Thai massage helps reduce stress and muscle pain by pulling and stretching the muscles. Traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine both have a lot to do with Thai massage. Some people think that it’s similar to yoga or the methods doctors use to help people move their joints more freely. But it’s not.
The Origin
Thai massage is thought to have been practiced by a guy called Jivaka Komarabhacca (also written as Jivaka Komara Bhacca or Shivago Kompara) over two thousand five hundred years ago in Northern India. Buddhist texts talk about Jivaka Komarabhacca, a famous doctor who became Buddha’s friend and personal doctor.
People think of him as the founder or father of both traditional Thai medicine and traditional Buddhist medicine. People think it was written in Buddhist texts after he became friends with Buddha and in personal writings that talked about Jivaka Komarabhacca and his massage and health methods. A short prayer is often said to thank and honor him before Thai massages start.
It has been practiced for a long time as spiritual and medical practice, not just a way to help people rest and deal with stress. Like Yoga and Ayurveda, it is based on the idea that the body’s health and well-being are controlled by Prana Nadis, which are energy lines and pressure points.
People think that getting sick can happen when the energy along these lines isn’t moving right. In the past, people who wanted to practice it had to learn it in a Buddhist temple. Not long ago, though, massage shops that aren’t Buddhist shrines started teaching Thai massage. Read more here.
Western vs. Thai Massage
Swedish, deep tissue and sports massage are all types of Western massage that are different from Thai massage. Massage is done with just the therapist’s hands and fingers, applying different amounts of pressure to the muscles, joints, and tendons.
The masseuse then asks them what smell of massage oil they’d like or if they’d rather have an oil without a scent. Now, the oil is warmed up and put on the person’s body. During the massage, it is worked into the skin. There is no faith in Western massages.
Nothing but water is used in Thai massage. That’s why it’s called a dry massage. The person getting the Thai massage stays fully dressed instead.
A short ceremony called the Wai Cru may be said right before the massage. It is a way to thank and honor all the masters of that art. Check out this link https://www.traveldailynews.asia/column/interviews/thailands-spa-industry-is-healthy-and-growing/.
The therapist may also say the Puja, a quiet prayer, right before you arrive or at the start of the massage. People say that the best Thai massages come from therapists who first take some time to center themselves. The Puja is a prayer that is meant to calm the mind and body.
The person is asked to lie down on a mat on the floor or a small platform after the ceremonies and prayers are over. The masseuse then starts the massage. The massage itself includes stretches and movements that are helped along the way. These are very similar to yoga, so it could be called “applied Hatha yoga.”
During the massage, the therapist may rock back and forth or use their hands, wrists, fingers, or feet. The massage’s spiritual goal is to improve health and happiness by clearing out energy that is stuck along the Prada Nanis.
Why Thai Massage is Good for You
Thai massage is great for relaxing and feeling refreshed. It has many benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. Check out this link https://goldenthaimassage.ca/to find out more!
Increased Blood Flow
The first benefit is that it increases your blood flow. With the Thai practitioner’s help, the stretches and movements improve blood flow and oxygenation all over the body.
Easing Pain and Relaxing Muscles
It can also help ease joint pain and soreness, even back pain. The movements that stretch and manipulate pressure points can help loosen up tight muscles and get more blood flowing to them.
Better Flexibility and Range of Motion
Thai massage can help you become more flexible and move more freely. It is thought to help these things by stretching muscles with help, which increases blood flow and nutrition to the muscles.
Easing Headaches and Increasing Calm
It can help lessen the pain and frequency of stress headaches and migraines. Because it makes the blood move faster and relaxes muscles, like the ones in the neck and shoulders. Thai massage might help you if you have nervousness. This is because it helps the body and mind calm down.
Makes You More Energetic
The active and assisted moves and stretching in a Thai massage may help you feel more energized.
The reason for this is that it’s a lot like guided yoga and can help you move around.
Enhances the Quality of Sleep
People who frequently partake in Thai massages may experience an improvement in the quality of their sleep and a heightened sense of relaxation upon waking.
When Not to Get a Massage?
Many people can benefit from Thai massage, but some health problems may make them unsuitable. People who are pregnant or who have had high blood pressure or diabetes in the past should usually avoid getting it.
Do not have a Thai massage unless your doctor gives you the all-clear. This includes those with cancer, recent operations, open wounds, bleeding problems, blood thinners, deep vein thrombosis, specific spinal conditions, and other medical diseases.
