The History and Benefits of Thai Massage

Do you know that Thai massage is as effective as the most medical therapy in the treatment of pain? Thai massage is a dry massage therapy which is applied with stretchings like in yoga and it is nearly useful for every organ in human body. What you know about the history and benefits of this effective therapy?

History of Thai Massage

Thai massage is an ancient therapy method which has been applied in Thailand for thousands of years. It is thought that thai massage was developed by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha who is a friend of Buddha with a wide medical knowledge before 2500 years ago. Most of the Thai healers thinks that Jivaka is the inventor of Thai massage. Jivaka is also known as ‘Father of Medics’ and as a tradition Thai medics praise for him before and after therapy.

Also, experts and researchers say that Thai treatment is believed to have rural and noble traditions. Rural traditions are not based on science and have unofficial education method. It is believed that these rural traditions are transfered from teacher to student with a secret code. On the other hand, noble traditions of Thai treatment was developed by nobles by inspiring from India, China and Middle East. It is also obvious that we can see the effects of Ayurveda tradition on Thai massage.

Even if the techniques and applications of Thai massage were developed in Thailand, origins of this technique may be based on India. One of the reasons why this technique is rooted in India is philosophy of yoga in this region.

Principles of Thai Massage

Thai massage is usually pretty different from other massage techniques which includes tissue manipulation. This is a dry massage technique without any usage of oils and lotions. Instead of these it includes deep expanding, rhythmic pressures and stretchings. Pressures, pulls, motions and vibrations which is applied during massage increases blood circulation. Thai massage is applied using different regions of the body such as palms, thumbs, forearms, elbows and even feet.

Thai massage includes some yoga stretchings which is believed that have healing effects. This massage technique is based on regulating the balance of energy in body. Basic principle of thai massage is starting from the outer parts of the body then continuing through the center of body then returning back to the outer parts again. By this way, energy flows to the energy channels called meridians and blood circulation also increases throughout the body.

Benefits of Thai Massage

1. Relieves muscles and eases pain: A combination of stretchings and a soft massage relieves and relaxes muscles. Also removes hardnesses cause pain.
2. Increases muscle flexibility: Yoga stretchings stretch muscles to a sufferable point. By this way flexibility of muscles increases.
3. Improves joint movements: Stretching increases the movement of fluids between joints.
4. Improves blood circulation: Massage increases blood circulation in the body.
5. It relieves pain in the musculoskeletal system: the strained muscles can put pressure on the joints which can cause pain in the musculoskeletal system (such as back or shoulder pain). Thai massage reduces pressure in joints and relieves pain.
6. Strengthens immunity: The evolving blood circulation helps the body to release toxins. By this way, the immune system strengthens.
7. It provides mental relief: It relaxes the body and helps to reduce emotional or mental stress.
8. Reduces fatigue: Massage and stretching reduces body tension and fatigue.
9. Good for sleep problems: Thai massage relaxes the body and mind so you sleep better and reduces disturbing sleep problems.