When it comes to getting a Thai massage, comfort is key. Loose and comfortable clothing is essential, so leave the leather pants and pencil skirts at home. You'll stay fully clothed during the massage, so you should wear something that can easily stretch. Many massage parlors provide clothes for you to wear during the massage, so you don't have to worry about bringing your own.
No matter what type of massage you choose - Swedish, aromatherapy, Thai, or deep tissue - they are all designed to relax and reduce muscle tension and stress levels. Thai massage is unique in that it uses a sequence of movements similar to yogic stretches to work the entire body. Practitioners use their hands, thumbs, elbows, forearms, and sometimes even feet to reduce muscle tension. The calming effects of massage therapy are well-known, and studies have shown that Thai massage can be especially beneficial.
Brain scans of people who received Thai massage treatments showed greater relaxation and much lower anxiety than those who underwent physical therapy treatments for the same conditions. Additionally, Thai massages are performed on a mat rather than a massage table, which many people report leaves them feeling not only relaxed but also rejuvenated. In several small studies with patients with chronic headaches, researchers found that Thai massage reduced the intensity of migraines and tension headaches. In one study, researchers compared the effects of Thai massage and Swedish massage on fatigued people.
Thirty-four soccer players participated in an experiment to test the effects of Thai massage on sports performance. The results showed that those who received Thai massages felt more relaxed, freer and more stretched than those who received Swedish massages. If you suffer from migraines or tension headaches, traditional Thai massage can help relieve symptoms. Researchers from Thailand studied the effects of Thai massage on a group of 120 people with unspecific low back pain. The results showed that those who received Thai massages experienced less pain than those who did not. Thai massage is based on the idea that energy moves through the body along predictable lines or pathways known as senses.
This ancient practice has been proven to benefit your health in a number of ways, many of which are backed by scientific studies. So if you're looking for a way to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind, consider giving Thai massage a try.
