The Benefits of Thai Massage
Thai massage is thought to have travelled from India to Thailand with Buddhist monks, as they were not only the holders of religious knowledge but were also skilled medical practitioners. Monasteries were healing centres where extensive medicinal texts including surgical procedures, herbal remedies and massage practices were kept.
In 1876 Thailand was invaded by Burma and much of the written materials on Traditional Thai therapies were lost. The monarch of the time, King Rama III, had the foresight to decree that the remaining texts were to be inscribed in stone and placed for safe keeping in Wat Po. This is a famous temple which today is the main learning centre for Traditional Thai massage.
Find out why Thai massage is so good for you.
1. Ultimate Relaxation
The ancient healing modality is part of the wider system known as Thai Traditional Medicine. Traditional Thai Massage incorporates a combination of acupressure, energy meridian work and yoga-type stretching and this deep and thorough bodywork is profoundly relaxing and restorative. It’s perfect for tired, sore muscles, sports people, better posture, digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety, stress and other nagging ailments.
2. It’s A Unique Experience
Traditional Thai massage is different from other forms of Western massage as there is no oil used, the therapist works on a mattress on the floor and the client remains fully clothed throughout. It is different from what is typically meant by ‘massage’ and is described as having someone ‘do yoga to you’.
3. Balance the Mind, Body & Soul
In the East it is thought all disease stems from energy blockages in the body. The Eastern way of maintain health or treating disease is to ensure at all times, energy is circulating unhindered. This is the primary aim of all oriental therapies including massage.
Though there are many thousands of energy pathways in the body, Thai Massage focuses on ten of the major meridians. When your therapist applies pressure to these energy pathways, it is working consistently to restore balance and harmony to all systems of the body. Along each energy meridian are points which correspond to the vital organs of the body so when massaged, the internal organs are stimulated. Unlike Western massage, palms, fingers, knees, toes, heels, elbows and forearms are all used to give what has been described as a passive yoga workout, except you don’t have to do any of the work!
Retreat to our Thai inspired spa in the heart of the New Forest. Browse our selection of healing Thai treatments alongside full spa days, half day spa days and evening spa experiences.
