If you’re looking for an active massage that incorporates aspects of yoga, check out our guide to Thai massage.
Feeling stressed? Whether you’re relaxing with yoga or a soothing massage, Thai massage combines the best of both worlds and benefits your mind and body. Here’s everything you need to know!
What is Thai massage?
Thai massage is a special type of body work that combines relaxation with flexibility. Think of it as a gentler, fuller, more active experience. It’s all about increasing your flexibility and your body’s energy. Just a warning: falling asleep during a Thai massage can be difficult!
Drawing from Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicinethis ancient technique combines assisted yoga stretching, acupressure, and soothing rocking for 60 to 90 minutes. Unlike the western style massages in the area resortThai massage is done on the mat. A certified therapist will work to stretch your muscles and apply pressure on your body’s energy lines, known as sen, to release stress with a graceful, rhythmic touch.
You can schedule a Thai massage at many spas, massage clinics, and even some yoga studiosbut make sure you find someone with the proper training and certification to give you authentic experience.
What should I expect from a Thai massage?
When you arrive for a Thai massage, you may be given comfortable clothing such as a t-shirt and sweatpants. You take off your shoes, turn off your phone, place your jewelry on a small plate, and settle down on the floor. Before the session, let the therapist know if you have any injuries.
If this is your first session, it can be intense, so pay attention to it breathing and rest. You’ll probably start on your back, with the therapist on your legs and feet. Since the therapist uses their own body weight to guide you, it may feel a little strange at first. Some discomfort is normal as your body stretches, but don’t hesitate to let your therapist know if anything feels uncomfortable.
As the session progresses, you’ll likely change positions, including moving to your stomach or trying other positions. Go with the flow as your therapist guides you through stretches and yoga-like movements designed to open joints, move energy and release tension. Keep breathing and communicate with your therapist throughout the process.
When the session is over, you will enjoy some gentle rocking movements to ease you out of the massage. You may feel sore afterwards, especially if it’s your first Thai massage, so hydrate and rest. You will likely feel incredibly relaxed, flexible and more present gave strength.
How to prepare for a Thai massage
Preparing for a Thai massage is simple!
- Eat a light meal and keep hydrated for about an hour before your session.
- Avoid alcohol, coffee, or heavy meals to prevent indigestion since you’ll be moving around a lot.
- Wear loose clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement or ask your therapist if they provide a comfortable experience.
For advice: Clear your mind and be open to guidance. Although the stretches may feel uncomfortable at first, give yourself permission to let go. This can help you experience it to the fullest benefits of massage.
Thai massage vs deep tissue massage
Your Thai massage experience will not resemble a Western deep tissue massage. You won’t be naked under a sheet on the massage table, and the therapist won’t use long, deep strokes to work your muscles.
Another notable difference is that, like some forms of yoga, Thai massage has a spiritual element based on Buddhism. As they use their body weight to work on your body, your therapist is also trained to send you loving, kind, and healing emotions. The ultimate goal is to help you feel better so that your energy flows throughout your body.
Take away
The ancient practice of Thai massage combines supportive yoga exercises, acupressure and rhythmic vibration to release your body and get your inner energy flowing. Unlike Western massage techniques, you lie completely flat on the floor and the therapist uses your entire body to release tension.
Allow yourself to let go and expect an active, sometimes intense, full-body experience that leaves you relaxed and energized.
