What is a Thai massage?

Thai massage is a treatment that reportedly goes back around 2500 years and is still practised by many today. You may have come across this treatment at your local massage parlour or somewhere online, but are unsure what it involves.

In this article, we define what a Thai massage is, the history behind this effective treatment and what benefits you can expect when you book regular sessions.

What is Thai massage?

Thai massage has been described as “assisted yoga” and it's probably the most active and physical form of massage therapy available. It involves lots of assisted stretching and is performed clothed. If you’re looking to simply lie on a table and drift off, this isn’t the treatment for you.

Over the course of your session you’ll be twisted, turned and stretched into lots of positions, with the ultimate goal of boosting blood flow and lengthening every muscle in your body.

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The history of Thai Massage

Thai massage is one of the five branches of traditional Thai medicine, known as external medicine, which also uses cupping and scraping of the skin. The other four are:

•  Internal medicine (consuming herbs as part of a healthy diet)

• Spirit medicine (involving amulets and incantations)

• Divination (astrology and numerology)

•  Buddhism – which is the guiding philosophy for positive mental health

These five branches are all linked by element theory, which claims that all living things are made up of a combination of the four elements: earth, wind, water and fire. The elements must be brought into balance in order to lead a healthy life.

Historically, this system has links to ancient Chinese and Indian medicine and has been practised in a range of ways for thousands of years. As in these traditions, the spiritual purpose of massage is to unblock energy channels and bring harmony to the body.

What happens during a Thai yoga massage?

Traditional Thai yoga massage uses no oils or lotions and you'll be asked to wear soft, non-restrictive clothes. Your therapist will stretch, pull, rock and compress your body. This type of massage takes place on a mat on the floor, rather than on a table.

The massage will follow “sen” lines in the body, which trace the movement of energy, and also loosely correspond with the anatomical nervous and cardiovascular systems. As your therapist will not be rubbing or pressing on your muscles, the technique relies on the compression and release of your own body against itself.

Don’t be surprised if your therapist wants to pull on your fingers or toes, tug at your ears, crack your knuckles or even stand on your back. Although this experience may be intense the first time, it should never be too painful, so always let them know if you’re struggling.

Thai massage with oil

The techniques of Thai massage can also be used in a table massage. In this case, your therapist will use oil and a combination of acupressure, deep tissue massage and manipulation to block and release the flow of blood to areas of tension.

What are the benefits of a Thai Massage?

Thai Massage can be experienced by anyone who is in good health, but should be avoided by those with high blood pressure or a history of blood clots.

The benefits of Thai massage may include:

• Improves recovery time following exercise

• Increases flexibility

• Boosts circulation

• Releases cortisol, leading to reduced stress-levels

• Promotes a sense of deep relaxation

• May relieve urinary tract symptoms

Improves recovery time

If you’re an active individual, regular Thai massage treatments can decrease the time it takes for your muscles to recover from sports or other physical activities. By recovering more effectively, you’ll be able to reduce DOMS with ease and be back playing your favourite sport or attending your favourite gym class in no time at all.

Increases flexibility

Another benefit of Thai massage is that it can help increase your flexibility. If you’re somebody who is particularly stiff and has a goal of becoming more flexible, Thai massage could help you achieve that goal.

The assisted stretches you’ll be taken through during a Thai massage treatment naturally put muscles in a stretched position, helping them to become more flexible over time.

Boosts circulation

The stretches used within Thai massage can also promote circulation of both blood and lymph around the body.

Reduced stress levels

As with most massages, you can expect to have reduced stress levels following a Thai massage treatment. This is because massages promote the production of happy hormones, e.g. endorphins.

Promotes deep relaxation

If you’re someone who leads a busy life with work and family commitments, having regular Thai massages can help you experience deep relaxation that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to achieve.

May relieve urinary tract symptoms

Studies have suggested that Thai massage can help relieve symptoms of urinary tract diseases. In fact, one study said that the effects of Thai massage were similar to those of the medication tamsulosin.

Thai Massage is a unique and powerful therapy that makes a nice change from other types of massage. You should finish your session feeling loose and relaxed.

If you’re pregnant or suffering from a serious illness, you should consult your doctor before beginning any course of massage therapy.

Contact us

If you have any further questions about Thai massage, contact us and one of our massage experts will be happy to help.

Frequently asked questions

What does Thai massage include?

If you’ve booked a Thai massage, you can expect the treatment to be performed either on the floor or on a yoga mat and you’ll be clothed. From there your therapist will guide you through a range of stretches, as well as breath work, and will use a combination of deep tissue massage and pressure.

What is the difference between a Thai massage and a regular massage?

A Thai massage takes place on the floor, typically on a yoga mat, whereas a traditional massage will take place on a table. This is because Thai massage requires more movement.

Can you leave your clothes on during a Thai massage?

Yes, it’s recommended that you wear loose fitting clothing. This is to make it easier for your pro to move your body through the necessary movements and stretches.