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What is a Thai massage
A Thai massage is very different from a traditional Swedish massage or deep tissue massage. Instead of lying naked on a table getting oil rubbed on your body, you lie clothed on the floor and are stretched every which way. The massage therapist puts pressure on different parts of your body, leaning, sitting, and kneeling on you as she bends you into different positions. A Thai massage is also a little longer than a traditional massage, lasting between 75-90 minutes. Getting a Thai massage feels a lot like when you're stretching in a yoga class and the instructor comes over and pushes you deeper into a stretch. Except in a Thai massage, the massage therapist does all the work. You literally just lie there, and they move you into all the positions they want you in. There is a lot of communication during the massage about how deep they take a stretch and the amount of pressure they apply to make sure it is to your comfort. I read some stories online before my massage about people in Thailand getting very painful Thai massages that invovled the massage therapist applying insane amounts of pressure. My massage therapist was fantastic, asking me what my comfort level was and continually checking in with me during the massage. It was never painful.
Thai massage history
Thai massage is actually not originally from Thailand. It was created by an Indian doctor named Jivaka Kumar Bhacchahas around 2,500 years ago. Thai massages are very popular in Thailand though, and are actually seen as a medical treatment. The massage focuses on stimulating and stretching the 10 main energy lines within the body.Thai massage benefits
Thai massage has a lot of benefits. In addition to reducing stress, Thai massage improves flexibility, circulation, and energy in the body. It's great for targeting sore areas a person may have and is known for making a person feel invigorated and refreshed when the massage is over.
What to expect during a Thai massage
Expect to be stretched during your Thai massage! You will lay on a soft mat and your body will be twisted and turned into many shapes. It's not uncommon for various parts of your body to pop as you are manipulated through various poses. I started lying on my stomach and then was flipped over to lie on my back. While a Thai massage is not the type of massage that will inspire zen during your treatment, it is relaxing and feels really, really good.What to wear to a Thai massage
I wore yoga pants and a form-fitting workout tank and my massage therapist said it was the perfect outfit for treatment. She said wearing the right outfit helps you get the most out of the massage and she would recommend this outfit to every patient if she could.
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