What is Thai massage?
Thai massage uses the Nuad Thai technique, which translates to Thai Yoga. It originated in India and has been around for thousands of years, influenced by Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Thai massage improves energy flow throughout your body by focusing on specific pressure points and gentle stretching.
How is Thai massage done?
Thai massage is done in full clothes without oil. During the session, the therapist uses their body weight to apply pressure on specific points using hands, elbows, knees, and even feet. Thai massage is an active treatment in which the therapist positions your body using techniques to resemble you in a yoga position and stretches to restore energy flow.
Thai massage is performed on the client fully clothed so the therapist can properly grip, pressure, and stretch the client while repositioning. It is often performed on the floor.
Who can benefit from Thai massage?
Thai massages can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities to boost mental health restrictions, joint mobility, and muscular tension.
Clinical studies evidence the following conditions:
Lowing stress levels
Boosting energy levels
Relieving headaches
Stimulating circulation
Improving range of motion
Muscular fatigue
Research from Science Direct on The influence of traditional Thai massage on recovery from gastrocnemius muscle fatigue with evidence of positive effects in maximising recovery from muscle fatigue.
Research from Science Direct on the Effectiveness of court-type traditional Thai massage plus meditation in patients with myofascial pain syndrome on the upper trapezius concluded that Thai massage could relieve pain in these patients.
PubMed researched The Effectiveness of Thai Massage and Joint Mobilization, concluding that traditional Thai massage and joint mobilisation were equally effective for short-term reduction of pain and disability in patients with chronic non-specific low-back pain.
Preparation for Thai massage
Wear loose, soft clothing such as gym clothes, and ensure you do not have a heavy meal before the session. Shower before you come and wait at least 4 hours after the treatment to shower.
Summary
Thai massage is a full-body massage that uses a mixture of deep pressure, muscle and joint stretching, and gentle adjustment of the body into positions such as yoga-like poses. This helps to relax the body and state of mind.
Numerous studies have found clinical benefits of Thai massage, including the reduction in pain, increased mobility, and muscle tension.
Akhtar (SAC. Dip), Lead Clinical Sports Therapist
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