Sometimes referred to as assisted yoga, Thai massage is a holistic healing system that focuses on improving the flow of energy throughout the body. In Thailand, traditional Thai massage is closely related to Buddhism and healing, similar to traditional Chinese medicine or Ayurveda. It incorporates gentle stretching to reduce stress and improve circulation, allowing for a greater range of motion. The purpose of Thai yoga massage is to harmonize the flow of Qi (called chi or ch-ee) through the body, which can alleviate physical problems such as indigestion, headaches and PMS & and is also a good combination for emotional problems such as stress and fatigue.
A Thai massage therapist or practitioner will use their hands, fingers, elbows, feet, and even their entire body weight to manipulate your body during a session. It may seem like someone is practicing yoga for you, but without any effort on your part. Thai massage can benefit your health in many ways, many of which are backed by scientific studies. It works on the body's meridians called sen to replace stagnant wind with fresh, healthy wind.
Some types of stretching may involve performing yoga-like movements with the practitioner hugging you or pulling you to maintain a posture. If someone is considering receiving a Thai massage but is concerned that their medical history will prevent them from doing so, they should first consult their healthcare provider. Western yoga practitioners are particularly attracted to Nuat Thai and have even called it “Lazy Man's Yoga”. A study examined the benefits of Thai foot massage in people with peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes.
Half of the test group was treated with Thai massage and the rest with other conservative management techniques that included joint mobilization (a technique that involves applying pressure), hot compresses, and manual stretching to sore areas. The results revealed that Thai massage increased energy and mental stimulation, while Swedish massage was more likely to improve relaxation and sleep. If you have a migraine or suffer from tension headaches, traditional Thai massage can help ease symptoms. The dynamic stretches used by Thai massage therapists can offer deeper and more restorative stretches than some assisted stretching techniques in sports massage.
For that reason, many people report leaving Thai massage sessions feeling not only relaxed but also rejuvenated. After receiving a Thai massage three times in a 10-day period, soccer players showed a significant improvement in their ability to do sitting and stretching exercises. The cut type is a specific form of Thai massage that involves applying pressure to specific energy channels. Thai yoga massage offers numerous benefits for physical and mental wellbeing. It can help reduce stress levels, improve circulation, increase flexibility and range of motion, alleviate pain from migraines and tension headaches, improve sleep quality, reduce symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in diabetics, and even enhance athletic performance.
If you're looking for an effective way to relax and restore your body's natural balance, consider giving traditional Thai yoga massage a try.
