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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.
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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