Is Thai Massage Bad for Your Back?
Some people might look at the price of a Tai massage and assume that it must be bad, in Thailand it can cost almost the same as a cup of coffee in New York. But cheaper doesn’t always mean worse.
Is a Thai massage bad for your back? Generally no, Thai massage is not bad for your back. Instead, It releases tension in the neck or back area in a unique way unknown by other massage techniques. The back cracking you might undergo is natural to the methods used.
Does Thai massage crack back? Yes, Thai massage can crack your back but this isn’t a bad thing.
But there are instances where getting this type of massage might not be good for your back.
Let us look at the science-backed benefits of traditional Thai massage and what you may expect if you choose this treatment.
Why Thai Massage Is Not Bad for Your Back
I understand looking at this
might have you feeling different about Thai massage and your back health.
But let’s look at the facts:
According to a study in Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand, NIH reported Tai massage was successful in the reduction of back pain and tightness in all men in women from ages 18 -40.
Another study shows back pain reduced by half only after three weeks of treatment. This relief was felt up to a month afterward.
I think this is due to the nature of the massage.
Wellness with a Yoga Twist
Yoga has long been recognized for its health and fitness advantages, and Thai massage is classified as a Thai yoga massage. Your therapist puts your body into yoga postures, producing stretch and flexibility. It extends your range of motion without the sweat of a yoga class.
It is ideal for physically limited people due to injury or sickness and those who have never exercised before. A massage can help you get the most out of your workout by alleviating physical discomfort and difficulties if you enjoy working out.
Why Thai Massage Might be Bad for Your Back?
Not every massage therapist is a good one.
If you are getting a massage in Thailand be careful of where you go. Not saying people are openly trying to injure you but mistakes are made. This is true for any form of massage.
Also, Tai Massage is one of the few massages in the world that doesn’t just stimulate your muscles but everything else. This could come with issues if you have pre-existing conditions.
Be sure to inform your massage therapist of everything before starting to ensure no harm comes to you.
Thai massage can be good for you
Thai massage has many advantages. Reduced anxiety, increased relaxation, and improved blood flow is just a few benefits. The body can absorb more nutrients and oxygen as a result. Thai massage also fosters a relaxed and tranquil state of mind.
Besides, Thai massage prepares the body physically and mentally for the next session. Other thai massage benefits are:
Promotes Rest
While lying down in a darkly lit room, the dedication to a massage is a means of surrendering to the present moment. It allows your body and mind to flow while slow, deliberate movements lull you into a calm, focussed state.
A massage in Thailand allows you the space and time to let go of stresses and strains by disengaging from the bustle around you. The sensory overload of life is a meditational therapy that takes you to experience the ‘now’. It does it in a liberating way that resonates throughout your entire being.
Anxiety Reduction
Anxiety can harm your physical and mental well-being. Also, chronic severe stress has been related to an increased chance of developing certain medical diseases. Such as cardiovascular disease and depression.
Receiving a Thai massage while under strain, according to a 2020 survey, can help with AA symptoms. In addition, because Thai massage soothes and relaxes muscles and connective tissues, it also aids in the reduction of anxiety.
Headaches are Relieved
Traditional Thai massage may be beneficial if you suffer from migraines or tension headaches. Researchers discovered that Thai massage reduced the severity of migraine and tension headaches in patients with persistent headaches.
If you’re looking for nonpharmaceutical headache relief, Thai massage is worth it.
According to studies, it’s worth noting that Thai massage’s advantages might last anywhere from a few days to roughly 15 weeks.
Good for Blood Circulation
Thai massage therapy is excellent for increasing the natural flow of blood throughout the body, especially in problem areas. In addition, aromatherapy and Thai massage have been demonstrated to enhance blood flow, allowing for better oxygen and nutrient delivery. It helps you recover faster after an injury or surgery.
Muscle & Joint Pain Relief
Human contact has incredible power to alter your mental and physical well-being. The therapeutic effects of kneading, rocking, and static pressure on tired and hurting muscles and tension in joints. Fascia is one of the immediate outcomes of relaxing into a massage in Thailand.
Your muscles and joints will feel lighter, and it will ease discomfort as your mobility improves and your muscles are stretched. Unfortunately, when it comes to traditional Thai massage, there’s a common misconception that it makes you tired.
However, whether you have a foot or full body massage, the result is the same. It relaxes and energizes you, leaving you feeling lighter and less sluggish.
Wellness with a Yoga Twist
Yoga has long been recognized for its health and fitness advantages, and Thai massage is classified as a Thai yoga massage. Your therapist puts your body into yoga postures, producing stretch and flexibility. It extends your range of motion without the sweat of a yoga class.
It is ideal for physically limited people due to injury or sickness and those who have never exercised before. A massage can help you get the most out of your workout by alleviating physical discomfort and difficulties if you enjoy working out.
Personalized Treatment
Before you shift over, traditional Thai massage usually starts with you lying on your back. Then, the therapist works up from your feet, with some possible movements while you are on your side. A well-trained practitioner will concentrate on problem areas of the body.
They will change the strength of the massage from mild touches to deeper tissue massage and more strenuous stretches. Even if traditional Thai massage challenges your body at times, the objective is to be relaxed and comfortable.
Releasing Energy
Energy is carried around the body along so-called Sen lines, and any limited or blocked flow is relieved through chakras similar to traditional acupuncture points and trigger points.
A Restful Night’s Sleep
You can enjoy a massage at any time of day. Still, many massage enthusiasts prefer to relax as the sun sets, whether with a beachside treat or a spa session in the tranquillity of a luxury vacation villa rental surrounded by nature.
A nighttime massage is an excellent technique to ease your body and mind into a refreshing slumber, a restful night’s sleep that helps your body regenerate and feel renewed.
Emotions of Joy
Traditional Thai massage can also release a pressure-valve of pent-up emotional energy through conscious relaxation and movements that take your breather to a deeper level. For example, you may feel like you’re letting go of opposing ideas as your cortisol levels drop and serotonin neurotransmitters rise.
Your body is flooded with feel-good hormones as stress fades away. Simultaneously, the tension in your muscles begins to dissipate, adding to your overall sensation of well-being. Taking the time to pamper yourself is also beneficial.
Boosting the Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems
Blood pressure is said to be dropped as the body’s energy is straightened, and the circulatory system and lymph drainage are anecdotally thought to benefit as well. In addition, more oxygen and cleansing promote mental clarity increases energy levels.
It has many other health benefits, including lowering cardiovascular strain. After a long journey, a day of sightseeing, or simply to battle the effects of the tropical heat, a Thai massage is the ideal remedy.
How is Thai Massage Good For You?
Thai massage is beneficial for your back because of its techniques.
- The kneading strokes
- Applying sticky oil or gel
- Bending and stretching
- Utilizing pressure points on the body
All the above techniques make Thai massage beneficial for your back.
Thai Massage Techniques
Thai massage varies from other types of massage. It is usually performed without using any oils or lubricants, and the person receiving the massage is fully clothed and seated on a mattress on the ground. While many Western massage techniques emphasize complete relaxation, Thai massage is far more active.
The massage therapist will move your body in ways that approximate yoga-like stretches, earning it the nickname “lazy person’s yoga.” So don’t be surprised if the practitioner starts manipulating your body with your hands, knees, legs, and feet.
Stretch Your Feet
Cross your legs and place your right foot slightly ahead of your left. Next, place your right thumb in the center of your right foot’s sole. Instead of exerting muscle effort to push into the foot, simply lean forward and allow gravity and your body weight to create the pressure sensation.
Conclusion:
Thai massage is a type of therapeutic touch that differs from standard massage in several respects. You lie on a mat on the floor instead of a massage table as the therapist manipulates your body in specific ways to stimulate organs and increase flexibility.
Thai massage focuses on the inner thigh and abdomen areas that contribute to back pain.
However, if you have chronic back discomfort, you should see a doctor before obtaining a massage.
Thai massage has been created to help with various ailments and discomforts. Such as,
- Sciatica
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder discomfort
- Knee pain
- Heel pain
Patients who suffer from recurrent headaches, particularly those caused by muscle tension, may benefit from Thai massage.
Now it’s your turn to speak up:
Have you ever scheduled a Thai massage? If so, how much did it cost you? Was the price per hour or session? Was it a positive experience worth the money you spent? Were there any optional extras? What was the quality of the massage performed?
Please share your experiences with us. It will assist others in gaining useful information.
