The Basics Of Thai Massage Therapy
Thai massage is one of the most common forms of massage therapy. It originated in Thailand, a country in Southeast Asia. It's a derivative of the Japanese massage which originates in the same region. Thai massage shares many of its close traditions with its Asian counterparts like Shiatsu, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its source and fame have made it popular worldwide.
Thai massage originates from an ancient holistic healing art called"Kabuki." Its purpose was to treat patients by applying pressure on particular points on their bodies. This technique was used in Japan, China and Korea before its discovery at the Thais. The term for Thai massage is"Xuryaparni," which means"finger pressure" or"pressure points" Traditionally, this form of massage was performed by a skilled therapist called"Nakayama," who could be located in the temple city of Phuket, Thailand.
Recent studies have revealed that Thai massage may reduce chronic back pain. In a study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, researchers found that eighty-two percentage of the participants who had to undergo Thai massage had lower back pain. The researchers found that those who had lower back pain also had better health due to improved immune function. This study is significant because it is the first known proof that regular Thai massage may relieve pain and improve general health in the elderly.
When Thai massage is done by a seasoned practitioner, it can help loosen up tight and fatigued muscles. Many Thai practitioners perform their sessions at a quite position much like that of a yoga-like poses. The practitioner uses their hands, wrists, elbows and even feet to operate in combination with one another in order to perform deep muscle relaxation and increased circulation throughout the body. Many times, the practitioner will rotate their body weight to work on problematic areas of the body. Additional advantages that Thai massage may provide includes reducing stress and enhancing the body's immune system.
During a Thai massage, the practitioner will use both hands in very specific ways to target a number of regions of the body. 1 technique that is commonly used is kneading. This is done by placing pressure on specific areas of the elbow, shoulders, back and other rigid muscles in the shoulders and neck. The kneading movements may also target specific parts of the lower spine. Typically, the kneading movement is made to help stretch tight muscles in the neck and shoulders.
Another technique commonly used during Thai massage could be stretching. The practitioner will stretch out the legs using their elbows while holding on the opposite elbow. The practitioner will replicate stretching down the leg with both hands, eventually winding up at the toes. It is important to note that stretching should be done slowly and gently in order to avoid any pulled muscles.
During Thai massage therapy, the physical therapist may position themselves between the patient's legs. This will allow them to have a better vantage point of where the aches and pains are , and they could move around more easily, making the therapy more efficient. For those who are uncomfortable using their feet placed on the floor, many therapists make sure that you put a small mat on the ground adjacent to the massage table.
To complete the techniques, the practitioner can apply pressure to certain muscles or joints. When doing this, they'll use both thumbs and fingers. Massaging the particular joint or muscle can be beneficial as it helps to release tightness, while extending the muscle or joint in order to increase flexibility. It is important to keep in mind that the application of Thai massage therapy should only be performed by trained and certified professionals. If you suffer from a condition or injury that restricts your mobility, it is wise to consult with a licensed physical therapist prior to having this sort of exercise performed.