Massage & Its Healing Benefits

Many people imagine tranquility and peace when they hear the word massage, but many types are widely used, ranging from the feet to the head, from relaxing to therapeutic. Massages can instantly relieve fatigue and tiredness and ease muscle pain, with Thai massage being one of the most relaxing and energizing massage techniques.

The Tradition and Practice of Thai Massage

Thai massage originated in India around 2,500 years ago, and then spread to other parts of Asia, including Thailand. This type of massage is therapeutic. Thai massage was further developed by a physician Buddha named Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, who is regarded as the ‘Father of Medicine’. For centuries, Buddhist monks have practiced Thai massage for spiritual healing in temples, and it is based on the theory that our body is ruled by life forces, an imbalance which can lead to many diseases. Thai massage aims to balance these forces and indirectly support the healing process.

Many places provide loose clothing to change into, but not all do, so wear loose clothing just in case, and don’t have a heavy meal before your massage. Thai massage doesn’t require oils, unlike other massage methods, and is performed on a padded mat on the floor. You will be asked to lie on your back on the mat, then they will apply gentle strokes using their hands, knees, legs, and feet, following the energy lines on your body, starting with the legs and moving up to body parts.

A Thai massage is usually done in a 1-2 hour session monthly, but if the patient’s condition is poor, it may be done 2-3 times a month. Thai massage does not require the removal of clothing as with other massage techniques and is associated with many health benefits such as improved blood circulation, improved mobility, increased energy levels, deep relaxation, reduction of muscle pain and spasm, stress, calms nerves, relieves fatigue, clears toxins, headaches, migraines, sciatica, along with many more ailments.

Deep Tissue Massage for Chronic Tension and Recovery

Many people go to spas or gyms for relaxation and peace from a massage, while others call a mobile masseuse. Deep Tissue Massage is popular among athletes and those who do strenuous exercise, as it helps reduce stress and chronic muscle pain. This version of massage stimulates stressed muscles that can block the flow of oxygen and nutrients through the body. It involves slow, deep, and prolonged pressure strokes on the contracted area. This breaks up the scar tissue, loosens muscles, and improves mobility. A deep tissue massage helps untie knots and release deep-seated tension in the muscle.

A build-up of toxins in the deep layers of muscle and tendons can lead to inflammation, which can disrupt your daily life and limit your routine. Muscle pain from heavy workouts, poor posture, and long periods of sitting can contribute to neck, shoulder, and back pain. Deep massage techniques are used to rid you of these discomforts, which include the use of more pressure than normal massage.

One of the deep tissue massage methods requires pressure applied directly over the sore area, which is maintained until there is no more resistance. Deep tissue massage commonly uses the hands, elbows, fingers, and knuckles, along with massage tools like ceramic, wooden, and glass objects, applying as much pressure as needed to the affected area to loosen the muscle and increase flexibility. This deep muscle massage is a time-consuming procedure, as more time is given to the areas with most tension.

~ Source: pattayadailynews.com