, knees and hands to stretch, knead and deeply massage the body. The use of pressure point stimulation is common and body manipulation can cause discomfort after a session. Chair massage is beneficial in the work environment, as it is portable and can be done without undressing or using oils on the skin. Massage therapists often work together with doctors, therapists and other health professionals to better address the individual needs of their clients. A study examined the benefits of Thai foot massage in people with peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes.

Massage therapists are trained professionals who use the power of touch and intentional movements to alleviate their clients' symptoms. A randomized trial examined the effects of Thai and Swedish massages on people experiencing fatigue. Through intentional manipulation, a massage therapist performs his session using one of the different massage techniques that have proven to be safe and effective. The chair massage is performed with the client sitting comfortably in a chair facing backwards, allowing them access to their head, neck, shoulders and back. If you have ankle problems, joint or mobility problems, muscle pain or tension, or an old injury that just doesn't go away, sports massage is the right place to start. It's difficult to compare Thai massage with deep tissue massage as both have many amazing health benefits.

Deep tissue massages are best for people who have chronic pain or sports injuries and want relief in specific “problem areas” on their body. If you want to take a more active role in your massage while learning some interesting stretches and poses at the same time then Thai massage may be right for you.

Dora Peckens
Dora Peckens

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