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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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