A professional massage is always a nice treat, whether you're suffering from stiff muscles or just treating yourself to a relaxing day of pampering. Spas in the U.S. continue to add to their menus massage services inspired by treatments from ancient cultures. Hawaii's Lomi Lomi massage and the Thai massage are two different massage techniques that both promise a relaxing, therapeutic treatment.
History
Lomi Lomi massage was developed by the Polynesians. Master healers in Hawaii, known as Kahunas, combined prayer, breath and energy with rhythmic massage using their thumbs, knuckles, forearms and elbows. The Kahunas believed that a Lomi Lomi massage could restore a person's harmony and balance as well as relieve aches and pains.
Thai massage began thousands of years ago, with its roots traced all the way back to Buddha's personal healer, Jivaka Komarabhacca, known as the patron saint of Thai medicine. Thai massage has evolved into a large part of Thai medicine.
Technique
When you go in for a Lomi Lomi massage, your therapist will use her hands and arms in unconventional ways to work your muscles. Expect your masseuse to use her forearms and elbows to massage your back and shoulders. In a Lomi Lomi massage, your therapist will breathe slowly and be completely focused on your massage. Lomi Lomi practitioners use their minds and bodies together to heal their clients.
During a Thai massage, your therapist will focus on specific pressure points to help relieve tension from your muscles. Thai massage is like an assisted yoga practice. A Thai masseuse will help stretch your body and move you into yoga poses to lengthen your muscles. Unlike during a Lomi Lomi massage, you will be fully clothed for your Thai massage.
Benefits
A Lomi Lomi massage is designed to release muscle tension by breaking up calcium deposits and lactic acid in your muscles. While you enjoy a Lomi Lomi massage, your body will experience an increase in blood flow that will help drain your lymph nodes and remove toxins from your body, according to Tom Cochran and Donna Jason, founders of the Sacred Lomi massage school, in an article for "Massage Magazine."
Thai massage works your muscles and joints, increasing your flexibility and working to help your nervous system function properly. Getting a Thai massage can lower your heart rate and help you overcome anxiety, according to a study performed at Khon Kaen University in Thailand.
Considerations
Lomi Lomi massage is a very safe form of massage that shouldn't cause any problems or side effects. However, if you suffer from a few conditions, you may want to approach Thai massage cautiously. Let your therapist know before your massage if you have any injured muscles or bone fractures, so he can avoid that area. If your muscles are inflamed, a Thai massage can actually make your situation worse. If you have any health considerations, discuss them with your therapist before your massage.
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