Thai Massage: 5 benefits
What is Thai massage?
Thai massage, also known as Thai yoga massage traditionally doesn’t use oils and rubbing or kneading like the Western-type massage.
Instead, the therapist porforms passive stretches and yoga poses on you to promote muscle tension relief by using their hands, elbows, forearms and feet.
During a Thai massage in Victoria BC, which is typically about 90 minutes per session, a therapist focuses on clearing the tension of sens (meridian lines), which according to traditional Thai massage means internal energy pathways, through acupressure and stretches.
Unlike Swedish massage or other Western massage techniques, which are performed on a massage table, Thai massage is done on a mat or massage mattress on the floor. At Sukhothai Thai Spa, it is done on the raised levels of wide surfaces that mimic the floor. And unlike other massages, which have you remove most of your clothes, with Thai massage, you can leave your clothes on. Loose-fitting clothes are preferred.
It’s important to note that only a small percentage of massage therapists can properly perform Thai massage, so make sure you find someone who is certified and trained in Thai massage.
Thai massage: 5 benefits
Increases flexibility and range of motion
Aid in increasing your range of motion and flexibility by improving your muscle’s blood flow and oxygen supply.
“Your flexibility is related to the function of your joints,” explains Hill. “When you increase the flexibility of the tendons, the range of motion then increases. If you fall outside the normal range of motion, we can work on improving that.”
Eases back pain
Research shows that if you have upper or lower back pain, Thai massage may help reduce your pain.
“A lot of it comes from the yoga poses that Thai massage is derived,” says Hill. “During a session, you’re loose and relaxed. This allows for the massage therapist to work on stretching.”
You may engage in yoga poses like pigeon pose and figure four, but with Thai massage, the massage therapist helps you hold those poses.
“There are twist poses we do as well,” she adds. “Those moves help mobilize the spine and begin to lubricate the joints in the spine.”
Reduces headache pain
For those with chronic headaches or migraines, research shows that a Thai massage session may help reduce their intensity.
And it’s worth noting that you may feel the benefits of Thai massage when it comes to headaches for a few days up to 15 days.
“Massage, in general, can help with tension headaches and migraine headaches caused by cervicogenic pain,” explains Hill. “Cervicogenic pain is due to the tightness of the neck muscles. Thai massage helps loosen up those muscles that are causing the headache.”
Hill notes that if you have certain types of headaches like cluster headaches or ocular headaches, you should see your doctor for treatment.
Lowers stress and anxiety
What is one thing that Thai massage has in common with other kinds of massage therapy? According to research, Thai massage can be calming and relaxing, which in turn, may help lower stress and anxiety.
Hill says that many people fall asleep during a Thai massage because it’s so relaxing.
“Your massage therapist begins to gently work on you, followed by stretching and then yoga poses,” she clarifies. “Most people fall asleep because they don’t have to do any work.”
Aids in digestion
Thai massage is considered a “toe-to-head” massage, which includes an abdominal massage.
“There are some energy points within the abdomen that can be manipulated with a deep abdominal massage,” Hill notes. “It may improve digestion because we’re moving that energy around.”
Source: “Thai Massage: What It Is and 5 Benefits.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 30 Apr. 2024, health.clevelandclinic.org/thai-massage.
