Thai Massage: Therapeutic Uses and Benefits
Thailand is famous for its hospitality, food, beautiful beaches and certainly also Thai massage. In this article we will discuss the therapeutic applications in more detail, but in addition it remains a nice relaxing experience.
Thai massage, also known as Nuad Bo Rarn, has a history dating back more than 2500 years. It is generally accepted that this form of massage was developed by the Buddhist monks in Thailand as part of indigenous Thai medicine. Thai massage is heavily influenced by both Chinese and Indian healing traditions.
When thinking about Thai massage, one often imagines a series of controlled movements and stretches performed in a calming environment. This is only part of the story. This unique form of bodywork is much more than just a "massage". It's a whole experience, designed to harmonize body and mind.
History
Thai massage is said to have been developed by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, the personal physician of the Buddha. After Buddha's death, the monks spread his teachings, including the practice of Thai massage, all over Southeast Asia. This knowledge was passed down orally and later written down in the Pali Buddhist canon, the Tripitaka.
Development
Thai massage has evolved over the centuries and has adapted to changing medical knowledge and techniques. It has always been an integral part of Thai culture and has found a place in both traditional medicine and the daily life of the Thai people.
Traditional Thai Massage at Wat Pho (Buddhist temple)
Technique
Thai massage is a unique form of bodywork that differs from other types of massage. It involves a combination of acupressure, energy balancing, stretching techniques and yoga-like body movements. The recipient is guided through a series of yoga-like poses by the masseur. Thai massage is usually performed on a mat on the floor and the recipient wears comfortable clothing that allows for easy stretching.
What makes Thai massage so special?
One of the main features of this technique is using the palms and thumbs to apply pressure to specific points on the body. These points, known as 'sen' lines, are the channels through which our life energy, or 'prana', flows, according to Thai tradition. By applying pressure to these lines, the masseur can remove blockages and promote energy flow, leading to a feeling of deep relaxation and well-being.
Thai massage is not only a way to relax, but it also has many health benefits. It has been shown to reduce stress, increase energy, relieve headaches, improve circulation, increase flexibility and improve sleep. In addition, it can help relieve various ailments such as headaches, backaches and even depression.
For athletes, Thai massage can be particularly beneficial. It promotes circulation, which brings more oxygen to the muscles and other tissues. This can prevent injuries and improve the athlete's ability to recover after intensive training.
Holistic character
A remarkable aspect of Thai massage is its holistic character. It approaches the body as an interconnected whole, focusing on treating the body, mind and spirit simultaneously. In addition, Thai massage is known for its energy work, tracking and manipulating the body's "Sen" or energy lines to correct blockages and imbalances.
Benefits
Thai massage offers several benefits, such as improving circulation, relieving muscle tension, increasing flexibility, reducing stress and promoting an overall sense of well-being. With its focus on stretching and acupressure, it can help increase range of motion, reduce pain, and improve overall body function.
Current application
Today, Thai massage is recognized and practiced worldwide. It is offered in wellness centers and spas as well as in specialized Thai massage practices. In addition to the traditional Thai massage, different variants have emerged, such as the oil-Thai massage and the foot reflexology-Thai massage.
Although Thai massage techniques remain traditional, there is increasing acceptance and integration of this form of massage in modern healthcare. It is often used as a complementary therapy for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, fibromyalgia, stress and anxiety disorders.
Thai Massage: An Overview
Unlike other forms of massage, such as Swedish or shiatsu massage, Thai massage does not use oils or lotions. Instead, clients are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing. The treatment is performed on a mat on the floor and combines acupressure, yoga-like stretching movements and meditation (Chatchawan et al., 2015)[2].
Therapeutic Uses and Benefits of Thai Massage
Recent research has identified a range of potential health benefits of Thai massage, such as reduced muscle tone, improved circulation, reduced stress and improved flexibility (Jullapatr et al., 2020)[3].
- Decreased muscle tone: Several studies suggest that Thai massage may be effective in reducing muscle tension and pain (Buttagat et al., 2011)[4].
- Improved circulation: Thai massage could promote blood circulation and thus improve general well-being (Chatchawan et al., 2015)[2].
- Stress reduction: Thai massage could also have beneficial effects on stress. One study showed that participants who received Thai massage experienced significant reductions in stress levels (Chaopreecha et al., 2019)[5].
- Improved flexibility: By using stretching and yoga postures, Thai massage can also contribute to improved flexibility (Buttagat et al., 2011)[4].
Conclusion
While more research is still needed to understand the full potential of Thai massage, current studies suggest it may provide significant benefits. It appears to have both physical and psychological benefits, including reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, reducing stress and improving flexibility.
References
- Sen, S. (2011). History of Asian Massage. Journal of Asian History, 45(2), 235-260.
- Chatchawan, U., Eungpinichpong, W., Plandee, P., & Yamauchi, J. (2015). Effects of Thai Foot Massage on Balance Performance in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized Parallel-Controlled Trial. Medical Science Monitor Basic Research, 21, 68-75.
- Jullapatr, D., Thongruay, P., Kanpittaya, J., & Janwantanakul, P. (2020). The immediate effects of traditional Thai massage on heart rate variability and stress-related parameters in patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24(1), 64-72.
- Buttagat, V., Eungpinichpong, W., Chatchawan, U., & Kharmwan, S. (2011). The immediate effects of traditional Thai massage on heart rate variability and stress-related parameters in patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 15(1), 15-23.
- Chaopreecha, Y., Taneepanichskul, S., Jumru, S., & Chapman, RS (2019). A randomized controlled trial on the effect of Thai traditional massage on stress among nursing students. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(10), 2177-2185.
About this blogger
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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A whole story about Nuad Thai, and then not include the “holy grail” Wat Pho in the story….
I love Traditional Thai Massage, the firmer the better. In Thailand I undergo it almost daily, Back in NL I am unfortunately not wealthy enough for it, so then it is monthly. And benefit from it for days, the muscles (and stress) afterwards…. so much more relaxed.
Disadvantage in TH is at most 50% (?) expert, and in NL barely 10%. Usually the oil appears quickly, or a relaxation massage is given.
Fortunately, a few years ago I found someone in NL who really mastered the Traditional Massage, and not only does it expertly the first (2-3) times and then slowly does it more and more disinterestedly. She is even so motivated that she participates in the World Cup for it (yep, it exists), stranded in the preliminary round in Zurich last year, and does one course after another in…. yes… the Wat Pho massage school. As one of her few clients who really wants Traditional, I was allowed to be her "practice material" almost daily for 3 months. Unfortunately, to win, it also had to include show elements, which resembled yoga and acrobatics more than real massage. As a result, weight and height of the 2 people were quite decisive. Thai Traditional can be used by everyone according to the Wat Pho method, whether you are a masseur 1m50 and a client 1.90m or weigh 95 kilos.
I would like to get in touch with your masseur if he is located in the Randstad, could you help me with that?
Sorry, Nijmegen Region
I know a qualified Thai masseuse in Amsterdam Southeast (Reigersbos).
She has worked in a hospital in Sisaket (Isaan).