Thai massage combines the Chinese
and Indian medicinal practice (Ayurveda). It doesn’t work solely on the body,
but, it constitutes a holistic therapy.
Through pressure points, stretching exercises and muscle relaxing – reflexology
techniques among others, Thai massage restores the harmony in our body which is
the reason that makes it so effective
and unique in its kind. Besides, it is not accidental that this type of massage
is being practiced for over 1,500 years. It is a profound treatment for the
entire body, during which the person under therapy should wear light,
comfortable and clean clothes.
The so-called pure Thai massage
doesn’t make use of essentials oils. Their use is not excluded though in
particular cases, as some oils help in the treatment of a cold or in detoxification.
This is considered as a variation of the typical Thai massage. It should also
be noted that this sort of massage has nothing to do with sexual intercourse.
The cleanliness of body and clothes
is a necessary prerequisite both for the masseur/se and the person under
treatment, as contact between the two of them is direct.
What does this sort of massage has to offer?
Relaxation, stress minimization,
spiritual clarity, “cleansing and emptying” of our mind
Increased mobility in all the muscles
of our body
Particular discharge and attenuation
of pain in the bodily parts suffering the most (i.e. waist, back, nape, hip,
shoulder blade, arms) due to long sitting hours
Stimulation of the nervous system
Release of bodily toxins responsible
for obesity, bad mood, aches in the stomach and other parts of the body
Discharge of the large intestine –
constipation
Stimulation of the circulatory,
lymphatic, nervous, sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
Sense of well-being
Improvement and enhancement of the
immune system (thus protecting us more effectively from diseases and increasing
our energy level)
Physical exercise – Thai massage is
also known as passive yoga
Improvement of fitness
Flexibility and resilience
Treatment of psychological symptoms
through the excretion of hormones responsible for our good mood, but also
through the work in our bodily organs related to our feelings (i.e. by working
on the liver, we contribute to the release of anger)
Delay on the ageing process
Contribution to self-concentration
and the cognitive process in general, through the stimulation of the nervous
system
Improvement of physical appearance,
as we are more content and with less toxins
Automatic boost of self-confidence,
as the body feels healthier
Some of the most common queries
related to Thai massage follow below:
I have heard that the pressure exercised on the body is excessive and I
don't want to be in pain. I just want to relax.
The extent of pressure is adjusted
easily and directly according to the issue in hand and the tolerance of the
person receiving the massage. The intention is not to suffer. The only sure
thing is that once the massage session is concluded, you will feel less pain in
the troubled parts of your body (i.e. your waist or back).
I suffer from chronic diseases (i.e. diabetes, epilepsy) and I don't
think I can have a massage.
Before a massage session - and any session - the
masseur/se must seek information about your current health condition. You can
definitely have a massage, even if you suffer from some chronic disease; as
long as the masseur/se knows about it, he/she will avoid particular techniques,
pressures etc. Nobody should feel excluded from the pleasures of life, but,
he/she should be careful in the ways of
enjoying them.
At this point, there should be a
special mention to:
Those who have just been through
surgery: you will have to wait before having a massage session
Pregnant women: from the 4th
month onwards, you can have a massage only with your doctor’s consent, while particular
postures and movements are suggested per case
Those who have open wounds, tumors,
phlebitis, varices, melanomas, burns, rashes, contagious skin diseases: you can
have a massage, but, your masseur/se should definitely be informed about your
state - without you feeling any shame - so that he/she can judge whether some
parts of the body should be avoided or others should be reinforced through the
right technique
Those who have just received chemotherapy
or radiation: you will have to wait before having a massage session or address an experienced therapist
Is my age relevant?
No, as this massage, through its numerous
techniques and postures, can be personalized to any human being and any corresponding
needs. Did you know, for instance, that there is even special massage for
babies?
My time is precious and in fact I don't have free time. How long would a
session take?
Quite some time. It is something
worth its time and fee. It lasts at least one hour and a half, and from that
point on it depends on what needs to be
treated as well as on the mood and free time of both the masseur/se and the
person in therapy. The masseur/se doesn’t get tired (as someone would
think); the session is beneficial for him/her as well at all levels, so there
are occasions when time is not a good enough reason to end a session.
What should I do before or during a massage session?
Nothing in particular. Before a
massage session we avoid heavy meals, alcohol or coffee. Our last meal should
be at least an hour before our session. During the massage, you do nothing; you
just need to relax and breathe. Devote this time to you.
In general, engaging with our body,
either through exercise or personal care, has only positive outcomes to offer –
whether short term or long term – and is certainly not a waste of time or
money. It is an investment on a better
today and a more quality oriented tomorrow. It is advisable for someone to
choose whatever suits his/her character and lifestyle and applies to his/her
symptoms in the best possible way. Only then is there strong enough motivation to
get us up off the couch before or after work. The requirements of everyday life
do not allow for free time; therefore, it is up to us to make time for
something that interests us.
I would like to emphasize that it is not
necessary to have a problem in order to get in the mood and find the time to
deal with it. Being proactive and maintaining our harmony and balance are the
best treatments and the most profitable investment.
I think it’s time to learn to love our body and our self and fully
accept us the way we are, without any guilt or remorse. Our body will then
compensate us. Do not forget that our soul, our spirit, our feeling and our
body are inextricably related among them.
Light Love Gratitude
Roula Papathanasiou
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