Thai yoga massage can be one of the deepest, most beneficial and intense forms of massage therapy. The thousands-of-years-old technique has fans all over the world. Adherents enjoy the hands-on healing technique for improving joint stiffness and creating a feeling of overall looseness in the body. Unlike with European schools of massage, the client remains fully clothed during the treatment.
Thai Massage
This Asian massage technique uses what is called "passive stretching." It involves the therapist pushing and pulling the client's limp body into positions it might not be able to get into otherwise. It is sometimes uncomfortable, but advocates compliment the improved flexibility they feel after sessions, according to massage therapist Petra Mercier. The technique, usually performed on a mat on the floor, also is said to balance energy in the body by placing pressure in certain parts of the body in techniques similar to Chinese acupressure.
What to Wear
Unlike with Swedish massage and other types of massage popular in the West, clients of Thai yoga massage therapists remain clothed during the treatment. This is possible because oils are not used in the Thai method. The recommended clothing for receiving Thai massage is a loose-fitting, cotton outfit of a long-sleeved shirt and trousers, according to Thai therapist Lynn Coleman of Simply Centered Denver.
What the Therapist Wears
Traditional Thai yoga therapists wear a very loose style of pants known as Thai fisherman pants. The one-size-fits-all trousers slip on. They are fastened at the waist with a tuck-and-tie technique. Your masseuse may pair these pants with a cotton T-shirt, a button-down shirt or, at a spa, perhaps a polo shirt with the name of the establishment.
Relax
If you haven't worn the correct garb for receiving Thai massage, don't worry. Many Thai yoga massage therapists and spas keep extra sets of clean, baggy cotton trousers and tops on hand to keep the therapists and clients comfortable. Once you have donned the comfortable duds, lie back and enjoy the benefits of this deep and restorative massage technique.
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