Thai massage: technique, benefits and contraindications
Thai massage is based on compression and acupressure movements, releasing stagnant energy and promoting the elimination of toxins.
Little history
Thai massage dates back at least 2500 years ago. Legend has it that the founder of this art is Jivaka Kumar Bhacca, who learned the technique from the populations visited during his pilgrimage in the company of Buddha. The various Thai massage techniques, based on meridian theory, are still transmitted today from generation to generation. The purpose of the Thai massage is to reactivate the interrupted or difficult energy circulation, harnessing the self-healing potential of the body.
The technique
Thai massage begins with gentle maneuvers that gradually increase in intensity, without ever undergoing excessive pain. Although a session has beneficial effects, it is recommended that the recipient undergo such a massage twice a week. The body must rest on a soft surface. Usually, the receiver stays covered, both due to tradition and to keep the muscles warm.
Such a massage, seen from the outside, seems almost like a dance. The movements are choreographic: the stretching of the muscles is done with hand-grasping maneuvers (the receiver and the masseuse grasp each other’s wrist) or the ankle. The trick is to let yourself be in the expert hands of those who execute it, pampering yourself and letting yourself be accompanied in every stretching, twisting and avoiding resistance. Only then can you truly perceive the benefits, which will lead to profound and ecstatic relaxation.
Instead of the relaxing sliding and kneading movements characteristic of more popular massage forms, Thai massage uses stretching, pulling and balancing techniques to relieve tension and increase flexibility and range of motion. The masseuse uses her hands, knees and feet to move in a number of stretching positions and also applies deep muscle compression, joint mobilization and acupressure.
The benefits of Thai massage
Thai massage releases energy, increases vascular activity, promotes the elimination of toxins. It is suitable for problems such as neuralgia, lordosis or disorders related to depression, or insomnia. A Thai massage session leaves the body relaxed and the mind clear, relaxed, free of thoughts. The sessions relax the muscles, improve the nervous system. The massage treats the subtle energy field in the body. It corrects blockages, deficiencies and imbalances in the flow of this energy, thus improving health.
For whom is Thai massage recommended?
It is a real nervous tonic, very suitable for those who suffer from insomnia or have problems with mood and depression. Even those suffering from the symptoms of anxiety and stress benefit greatly from this massage. Thai massage is also important to realign the posture of the spine and helps those with back pain. The mind is released from stress, the thoughts become light, the muscles relax, and what remains is a well-being.
Contraindications of Thai massage
Thai massage is not performed during pregnancy, it is not performed in case of hiatal hernia or hypertension, stroke, heart disease, fractures, wounds or inflammation or more serious pathologies in progress. It is also not recommended for those suffering from autoimmune diseases that affect the bones and joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis or for those suffering from osteoporosis.