Is Thai Massage Legit?

Thai massage is a type of Asian bodywork therapy. It uses stretching and other dynamic movements to balance spiritual energy. Like other Asian bodywork techniques, people are skeptical of the legitimacy of Thai massage.

Is Thai massage legit? Yes, it is. Thai massage helps clients recover, relax and experience relief from stress.

In this article, you will learn:

The benefits of a Thai massage
If a Thai massage can cause damage or not.

Can a Thai Massage Do Damage?

A Thai massage cannot damage a client if done by a certified and skilled massage therapist.

Thai massage indeed involves yoga postures, pulling, and stretching to produce its effects. However, you don’t have to worry about muscle injuries if you use the services of a skilled therapist.

The Origins of Thai Massage

Thai massage originated from India over 5000 years ago. The practices used in Thai massage originated from Ayurvedic medicine and culture in India. Thailand inherited these practices during the spread of Buddhism. The people also added concepts that make Thai massage unique.

How Does Thai Massage Work?

According to Thai medicine, a human comprises a physical body, spiritual energy, and Citta. Spiritual energy flows through Sens channels. These channels should not be confused with the Meridian channels in Shiatsu massage.

Sens travel from the navel in the abdomen and flow out from the excretory orifices, the hands, and feet. Citta includes the soulish part of the body and consists of a person’s emotions, will, and thoughts.

Spiritual energy holds the physical body and Citta together. An imbalance in the flow of spiritual energy causes physical and psychological problems.

During Thai massage, the therapist puts the body in certain yoga positions and uses rocking and stretching techniques to improve the flow of spiritual energy. This enhances a client’s mood relieves stress and anxiety.

Benefits of Thai Massage

Thai massage is used for these conditions

Migraines and tension headaches.
Back pain is caused by poor posture and aging.
Musculoskeletal pain caused by sports injuries, home accidents, and work-related accidents.
Joint pain and joint stiffness are caused by sports, aging, poor posture, and arthritis.
Anxiety and stress.
Thai massage is used by athletes who desire to improve their flexibility, coordination, and range of motion.
It is a therapeutic and refreshing exercise for clients who want that extra kick for facing the day.

What to Expect from a Thai Massage

Thai massage is a full-body massage done with your clothes on. In some cases, you may be asked to switch to comfortable and loose attire.

This massage is done on a mattress or mat on the floor. Massage tables and chairs aren’t used.

Oils aren’t used to lubricate the skin in Thai massage because there aren’t kneading, effleurage, and petrissage techniques.

A session lasts for about 60-90 minutes.

Thai massage is done in a slow rhythmic manner because the therapist wants you in a meditative and relaxed state. Also, the therapist maintains a slow pace to reduce the risk of injuries and soreness.

During the massage, the therapist puts the client in four progressive positions: supine position, prone position, seated position, and side-lying position.

Tips on Safety during a Thai Massage

Use the services of a skilled and certified therapist. Certified therapists may cost more but the result is worth it. Certified therapists are aware of the Ayurvedic principles governing Thai massage. Not only that, they know how to use proper body mechanics that protect their clients from injury.

Inform the therapists of all medical conditions, including previous and scheduled surgeries and drug histories.

Be aware of medical conditions that make Thai massage dangerous. Some of these conditions include pregnancy, osteoporosis, heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension, recent surgery, open wounds, spinal cord diseases, and others.

Follow the instructions of the therapists. The therapist can request that you drink water, switch to loose clothing or breathe rhythmically. All these instructions and requests are there to improve your experience and outcomes. It is good to be cooperative.

If you feel soreness that increases in severity, you should inform the therapist. Your body may just be giving you a warning signal. It is good to listen to your body.

In conclusion, Thai massage is a legit massage. It is based on over 5000 years’ worth of Ayurvedic medicine, it produces results and it doesn’t increase your risk of damage if you use a professional.

Now its time to hear from you:

What other things have you heard about Tai massage?

Let us know in the comments section below.