Thai massage, which has become popular all over the world, was developed for therapeutic purposes. It has since become a massage technique used for relaxation in spas across the globe. The Thai Massage School of Chiang Mai also notes that Thai massage, which includes a few main types, is considered the fourth branch of Traditional Thai Medicine.
Common Thai Massage
Common Thai massage employs the fingers, thumb, heel of the palm, elbow, arm, knee and even the foot. The Thai Massage School of Chiang Mai, notes that Common Thai Massage is most frequently taught to foreigners and involves the closest contact between massage therapist and recipient. Because some forms of Common Thai Massage involves the stretching of limbs and the back, it's important to know if the client has any conditions such as arthritis, disc problems or high blood pressure, because some Thai massage moves can actually stop blood flow momentarily.
Royal Thai Massage
Royal Thai Massage does not involve any stretching positions and the massage therapist must remain one foot away from the recipient at all times. The recipient is face up; the massage therapist uses primarily the thumb and hand and sometimes the heel of the palm. Another aspect of Royal Thai Massage is the progression of movements. The Thai Massage School of Chiang Mai reports that the proper way to give a Royal Thai massage is to start above the knee on the thigh and work your way up to the neck, before ending with a massage of the lower leg and the foot.
Thai Oil Massage
Thai Oil Massage, also known as aromatherapy massage, relies on essential oils to bring about physical and emotional healing. Oils enter the body through the skin and through inhalation. The Paradise Thai Massage and Body Treatment Salon in Budapest suggests that massage increases circulation, which in turn speeds the healing properties of essential oils throughout the body. The oils include those made from coconut, sandalwood, jasmin, rose and lavender.
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