What are the benefits of traditional Thai massage?
Thai massage can benefit your health in numerous ways, many of which are supported by scientific studies.
Below, are six key benefits that are supported by research.
1. Relieves headaches
If you have migraine or experience tension headaches, traditional Thai massage may help ease your symptoms.
In several small studies involving patients with chronic headaches, researchers found that Thai massage reduced the intensity of both migraineTrusted Source and tension headaches.
If you’re interested in trying nonpharmaceutical remedies for headache relief, it’s worth noting that researchers concluded that the benefits of Thai massage could last anywhere from several days to around 15 weeks.
2. Reduces back pain
Thai massage may be an effective, nonpharmaceutical means of reducing back pain.
Studies have found that Thai massage reduces back pain associated with trigger points — tight, painful muscle clusters — in the upper back.
3. Relieves joint stiffness and pain
Thai massage may improve your joint function if you experience pain and stiffness when you move.
4. Increases flexibility and range of motion
If your range of motion and flexibility are affecting your athletic performance or making it hard to get around, Thai massage may help you move more easily.
5. Eases anxiety
One of the most appealing aspects of massage therapy is the sense of calm and relaxation it can bring.
Although Thai massage is more energetic than other forms of massage therapy, it has been shown to lower anxiety and increase a systemic feeling of calm.
Brain scans of people who received Thai massage treatments showed more relaxation and much lower anxietyTrusted Source than people who underwent physical therapy treatments for the same conditions.
6. Revives energy
Thai massage incorporates whole body movements, many of which are yoga-like. For that reason, many people report that they leave Thai massage sessions feeling not only relaxed but also rejuvenated.
In one study, researchers compared the effects of Thai massage and Swedish massage on people who were fatigued.
They interviewed the participants after their massages and found that those who had Thai massage felt mentally invigorated and physically energized.
The study size was small, so more research needs to be done to confirm these results.
What techniques are used with Thai massage?
In a traditional Thai massage, practitioners use their hands, thumbs, elbows, forearms, and sometimes even their feet to reduce tension in your muscles.
Thai massage is based on the idea that energy moves through your body along predictable lines or pathways known as sens.
To increase the flow of energy along the sens, the practitioner will move your body into yoga-like positions in addition to pulling and rocking your body in various ways.
The combination of stretching, movement, and pressure is what distinguishes Thai massage from other types of massage.
Thai massage may be a good option for you if you want a more active type of massage, where you move and participate instead of lying down throughout your massage.
What to expect
With Thai massage, you can wear your own loose-fitting clothes, or the practitioner may have you change into scrub-like garments — a loose cotton top and drawstring pants. You keep your clothes on throughout the massage.
Typically, you’ll lie on a mat or massage mattress on the floor, not on a massage table. Once on the mat, your practitioner will slowly move your body through multiple stretches, using the weight and pressure of their body to assist you.
Unlike a Swedish massage, oil isn’t used and your muscles typically aren’t kneaded. Instead, the practitioner will use their hands, thumbs, elbows, and knees to stretch, pull, and rock different parts of your body. They may even sit on you to stretch you into certain positions.
Some types of stretches may involve going through yoga-like movements with the practitioner holding or pulling you to maintain a pose.
If your muscles are sore or tense, you may feel some discomfort. If you do, let your practitioner know so the pressure and stretching can be reduced.
If you have an injury, or some part of your body is particularly sensitive to pain, be sure to let the practitioner know before they start the massage session.
