Originating in India more than 2,500 years ago, Thai massage has a long history and is renowned for its therapeutic benefits. Traditional Thai massage, which was once considered a therapeutic technique, draws on both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Thai massages, unlike standard Western massages, do not include lying on a massage bed while a therapist distributes oil to your body and kneads your muscles and pressure points.
Instead, during a Thai massage, you remain clothed and lay on top of a mat on the floor as the practitioner employs stretching, tugging, and rocking techniques to alleviate tension, promote relaxation, and improve flexibility and circulation. Often referred to as assisted yoga, Thai massage aims to enhance the flow of energy throughout the body. This post explores the scientifically supported benefits of traditional Thai massage and provides an overview of what to expect from this style of massage.
What are the advantages of traditional Thai massages?
Thai massage has several health benefits, many of which have been scientifically proven.
We will look at six main benefits that have been supported by research.
1. Reduces headaches
If you suffer from tension or migraines headaches, traditional Thai massage may help.
In many small studies involving individuals with persistent headaches, researchers discovered that Thai massage lowered the intensity of both migraine and tension headaches.
If you’re interested in attempting nonpharmaceutical headache relief remedies, keep in mind that studies concluded that the effects of Thai massage could last anywhere from a few days to about 15 weeks.
2. Reduces back pain
Thai massage may be an effective nonpharmaceutical method of relieving back pain.
A trusted source in Thailand evaluated the effects of Thai massage on a sample of 120 persons suffering from nonspecific low back pain. Fifty percent of the group tested received Thai massage, while the rest received conventional conservative therapy procedures such as joint mobilization (pressure application), heat packs, and manual stretching of sore areas.
Both groups were treated twice a week for four weeks, and both saw significant pain reduction.
Other studies. According to Trusted Source, Thai massage relieves back discomfort caused by trigger points – tight, painful muscle groupings in the upper back.
3. Alleviates joint stiffness and soreness
If you have joint discomfort and stiffness while moving, Thai massage may help.
In one study, researchers used a wand exercises combined with the Thai massage program to investigate the impact on persons with knee arthritis. The researchers discovered that following the 8-week training, the study participants had less pain and walked more comfortably.
In another studyTrusted Source that included 60 patients with knee osteoarthritis, researchers discovered that 3 weeks of Thai massage offered the same pain alleviation as 3 weeks of ibuprofen.
4. Promotes range of motion and flexibility
If your flexibility and range of motion are interfering with your athletic performance or making it difficult to move around, Thai massage may help you move more freely.
Thirty-four soccer players joined an experiment to investigate the impact of Thai massage on athletic performance. The soccer players’ ability to perform sit-and-reach activities improved significantly after receiving Thai massage three times in ten days.
The researchers assume that the increased flexibility is due to Thai massage’s capacity to boost blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles. This, in turn, may assist to alleviate discomfort and muscular adhesions. The researchers discovered that Thai massage treatments increased the athletes’ speed and agility on the field.
5. Reduces anxiousness
One of the most enticing characteristics of massage treatment is the ability to induce a state of peace and relaxation.
Thai massage, while more vigorous than other forms of massage therapy, has been shown to reduce anxiety while also promoting an overall sense of calm. According to studies, people who receive Thai massage experience decreased levels of psychological stress after treatment.
Brain scans of those who had Thai massage treatments revealed greater relaxation and lower anxiety than those who received physical therapy for the same diseases.
6. Boosts energy
Thai massage contains full-body motions, many of which are yoga-like. As a result, many people report leaving Thai massage sessions feeling both calm and refreshed.
In one study, researchers examined the benefits of Thai massage with Swedish massage on weary patients.
They interviewed participants after their treatments and discovered that individuals who received Thai massages felt mentally and physically refreshed.
Because the study was small, additional research is required to corroborate these findings.
What techniques are utilized for Thai massage?
Traditional Thai massage practitioners utilize their hands, thumbs, elbows, forearms, and occasionally even their feet to relieve muscle tension. Thai massage is founded on the principle that energy flows through your body in predictable lines or routes known as sens. The practitioner stimulates the flow of energy along the sen lines by moving your body into yoga-like poses and pulling and shaking it in various ways. The combination of stretching, movement, and pressure sets Thai massage apart from other styles of massage. If you prefer a more active massage where you move and participate rather than lying down the entire time, Thai massage may be a good choice for you.
What to Expect
Thai massage allows you to wear your own loose-fitting clothes, or the practitioner may need you to change into scrub-like clothing – a loose cotton top and drawstring leggings. Your clothing remain on throughout the massage.
Typically, you will lie on the floor on a mat or massage mattress, rather than a massage table. Once on the mat, your practitioner will gently perform a a series of stretches on your body, utilizing their weight and pressure to help you.
Unlike a Swedish massage, no oil is used, and your muscles are often not kneaded. Instead, the practitioner will stretch, pull, and rock various body parts with their hands, thumbs, elbows, and knees. They may even sit on you to stretch you into various postures.
Some stretches may include yoga-like movements in which the practitioner holds or pulls you to maintain a position.
You may experience discomfort if your muscles are sore or stiff. If you do, notify your practitioner so that the pressure and stretching can be lessened.
If you have an injury or if a portion of your body is particularly sensitive to discomfort, inform the practitioner before the massage begins.
Risks and safety
Before scheduling a Thai massage, consult your doctor if you have any of the following conditions: heart disease, high blood pressure, spine conditions, diabetes, recent surgery, open wounds, or cancer.
Thai massage is not suitable for pregnant ladies.
Medical professionals advise against massage if you have any of the following conditions: blood problems, deep vein thrombosis, burns, or thrombocytopenia.
Closing Thoughts from One Motion Forward:
Thai massage is an old therapy that has numerous scientifically validated advantages. It may help to relieve headaches, lower back and joint pain, promote flexibility, reduce anxiety, and stimulate your mind and body.
Thai massage is not a passive therapy. Your practitioner will guide you through a sequence of yoga-like poses while also focusing on muscle tension.
Thai massage may not be appropriate for everyone. If you have an underlying health condition, you should contact with your doctor before trying this ancient form of massage.
Step into Your Stride: Accept the Journey with One Motion Forward!