Traditional Thai yoga massage is an ancient therapeutic massage technique that combines stretching and movement with traditional massage. Unlike in Swedish massage, during a Thai massage, you dress in loose, comfortable clothing. Thai massage therapists do not use lotions or oils. Instead, masseuses use their bodies to extend and lengthen your body. Unlike yoga, Thai massage is a passive practice. The masseuse does the work to bend and stretch your body into position.
History
Thai yoga massage began not in Thailand, but in India. A Buddhist Indian doctor known as Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha is believed to be the founder of what is now known as traditional Thai massage. Thai folklore dictates that Bhaccha was Buddha's personal physician and masseuse. The traditional Thai yoga massage technique made its way to Thailand alongside Buddhism between 300 and 200 B.C.
Features
Traditional Thai yoga massage focuses on ten life energy lines in the body. Masseuses who specialize in Thai massage use movement and pressure to clear these lines of obstruction. During a traditional Thai yoga massage, a masseuse will move and stretch your body into various positions and apply firm pressure to multiple pressure points in an effort to clear the lines and get energy flowing throughout your body.
Benefits
Receiving a traditional Thai yoga massage can help improve the overall health of your circulatory, musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory and digestive systems. Thai massage improves your circulation and reduces your heart rate while relieving muscle tension and increasing flexibility. The Synchronicity Massage Therapy website states that traditional Thai yoga massage aids in deep breathing, relaxation and digestion. Thai massage also reduces chronic pain and swelling.
Effects
Traditional Thai yoga massage focuses on the mind and spirit as much as it does on the muscular system. Getting a Thai massage can help you reduce stress and anxiety. Thai yoga practitioners are trained to apply pressure to points on the body that generate a relaxed, meditative state. The Traditional Thai Yoga Massage website states that receiving a Thai massage can help you feel more focused and prepared to deal with day-to-day stress.
Potential
In Thailand, massage therapists use traditional Thai yoga massage to treat several illnesses, including asthma and constipation. According to the Sunshine Network website, hosted by a massage school in Thailand, Thai yoga is used to treat patients recovering from heart attack or stroke. At the Center for Handicap Children in Bangkok, massage therapists use traditional Thai yoga massage to treat children with disabilities. The Synchronicity Massage Therapy website claims that children at the center have experienced amazing benefits as a result of ongoing Thai massage.
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