The Definition of Thai Massage

According to Wikipedia, Thai massage or “Thai yoga massage” is a traditional healing system combining acupressure, Indian ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures.

The thai massage in thai language is called “nuat phaen thai” or “nuat phaen boran”. It means thai-style massage or ancient-style massage. These names are given by the traditional thai medical professions act.

According to the thai ministry of public health’s department there are 8,000 to 10,000 spa and massage shops in Thailand. Out of which only 4,228 are certified by the thai health ministry’s department of health service support.

What is Traditional Thai Massage?

You will be surprised to know that a traditional thai spa uses no oils or lotions. The recipient remains clothed during a treatment.

There is constant body contact between the giver and receiver, but rather than rubbing on muscles, the body is compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked.

The Giver & Receiver

The recipient wears loose, comfortable clothing and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. In Thailand, a dozen or so clients may be receiving massage simultaneously in one large room.

The true ancient style of the massage requires that the massage be performed solo with just the giver and receiver. The receiver will be positioned in a variety of yoga-like positions during the course of the massage, that is also combined with deep static and rhythmic pressures.

How Traditional Thai Massage Follows?

The massage generally follows designated lines in the body. The legs and feet of the giver can be used to position the body or limbs of the recipient. In other positions, hands fix the body, while the feet do the massaging.

A full massage session may last two hours and includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body. This may include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking knuckles, walking on the recipient’s back, and moving the recipient’s body into many different positions.

There are a standard procedure and rhythm to the massage, which the giver will adjust to fit the receiver.

A licensed, traditional thai massage therapist is required to complete at least 800 hours training.

How Thai Massage Affects the Body?

All types of massage, including thai, can help people relax. It temporarily relieves muscle and / or joint pain. Additionally, it also boosts a person’s mood. However, many practitioners’ claims go far beyond those effects. The efficacy is disputed.

When You Should Not Take a Massage?

Massage can be dangerous for women at different stages of pregnancy. Pregnant females should avoid massage because it may lead to miscarriage. Those who are more than six months into their pregnancy should be cautious about getting a massage.

However, anyone with underlying medical conditions must avoid all sort of massage treatments.

A pregnant 25-year-old suffered a miscarriage and fell into a coma while getting a foot massage.

Thai Massage & Extra Services

Body massage is a billion dollars pink business around the world. Actually, there’s a thin line between legitimate body massage and illegal spa massage. The legal difference between a “spa” and a “massage parlor” is unclear.

The legal authorities across the globe have tried to clamp down on sexual services being offered at massage parlors. Using legal loopholes spa owners open “pretty spas” or massage parlors where tourists and clients can buy extra services.

A target of 20 billion baht per year is to be generated by the spa business. This doesn’t include the extra service tips earned by the massage therapist.