What is Traditional Thai Massage?
The Ancient Origins of Thai Massage
Although it has ancient origins, Thai massage is a relatively new technique in Western culture, with a whole range of benefits that are supported by modern scientific research. These include reducing stress / anxiety, reducing headaches, limiting back pain, improving joint pain and stiffness, increasing flexibility / range of motion, improving energy levels and more.
Thai Massage Techniques
Thai massage is based on the concept that life energy moves through your body along channels, or pathways, known as sens.
In traditional Thai massage, the practitioners use their thumbs, hands, forearms, elbows, and sometimes even their feet, to reduce the tension in your muscles.
Increased flow of energy along the sens is achieved by the massage practitioner moving your body into yoga-like positions, as well as stretching, pulling and rocking your body in different ways. It is the combination of movement, pressure and stretching that distinguishes Thai massage from other types of massage.
If you are looking for a more active type of massage, where you move and participate as opposed to simply lying down throughout your treatment, then Thai massage may be just for you.
What to Expect in a Thai Massage
A good way to visualise Thai massage is to imagine the practitioner arranging your body into different yoga-type poses.
During the Thai massage, you stay dressed in loose fitting garments. Usually you lie down on a mat or massage mattress on the floor, as opposed to on a massage table. While you are lying down, the Thai massage practitioner will slowly move your body through different stretches and movements, using the pressure and weight of their own body to assist you.
There is no oil used like there is in typical Swedish massage, and your muscles are not usually kneaded. Instead, the Thai massage practitioner uses their hands, thumbs, elbows, forearms, legs, knees and feet to pull, stretch and rock different parts of your body. Some of the stretches involve yoga-like movements, where the practitioner holds or pulls you in order to achieve and maintain a pose.
If your muscles are tense or sore, you may experience some discomfort during a Thai massage. If this happens, simply tell your practitioner, and they will reduce the stretching and pressure.
It is of course very important to let your Thai massage practitioner know if you have an current injury, or if some specific part or parts of your body are particularly sensitive to pain. In addition, let them know about any significant medical history, as Thai massage is not safe for some particular health conditions.
Is Thai Massage Safe?
Because Thai massage has a profound effect on your body, particularly the circulatory system, it is important to check with your General Practitioner if you have any of the following (and related) health conditions:
- Heart disease or coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Conditions that affect your spine, including osteoporosis
- Neurological diseases
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Bleeding disorders
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Burns
- Thrombocytopenia
- Recent surgery
- Open wounds
In addition, Thai massage isn’t recommended for women who are pregnant.
Book a Thai Massage in Acton with Thai Touch Therapy
Thai massage is not a passive treatment like a relaxing aromatherapy massage. Your practitioner will move and manipulate your body through a series of yoga-like positions, as well as working on the tension in your muscles. If you think this would benefit you, why not book a treatment with us today.
Find out more about the different Thai massage treatments we provide, or discover our special offers and Thai massage discounts.
We are open every day for Thai Massage from 11 am to 10 pm (last appointment 9.30pm)
Call us: 020 8752 0302
Or feel free to drop in and make an appointment in person at Thai Touch Therapy, 309 Uxbridge Road, Acton Hill, London W3 9QU.
