THAI MASSAGE
ABOUT TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE
In Thailand, Thai massage is known as “ancient” or “traditional” massage. It is a combination of acupressure, Shiatsu and yogic stretches. Thai massage stimulates the acupressure points across your body, healing pain and releasing tension. Many Thai people have a regular massage, relying on it to keep them aligned and healthy.
Thai massage earned its nickname “yoga for the lazy” through its gentle techniques and passive stretches. Your therapist works systematically from the tips of your toes to the top of your head, rocking you slowly and gently in time with your pulse, before applying the stretches and gentle pressure. Your therapist may use elbows, forearms, feet and even knees to work on your entire musculo-skeletal system, aiming to release the tension in your body by opening up your energy channels.
The body is carefully moved, loosened and stretched. A special system of movements allows Thai massage to be performed easily without strenuous effort. Each move is designed to support both the client and therapist. The therapist also applies gentle pressure with her palms and feet along your energy lines and acupressure points.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE & THAI OIL MASSAGE?
There are two main types of Thai massage, Traditional and Oil massage. Traditional Thai massage is a floor massage, so expect to lie fully dressed on a pad or light mattress on the ground. At various stages during the massage, the masseur will guide you into another position. Because the treatment is meditative, it is usually performed in silence to allow you time to reflect.
Thai Oil Massage treatment is a very relaxing treatment which works over the muscles of the body, promotes healing and reduces fatigue. Many people have a mixture of the two massages, starting with the Traditional followed by the Oil massage, or for the ultimate massage simply have an hour of both types of massage.
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER MY THAI MASSAGE?
You can expect to feel happy and soothed after your massage. You may well experience an unusual sensation of being both calm and energised, and feel lighter, taller or even ironed out. You might not feel sleepy, but do allow yourself to drift back to the real world gradually, and – as with all massage – make sure you drink plenty of water afterwards.
WHO IS THAI MASSAGE FOR?
Thai massage is suitable for young and the not-so-young, the active and the not-so-active, the healthy and the not-so-healthy alike. It is also thought to reduce recovery time for injured athletes and help to soothe emotional upset by rebalancing the body.
Ubon will ask you about any medical conditions before treatment. It should not be carried out on pregnant women, people with heart disease, or on anyone who has recently undergone surgery, any serious back or disc problems or any blood thinning medication.
BENEFITS OF THAI MASSAGE
Increase your sense of calm
Increase energy
Open up the meridians (energy paths) in the body
Relieve pain and muscle tension
Improve flexibility
Increase blood circulation
Encourage healthier sleep patterns
Treat backache tired limbs
Sooths headaches, stress and mental fatigue.