What Is So Special About Thai Massage?

The benefits of massage therapy are universally recognized. It is not just a matter of feeling good after one; ongoing research continues to find a lot more health benefits as well. There are various styles and forms of massage, but Thai massage is right there among the most popular. Many people think that massage simply involves applying external pressure to the muscles to loosen and relax them. While this is part of the process, Thai massage continues to grow in popularity because of the many other benefits it offers.

The Unique Features of Thai Massage

• What is now known as Thai massage, originated in India over 2,500 years ago. And because of this, it includes some aspects of Yoga, which has well documented health benefits. In Thai massage, your body is placed in different positions while stretching techniques are used. This aspect of the massage is often referred to as “lazy Yoga” as the massage therapist places your body in different Yoga positions with no effort on your part. Deep pressure techniques are used to loosen and energize the body.
• Thai massage is convenient because it is minimalist in nature. That means it can be done on a chair/table or even on a floor mat. Special equipment is generally not required. Also, oils are rarely used so you can usually remain fully clothed during the massage. This is a comfort to those who are hesitant about undressing in front of practitioners, and eliminates the possibility of any residual oil staining clothes after a massage.
• There is a spiritual aspect to Thai massage that is not present in the other forms. Before beginning, a Thai massage therapist will say a prayer that will align the focus and maximize the health and wellbeing of the patient. This often results in the patient entering a relaxed meditative state which enhances the effects of the massage.
• In other forms of massage, you normally stay in one position, either on the back or on the stomach, while the therapist works on your body. In the case of Thai massage, your position will change depending on what the therapist is doing. This means you could be on your sides or even sitting on a chair or stool.
• Although oil is not normally used, if the therapist decided it will be beneficial, herbal packs may be applied to enhance the benefits of the massage. A cotton bag is filled with specific herbs and, if required, a little oil. The pack is then heated and then placed on specific parts of the body to promote increased relaxation.

Feel Your Best with Thai Massage

Thai massage is the most dynamic form of massage therapy. It offers the widest range of health benefits and provides a most relaxing experience. To ensure that you get the maximum benefits from this therapy, have it done at a proper Thai massage spa by a qualified and experienced massage therapist. You will feel the benefits immediately and continue to feel them for a long time.

Can a Massage be Bad for You?

It will be hard to find a professional and very good skill, and good energy healing massage. The healing and relaxing properties of a massage are well known and undisputed. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, massage, when done by a professional therapist, can help to reduce the symptoms of a wide range of medical conditions. It can also help in the recovery from injury and of course, you feel so good after getting one. However, that does not mean that any massage, given by anyone, is good for you. In fact, a bad massage given by a person who is not aware of any underlying medical conditions can make the existing problem worse. Here are a few rare, but possible, negative side effects of a massage.

Soreness  

Not all massages are meant to be gentle and soothing. Deep tissue or sports massages must perforce be more intense in order to provide real benefits. However, this type of massage, and the force and pressure used, can result in discomfort during the massage and soreness after it. If the body is not accustomed to the kind of manipulation that this type of massage requires, you may suffer from inflammation and pain, similar to that experienced after a challenging workout. The soreness usually lasts for just a few days, but it is a sign that the massage is not right for you.

Fatigue  

Even a lighter massage, much more gentle than a deep tissue massage, can leave you feeling tired and listless for a day or so after it is over. If the massage over stimulates nervous system, the resulting stress leads to fatigue. If you find that this is what happening to you after a massage, tell your massage therapist about it. She will then modify to reduce the side effects.

Blood Sugar

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there is a possibility of blood sugar levels dropping after a massage, so diabetics should inform the therapist of their condition before starting a massage. On the other hand, there is also evidence that regular massage may help to regulate blood sugar levels and so be beneficial for those with diabetes.

Exacerbating Pre-Existing Conditions

Massage should not be done near open wounds, bruises, fractures, blood clots and similar conditions as complications may ensue. Similarly, those with osteoporosis or weak bones must be careful when getting a massage done to prevent bone damage. Pregnant women should be careful that premature labor is not induced by a massage. Those on blood thinners and other medications should inform the therapist beforehand.

Rare Complications

An overzealous massage from an amateur can result in internal bleeding caused by ruptured blood vessels or even nerve damage. The creams or oils used in the massage could cause an allergic reaction.

Stay Safe with a Professional

Massage, if done correctly, is both healing and therapeutic. The feeling of well being that remains after a good massage is one that cannot be duplicated by any other treatment. To get the maximum benefits from a massage and to prevent any chance of injury, even if it is very slight, go to a Certified Massage Therapist with experience and a reputation you can depend on.

How Often Should You Get A Massage?

Everyone loves a good massage and the positive glow that remains long after it is over. But how often should you get a massage? Is getting too many massages bad for you? To answer the second question first, there is no medical or scientific evidence that it is possible to have too many massages. However, health conditions may require that the number of massages is limited. As for how often you should get a massage, it depends on you, your overall health and your lifestyle. There are no set rules – the frequency at which you can get a massage done varies from individual to individual. That being said, these are the generally accepted frequencies.

For General Health and Relaxation

Those in generally good health, who live under moderately stressful conditions and have a sedentary lifestyle, should have a massage 1 or 2 times a month. This will tone the muscles, tendons and ligaments and boost the metabolic system. This amount of massage will also help in controlling moderate stress levels.

For Stress Management

Stress can have many causes. It could be work related, brought on by lifestyle, caused by frequent travel, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and other such factors. Obviously reducing or controlling the causes will reduce the stress levels. If that is not possible or the stress levels remain high, massage is known to be extremely effective in stress reduction. Those who are under high stress will normally benefit from a weekly massage. A regular schedule is very important. As stress levels build up between massages, the knowledge that there is another one to look forward to can help to bring the levels under control.

For Pain Reduction

Massage is a great way to reduce/control/manage pain. Depending on the nature of the injury or medical condition, a Certified Massage Therapist, doctor or other trained professional will decide on the frequency. It could be as much as every alternate day in the initial phase. As the pain reduces and comes under control, the frequency will also reduce as decided by the therapist or doctor.

For Athletes

For athletes, the frequency of receiving massages will depend on a number of factors. These include:

• The nature of the sporting activity
• The age and overall fitness of the athlete
• The training schedule
• Whether the massage is to help with injury recovery
• Whether the athlete is prone to specific recurring injuries
• Whether the sport is a seasonal one – off season massage frequency may differ from that followed in season
• Environmental factors that could affect performance levels.

Who Decides?

If you are under medical treatment and are getting massages as advised by a medical professional, the doctor will decide what type of massage you should get, how often and for what duration. The doctor may also consult a massage therapist on this matter. If you are an athlete, your coach, trainer or sports medicine specialist will decide on the massage parameters. However, if your main objective is just to relax and feel good, consult a Therapeutic Massage professional who will advise you on what is best for you.

A good massage, tones you up physically and mentally. It is not a luxury – it is an essential way of coping with the pressures of modern life.

What Is Reflexology?

Reflexology works on the principle that specific parts of the feet (along with the hands and ears) correspond and are connected to different organs and systems in the body. Applying controlled pressure to the various parts of the feet has a beneficial effect on the organs and systems they are connected to. Although reflexology is not a diagnostic science or a system of healing health disorders, it  is used all over the world as a compliment to other forms of treatments, given for a wide range of health disorders, ranging from cardiovascular issues, cancer, kidney function, asthma, diabetes sinusitis and many more. It is also widely accepted as a good solution to reduce stress and to tone up the overall functioning of the body.

The History

It is thought that the use of reflexology dates back to pre-history. The first recorded use is found in an ancient Egyptian tomb dating back to about 2330 BCE. Old statues of the Buddha found in India and China appear to have reflexology symbols on the feet and a Chinese treatise on medicine from 1000 BCE has a chapter on “Examining the Foot.” A book on reflexology was published in Europe in the late 16th century and the science was introduced to America in1917 by Dr. William H. Fitzgerald. In the 1930s Eunice Ingram, a noted physiotherapist created a reflexology chart which is still in use today. Reflexology is now used globally to improve metabolic functioning, relieve stress and support healing and recovery.

How It Works

Each foot is connected to one side of the body – the left foot is connected to all the organs, muscles, nerves etc. from the head downwards and likewise, the right foot is connected to the organs, muscles, nerves, etc, on the right side. For example, since the liver is on the right side of the body, pressure applied to specific parts of the right foot can improve liver functioning and help in treating liver problems. Depending on the treatment required, a reflexologist may provide a general reflexology session that will tone up overall body functioning or she may focus on using pressure points to treat specific metabolic problems. At times reflexologists may use tools such as wooden sticks, rubber balls and bands and so on to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Whether or not tools are used, the basic aim is to provide a relaxing, comfortable experience that will leave a person in a better physical and mental state.

The Benefits

Reflexology offers a wide range of benefits which include:

• Improving the quality of sleep.
• Better blood circulation.
• Increased relaxation without the need for medication.
• Alleviating feelings of depression.
• Reduction in bodily aches and pains.
• Healthier feet that are able to better cope with long hours of standing or walking.
• Reduction in the intensity of the symptoms of PMS and menopause.
• Reduction in the effects of edema which is the collection of fluid in the feet and ankles. This is a common problem during pregnancy.
• Reduction in blood pressure levels.
• Relief from the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Reflexology is a specialized science and treatments should be done only by a qualified reflexologist to ensure that the most beneficial results are achieved.

What a Thai Head - Neck - Shoulder - Face Massage Does For You

Tension and stress are an integral part of modern life. These do not affect just the mind – they place a burden on the body too. Whether it is from being hunched over a keyboard for hours or the physical stress of intense concentration for extended periods of time, the result is usually the same – tightness in the shoulders and neck, tired facial muscles and often headaches. The best way to return the body to a healthy relaxed state is by having a Thai head – neck – shoulder - face massage. A relaxed body aids, in mental relaxation, too.

The tension in the mind flows down the spinal cord and then spreads over the rest of the body. The aim of this type of massage is to open up the energy flow from the brain to remove the blockages caused by the tension and induce a feeling of well being and lightness. This massage can be either a standalone treatment or combined with another type of Thai massage.

How it’s Done?

Firm yet gentle pressure is used to remove blockages and to bring back balance and alignment to the body. With this massage,tension is relieved. The treatment will often begin with a head and scalp massage that is designed to boost blood circulation and by doing so, induce relaxation. The face massage comes next. This is done more gently and slowly. Pressure points and energy lines are stimulated to enhance oxygen and blood circulation. This revitalizes the muscles and nerves of the face and results in the removal of tension. After this, the massage moves on to the neck and shoulder area. Deeper and stronger strokes are now applied in keeping with the increased muscles mass and tone of this area. The long deep strokes causes the pressure points to be stimulated, which looseness the kinks ad knots in the muscles and eases the tensions and stress.

The Benefits

A Thai head – neck – shoulder - face massage offers many benefits. Among them are:

• Relief from shoulder and neck stiffness
• Removal of tension headaches
• Improved concentration
• A greater feeling of alertness combined with calmness and relaxation
• Better sleep
• Reduction in eyestrain and easing of sinus conditions
• Improved oxygen blood circulation to the scalp, head and face resulting in a reduction in lines and wrinkles and an improved complexion
• Easing of feeling of depression and mental stress

The benefits of the massage are both immediate and also long lasting. In most cases once people feel the difference, regular massages become part of their routine.

To get the best results from a Thai head – neck – shoulder - face massage, go to a certified massage therapist. She will have been properly trained and will often be specialized in various massage therapies. Ask about the therapist’s experience and have a look at the testimonials. It’s important to feel comfortable with and confident about the abilities of the therapist. That puts you in the mood to get the best results.

Thai Massage for Children

The benefits of Thai massage for adults have been known for almost 2,500 years, from the time of the Buddha, when it first came into existence. The stresses, pressures and unhealthy aspects of modern life have combined to make it one of the most effective and popular forms of relaxation, healing and rejuvenation.

What many parents do not realize is that massage is equally beneficial for their children. A great deal of research as reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine to name a few highly reputed publications, say that massage therapy for children offers a number of physiological and also psychological benefits. The technique, intensity and duration of a Thai massage for children differs from that given to an adult. A qualified therapist will know what needs to be done and how to do it.

The Appropriate Age Group

Because of its gentle nature, Thai massage is especially good for children. Generally speaking, any child between the ages of 5 to 15 can get a Thai child massage. Growing up today is a stressful experience and school, homework, peer pressure, relationships and unstable hormones all contribute to stress. Thai massage provides a calming and soothing touch that reduces anxiety and increases relaxation. Because their bodies are still developing, the treatment of strains and injuries in children requires special care. Here too, Thai massage can help in the healing process.

The Benefits

The obvious benefit is that the child will feel calm relaxed and destressed after the massage. Besides this, it can also help in treating:

• Hyperactivity
• Fatigue and inability to pay attention
• Uneasy or troubled sleep
• Developmental delays

It can also:

• Lower anxiety
• Enhance self esteem
• Increase flexibility
• Improve muscle tone
• Reduce pain

Maintaining hormonal balance is important for all ages, but especially so for teenagers who suffer from imbalances that result in mood swings and other troubling and difficult behavior. It can also affect them physically. Thai massage can help these children to regain a healthy hormonal balance.

If you are a parent who would like your children to enjoy the all-round benefits of a Thai massage, there is no need to hesitate. The only thing you need to ensure is that you take the children to a professionally managed spa or massage center that is staffed and run by qualified personnel. Ideally there should be a Certified Massage Therapist. While the benefits are many and the children will certainly enjoy the experience, you should only entrust your child to a therapist with certification from National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Body Work (NCBTMB). After all, you want only the best for them, right?

Thai Deep Tissue Chair Massage

Deep tissue is a particular form of massage therapy that focusses on the inner, deeper layers of muscle in the body. Deep finger pressure and slow firm movements are used to provide a proven and effective method, to relieve pain and stress,and in the process, provides many other medical benefits. With the chair massage therapy, the patient normally remains fully clothed and sits in a specially designed massage chair. The massage focuses on the back, neck, shoulders, arms, hands and head. Sessions are generally short and range from 15 minutes to 1 hour, making this massage a convenient option during a lunch break or at any other free time during the day. The procedure offers a quick release from stress, reduces soreness, unlocks energy, clears away tiredness and leaves the patient feeling refreshed and revitalized.

The Many Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage

Many studies conducted over the years have proven the efficacy of deep tissue massage in relieving various types of medical conditions.

• A research conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center, surmises that the deep tissue massage therapy significantly helps drop blood pressure in the system, because of the way it reduces stress and tension in the body.
• The same university also opines that deep tissue massage is more efficacious in alleviating chronic pain than traditional medications. This is because the massage escalates the blood flow through the body and by doing so it decreases the inflammation, the latter being the major reason for the pain. Muscle tension, which is another cause for pain, is also remedied, with this type of massage.
• It helps in the repair and recovery of injured muscles. The massage also assists the movement of toxins away from any injuries and so speeds up healing. The resulting reduction in pain is a major reason why this type of massage is used to treat sports injuries.
• Over time the accumulation of scar tissue in the body can cause extended periods of muscle pain and stiffness. Deep tissue Thai massage improves the functioning of the lymphatic system which causes the scar tissue to break up and eventually be flushed out of the body resulting in a significant reduction of pain and stiffness.
• Stress and tension are common factors in modern life. A Thai deep tissue chair massage which focusses on the head, neck and shoulders will loosen the muscles and relieve the tension and stress quickly and tangibly.

How effective a massage is depends on both the type of massage and the skill of the person giving it. Because of its effectiveness Thai massage has grown in popularity over the years and the number of spas offering this service are booming. However, not all have the required training and certification to offer a real Thai massage experience – the kind that offers true benefits to the body, mind and spirit. The best Thai massages, whether the chair type or something else, can only be given by a therapist certified by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Body Work (NCBTMB) with special training in  Thai Massage and the related areas of Reflexology, Facial Massage, Herbal Compress, Tok-sen and Hot Stone Massage.