More Than Just Hand Pressure

 

Thai Massage or Thai Yoga massage is an ancient therapy combining acupuncture, Indian Ayurvedic traditions, and simple, assisted yoga postures designed for total body therapy. The original concept of Shen- lines (assyielding chakras) was first applied as "Thai yoga therapy" in 2000. These are similar to vases as per the philosophy of Ayurveda by Gorakhnath. This treatment is said to have many health benefits such as:

This Thai massage has a deep impact on the sensual and emotional level of the individual being treated. It is characterized by gentle stretching of the muscles, which increases circulation, flexibility, strength and reduces stress. Many practitioners use finger pressure, thumb pressure, elbows, palms and feet methods to perform the strokes.

The purpose of the massage is to relax the practitioner which causes tension in the muscles which results in better circulation of blood, energy and nutrients to all parts of the body. The massage session usually lasts from half an hour or so and is performed over a period of three times a week. Some practitioners prefer to start at a lower intensity and work up to harder stretching and holding until the muscles are fully relaxed. However, it is the individual's preference as to how they wish to experience the Thai massage therapy.

One of the most popular types of Thai massage that most practitioners like to use involves applying pressure to the spine with the hands and moving downward on the legs. The application of stretching recliners helps to elongate the spine, which aids in the release of tight areas. It also involves the use of kneading and gentle rubbing. This helps to stretch out the adhesions and muscles that are located around the knee joints and back pain in particular.

Another technique of Thai massage that uses both deep stretching and kneading is yoga. Most therapists who practice yoga believe that there is energy throughout the body and that it needs to be released every time an ache or stiffness is experienced. The goal of yoga is to find ways to release this energy throughout the body through breathing and movement. This helps to bring the body back into balance while reducing pain and soothing an ache.

An alternative type of Thai massage may not involve kneading but rather the use of the loose-fitting loofah sponges commonly used in the Asian region. Loofah sponges are made from soft materials including down and natural fabrics like jute or sisal. These sponges are used to help remove dead skin cells, promote the growth of new cells, and ease uncomfortable conditions such as acne, dry skin and rosacea. Loofah sponges can be found for sale at many health and nutrition stores and are often considered fairly inexpensive. This low cost is one of the many reasons why this type of Thai massage may be more accessible than a more rigid, dedicated version.

For those looking for Thai massage treatments that focus on the whole body, there are many options. Thai massage treatments that combine the hands with the body can help to soothe and invigorate the entire body. Massage therapy is often seen as more effective when it is combined with yoga-like stretches and breathing techniques. This approach allows the therapist to reach areas that yoga practitioners typically cannot. For those who practice Thai massage treatments on their own, the benefits are even greater because they can work on the muscles and tissues on their own. This makes for a more customized experience.

Whether a client wants a Thai massage that focuses on the hands or the whole body, it is important that both practitioners fully understand and are comfortable with each other's intentions and positions. If one practitioner feels like they are being pulled too tight, they can easily stop the session. If one practitioner does not like the yoga-like positions that their client may want to try, they should let the client know. If the practitioners are able to work together and develop an understanding of each other's intentions, the results can be greatly improved.