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Sitting in a seaside restaurant recently, I overheard a conversation
between a young couple who were apparently visitors to Thailand.
The lady was trying to convince her partner to indulge in a Thai
massage for couples. "If for no other reason it will make you
feel good!" Her case had won me, but her companion was not
convinced. "I don't see how having some stranger prodding
my joints and cracking my knuckles could ever feel good!" She
then read from the blurb, "the traditional physical medicine
of Thailand, is practiced very slowly, with an emphasis on both
the practitioner and client being in a heightened or meditative
state of consciousness…." The blurb spoke of sen energy
lines, meditation, essential oils, yoga and physical, mental and
spiritual relaxation. Sounds great, I thought. "Sounds like
a lot of new age mumbo-jumbo to me. Let's go to the beach"
was his reply.
New age mumbo-jumbo it certainly is not. Throughout the ages, Eastern
cultures have used the magic of touch to heal and soothe all ailments
of the body and spirit. It was employed more than 4000 years ago
by Indian Ayurverdic practitioners and over 3,000 years ago by the
Chinese. Later, the Greek physician Hippocrates used friction in
the treatment of sprains and dislocations and kneading to treat
constipation. Early in the 19th century, Per Henrik Ling, a doctor
in Stockholm, devised a system of massage to treat problems involving
joints and muscles. Others later extended the treatment to relieve
deformities of arthritis and re-educate muscles following paralysis.
Despite the experimental approaches to medicine adopted by these
pioneers, it has taken the Western world a long time to catch on
to the unique benefits of hands-on healing. The Touch Research Institute
has conducted experiments, which have proven that regular massage
therapy can relieve muscle tension and stiffness, improve joint
flexibility, range of motion and circulation of both blood and lymph
fluids, reduce blood pressure and improve posture.
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Traditional Thai Massage dates back some 2500 years. It is concerned
with the whole body and is a blend of Ayurvedic Medicine, Buddhist
spiritual practice, Chinese Medicine and Yoga. The combination of
gentle rocking, rhythmic acupressure, reflexology, energy work and
stretching, with a form of passive yoga, leave recipients with more
than a relaxed state of mind. The work is very rhythmical and meditative,
enabling both the client and practitioner to reach deeper levels
of consciousness. Throughout the massage, peripheral stimulation
and manipulation opens and loosens joints, stretches muscles and
tones internal organs whilst inducing a state of deep relaxation.
The industry of natural healing therapies in Thailand has prospered
and consequently the list of venues offering traditional Thai massage
is impressive. Most of these spas and massage centres also practice
techniques from other schools of massage, such as the Hawaiian lomi-lomi,
shiatsu, ayurverdic massage, deep tissue work or reflexology massage.
With all this choice, it is sometimes difficult to know which massage
is most suitable for you. Consultation with your masseuse is probably
the best way to ensure a successful therapy session. The following
descriptions below may also help with decision making.
 Acupressure
is a traditional massage that has its origins in Asia. The fundamental
principle of acupressure is that the body's energy flow can be disrupted
by trauma, injury and illness, this in turn may create isolated
areas of muscle tension, which block important nerve pathways. The
application of pressure to these points, releases tension and the
energies can flow freely and naturally throughout the body. Some
scientific studies have shown that the application of this pressure
releases natural endorphins into the system, promoting relaxation
and healing.
Aromatherapy
massage combines the traditional kneading-style of massage
with a wealth of goodness contained in essential oils. The pressure
tends to be lighter than with the Swedish massage, allowing the
oils to do much of the work. Essential oils are known to have various
positive effects on the body and the mind through absorption by
the skin and inhalation. Generally, the client may select the oil
to suit their needs.
Ayurvedic
massage originated in India and dates back over 4000 years.
Ayurveda is an ancient holistic medicine that promotes the unity
of body, mind and spirit to create a healthy balance within. Ayurvedic
massage unblocks invisible points of energy flow, enabling the body
to heal itself more effectively. These massages are often performed
by two therapists simultaneously, using special scented oils.
Reflexology
is similar in principal to Shiatsu and Acupressure but is focused
on the points of the hands and feet believed to correspond to each
organ, gland and structure of the body. This form of healing which
originated from Chinese medicine has become very popular in recent
years. As the therapist applies pressure to the point, tension is
released, energylines recommence flowing and harmony is achieved;
this in turn promotes natural healing. In Thailand, reflexology
is also usually a small component of a manicure or pedicure, or
may be experienced as an entire treatment.
Shiatsu
originated in Japan and is a hand healing method effective for relieving
stress as well as muscular and internal disorders. It is based on
the same principles as acupressure. Images of therapists walking
on the backs of their clients stem from shiatsu. Strong pressure
is applied to the body to unblock nerve pathways and restore energy
systems. Traditionally, the massage takes place on the floor while
you remain fully clothed although the treatment may also be performed
on a massage table.
Stone
massage is a relatively new trend in hands-on treatments.
Various types of stone are believed to have unique effects and are
laid on Chakra; life-force points on the body. The stones are also
used to knead the muscles and may be warmed to penetrate deep into
the muscles.
Deep
Tissue massage works through muscle tension layer by layer,
reaching the deeper muscles where chronic pain and tension may be
released. The process is generally slower than regular massage,
allowing the soft tissues to open at deeper levels and thus your
massage will not always treat all areas of your body in one session.
The deep tissue massage may be intense and painful for newcomers
but the affected area will heal more rapidly for the effort.
Swedish
massage is the most common type in the west. It is an oil
massage employing five types of manipulation: effleurage (long strokes),
petrissage (kneading), friction (deep circular movement), tapotement
(percussion) and vibration to induce relaxation, promote circulation,
relieve tension and improve the range of motion. A Swedish massage
is immediately pleasant and relaxing.
Sports
massage is a highly specialized form of massage therapy that
requires a study of the clients' specific sporting biomechanics.
The technique includes deep tissue strokes, kneading of muscles,
release points and joint movement. It is designed to correct harmful
movement patterns and prevent tissue damage during exercise.
Hawaiian
Lomi-lomi massage is a deep, revitalizing experience, which
is performed with the graceful motion of a Hawaiian dance. Therapists
use long rhythmic strokes employing thumbs, palms and elbows. The
massage is said to loosen the muscles, which reduces tension and
eases stress, thus guiding the recipient into peaceful relaxation.
Balinese
massage therapy is an extension of the Ayurverdic massage.
The technique combines stretching, palm and thumb pressure,
long strokes and skin rolling to relieve tension, improve
circulation and ease stress. (click here for Bali
Hotels )
A number of spas and massage venues offer other, more unusual therapies
such as kinesiology and hydro-massage as well as soothing and luxuriant
treatments for the body, skin and face. The list below is proposed
as a guide to some of Thailand's best spas, although availability
of massages is subject to change.
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