Thai massage has many benefits for the individual. It uses the gentle pressure on energy lines and the yoga-like stretching to relax the whole body on a deeper level.
Thai massage is a very holistic practice. Some of these benefits can be experienced after only one session of Thai massage, while others become apparent after multiple, regular sessions. During a Thai massage, the therapist uses his or her body to move the client into a variety of positions. This type of massage includes compression of muscles, mobilization of joints, and acupressure.
The combination of energetic and physical aspects is what makes Thai Massage unique and so effective. Traditional Thai massage is really a deep, full-body treatment, starting at the feet and progressing up to the head.
Read on to find out how a Thai massage can be beneficial for you.
Release of Muscular Tension
Muscles stay loose days after a session. To achieve this result, the therapist presses knuckles, feet, hands, thumbs and fingers into specific points while holding the participant in a stretch. This combined effort relieves areas of muscular stress and tension. Techniques involve stretching myofascial tissue; acupressure; compression of tissue; and manipulation of soft tissue.
Balances Energy
Thai massage is based on the idea that you have 10 energy meridians, known as Sip Sen, that run through your body and convey your body's invisible energy force known as Qi. Imbalances in Qi are believed to correspond to illness, disease, mental distress and other physical and mental symptoms. By manipulating the flow of Qi through your body using specific techniques, Thai yoga massage practitioners can help restore the proper flow and balance of Qi, which may help bring your body back into equilibrium.
Improved Circulation
Thai yoga massage works in a similar way to regular yoga poses. As participants hold a pose, blood slows to targeted areas. When the yogi releases the pose, fresh circulation rushes back into the area. Twisting and inverted Thai yoga massage positions, such as plough, shoulder stand and spinal twist, are particularly effective in refreshing circulation. Inverted poses can help with lymphatic drainage, the return of blood to the heart and digestion.
Improves Mental Well-Being
Thai yoga massage helps increase your sense of mental well-being through stress relief, relaxation and encouraging a meditative state of mind. You may experience a reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety and tension. Thai yoga massage may help you feel calmer and more peaceful through the deeply relaxing stretches and massage techniques, which help to harmonize your mind and body.
Boosted Immune System
Participants can improve their immune systems through Thai massage. By invigorating the nervous system and releasing toxins through improved circulation, Thai yoga massage students may increase their immunity to diseases. Many yoga students and yoga schools also believe that the practice of yoga poses can lead to longevity.
Promotes Flexibility
Thai yoga massage emphasizes deep stretching and lengthening of your muscles through manipulated yoga practice. This practice can help increase your level of flexibility and release stored tension in your body. Thai yoga practitioners guide you through specific yoga poses and also manipulate your body into certain positions based on your body's particular needs. If your hips are tight, for example, a practitioner may guide your body into yoga hip-openers. The practitioner places your body into these poses, then uses gentle pressure to deepen the stretch and open your joints.
