Thai Massage

Massage is the cornerstone of traditional Thai health care. Its practitioners call it can cure 63 dysfunctions of the nervous, skeletal and musculars systems - everything from nerve pan to migraine. There is evidence that Thai massage pattern was first introduced in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya in 1690. Simon de la Loubere, French envoy to the Royal Court Of Siam and wrote in 1690, "When someone is ill in Siam, he has his body worked on by someone skilled in this art who walks all over him".

Thai massage has a positive effect on muscle tone; it increases blood curculation and reactivates the nerves, making breathing easier and stronger. It's and effective physical therapy for people who suffer from paralysis. Reflexology which is a method of applying pressure to the nerve endings on the soles of the feet, is said to improve the energy flow to miscellaneous body's organs, promoting natural healing. The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand, in cooperation with other authorities concerned, promotes Health Care Tourism. Thai massage and reflexology are included in the certification program which is called "Tour Thailand for Thai Traditional Treatment". Wat Phra Chetuponwimonmangkalaram ( Wat Pho ), is well-known as the first recognized original Thai massage school. Thai massage is also combined with herbal therapy through the use of hot compresses. The heat, the herbs, and the massage make sore, stiff muscles a memory. Herbal baths and saunas are wonderful for cleansing and refreshing the skin. Aromatic oils from the herbal essences are able to transport one to a world of relaxation now.

Thai massage is a traditional form of massage therapy that has been used in Thailand for centuries. In Thailand, it is called "Nuad Phaen Boran" which means 'ancient massage'. It is based on the Indian medical system of Ayurveda and incorporates many ancient Indian Yogic techniques.


How does Thai Massage work

Thai massage combines elements of Shiatsu, Yoga, and acupressure. It aims to clear blockages in the energy meridians of the body by applying a healing touch to the affected pressure points. Once these blockages are removed, energy flows freely throughout the body and this leads to relief from ailments and overall improved physical and mental health. The technique of soft touching and stretching also frees the tension in the limbs and muscles and brings about pain relief and improves flexibility.

A typical massage session lasts for about two hours. The massage is administered on mat or firm mattress kept on the floor. The patient changes into his or her pajamas and lies down on this mat. The practitioner will then follow a pre-determined sequence of massage steps that involve the use of hands, elbows and feet. The massage follows the flow of the energy meridians on the patient's body. A number of techniques such as soft pressure, pulling fingers and toes, walking on the patient's back and gentle stretching are used to free the blockages in these meridians. Oil is normally not applied during the therapy session. At the end of the massage session, both the receiver and the therapist feel relaxed and energized.

Benefits of Thai Massage

Thai massage is a holistic massage therapy that focuses on the body as a whole. By recognizing the inter-dependence of all the systems of the body, it aims to cure ailments by bringing all these various elements into harmony with each other. By removing blockages in the energy meridians, it promotes an increase in the energy levels of the patient. This soothing massage therapy also helps to calm the mind and remove stress from the body and mind of the patient. The soft physical pressure and stretching techniques bring about pain relief, relieve muscular tension, and increase the flexibility of the muscles and limbs. It also helps in harmonizing imbalances in the nervous system. Thai massage also improves blood and lymph circulation. The holistic approach used ensures that the patient enters a state of deep relaxation and refreshes the spirit.