Thai Massage is a type of massage that involves both stretching and deep massage. This form of body work is different than other more traditional massage because it is usually performed on a mat on the floor, the client should wear loose and comfortable clothes and no oils are used in Thai Massage. In Thailand it is known as “nuat phaen boran” which literally means the ancient-manner massage.
The massage therapist moves their body and leans into the client’s body using the hands to apply firm rhythmic pressure. Thai Massage generally follows lines of energy known as the meridians of the body. The Thai Massage therapist uses their legs and feet to manipulate the body and limbs of the client moving through a series of yoga-like positions and stretches. Quite often this rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body includes pulling toes, fingers, ears, walking on the clients feet and back, cracking the knuckles and arching the back into a cobra position.
The Thai Massage is typically one to two hours and is often described as both relaxing and energizing and it has been found to be more rigorous than the more traditional forms of massage such as Swedish Massage.
The Benefits of Thai Massage include:
- relaxation
- stress reduction
- improved circulation
- increased energy
- increased flexibility
- improved range of motion
- centering of the mind and body