What is Thai Massage?
What is Thai Massage? The Thai massage is a massage therapy practiced by Buddhist monks in Thailand. It has been handed down from master to student for over 2500 years. The massage, combines acupressure points of Chinese medicine with assisted stretching inspired by Indian Yoga, which opens up the body both energetically and physically.
The ultimate goal of the Traditional Thai Massage is, for both who practice it and those who receive it , the attainment of a state of lightness and emotional and spiritual elevation.
Its origins are lost in mystery, but it seems to derive from a combination of Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Buddhism was the main vehicle through which the diffusion of Ayurveda was brought from India to the rest of Asia. The spread of Buddhism occurred mainly through the efforts of the great Emperor Ashota in the second century BC.
Converted to Buddhism , Ashota was so involved that he sent a large number of monks abroad to teach it. They had a big impact on the cultures with which they came into contact with, and brought , in the places where they went , their spiritual knowledge and therapeutic integrating it with the local religious practices.
Before the Massage
Normally, before the beginning of a session, a diagnosis is made on the needs of the patient. To allow ease of movement to those who practice it, those who receive it should wear comfortable clothes. All work is done on a mat on the floor.
At the beginning of the massage, the therapist normally focuses for a few moments kneeling next to the patient, then places the palm of his right hand on the abdomen of the patient which according to Chinese medicine, is the center of the human being.
The therapist then starts the massage at a rate coordinated with the breathing of the receiver to bring it into a state of harmony. Those who practice Thai massage are also be able to feel the pulse of the client and then rock him/her gently and rhythmically before beginning to apply strains and pressures Checking the pulse helps focus both the client and the therapist, while the rocking put the customer in a natural rhythm and allows him/her to let go gradually.
Energy Release
Like other types of massage, Traditional Thai Massage increases vascular activity and promotes the release of toxins from the cells. But in addition to this physiological activity, this type of massage also promotes an energy release.
After this massage you will not feel sedated but energized. Another uniqueness of this type of massage is that the techniques will push the patient to to the limit his/her possibilities with the use of the hands, elbows, knees and feet.
Against Depression
This massage technique is especially suitable for athletes of aerobic disciplines such as those who practice running, cycling and football. Massage can help reduce the recovery time leaving the body relaxed and the mind alert.
The Thai massage is also indicated for depressed individuals because it has a balancing effect on the emotional level (at least temporarily).