The Benefits of Thai Massage
The Benefits of Thai Massage
The benefits of different types of Thai massage and teaching techniques for massaging the neck, back, and head are numerous. Massage is considered a long-standing tradition of caring for the health and treating illnesses in Thai culture. In order to alleviate symptoms of illnesses through massage, one must take into account the side effects of the condition and safety precautions. The Hatha Vipassana Center places great importance on maintaining health through massage by taking a patient's medical history, performing a physical examination, and diagnosing before beginning any massage treatments to ensure safety and provide proper advice on how to proceed.
There are various programs for maintaining and caring for one's health through massage, such as massage therapy for treating ailments, including muscle pain from heavy lifting, improper posture, weakness from paralysis or stroke, which can be alleviated through muscle relaxation massages, acupressure massages, oil massages, and herbal compress massages.
Massage for health is used to promote muscle relaxation, decrease tension, and increase blood flow, such as full body massages and foot massages.
Massage for beauty is used for skin exfoliation with herbal scrubs and is taken care of by the traditional Thai medical team, ensuring cleanliness, convenience, and safety.
Massage for stress relief is used to relieve tension in the lower back, neck, and head to promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension.
Aroma massage involves the use of aromatic oils in combination with massage techniques to promote relaxation and reduce tension in both the body and mind. This alternative form of treatment is widely recognized in the medical field as a therapeutic option.
Herbal steaming for health involves the use of fresh herbs that have properties to alleviate muscle aches and pains, increase blood circulation, and reduce respiratory issues such as colds.
Body massage using oils can help refresh the body and alleviate tension through the use of specific aromas that aid in treatment. For instance, insomnia, stress, and anxiety can be relieved. Additionally, oil massage can help nourish the skin, firm up the body, and help dissolve fat and other toxins in various parts of the body. The warmth generated from the massage oil seeps deep into the skin and muscles, providing a sense of relief and comfort.
Foot massage can help restore balance to the body, as the feet have pressure points that are reflective of the internal organs in the body. By massaging the feet, the circulation to various organs in the body can be improved, which helps eliminate waste from the cells, promoting overall health and well-being. The benefits of Thai massage are vast and far-reaching.
The practice of self-care through neck and head massage involves using the index, middle, and ring fingers to squeeze the back of the neck, and pressing on the side of the neck with these fingers. Then, the palms are brought together behind the head and the thumbs are used to press along the sides of the neck. Next, both hands are used to apply pressure to two points beneath the hairline.
To stretch the shoulders, sit in a meditative posture and hold one elbow with the opposite hand while breathing in and out. Push the elbow towards the body as far as possible while inhaling and exhaling normally for three to five breaths. Then, release and repeat on the other side. This is known as the "shoulder stretch," which is said to alleviate arm tension.
To stretch the muscles at the base of the neck and alleviate neck and head pain, sit in a meditative posture with one hand placed on the forehead and the other placed beneath the ear. Inhale and exhale while pressing both hands together. Repeat this movement for three to five breaths to stretch the muscles in the neck and alleviate pain.
To alleviate headaches caused by tension in the neck, sit up straight with the hands clasped together at the chest. Inhale and exhale while stretching the arms forward and upward. Then, inhale while raising the arms above the head and pressing the palms together. Hold the stretch for three to five breaths, then release. This stretch is known as the "headache stretch" and is said to alleviate headaches caused by tension.
The Elements:
(It is important to approach the following information with caution, as it is rooted in the principles of Thai traditional medicine. While this practice has a long history and has been used effectively by many, it is always wise to exercise discernment and seek professional advice before embarking on any new health regimen.)
- The Element of Earth (October, November, December)
In appearance, the Element of Earth is large with a relatively dark complexion and thick black hair. Their bones are large, and joints are sturdy with a strong backbone, with a heavy and dense voice. Those with an earth element should consume bitter, sweet, salty, and oily foods, such as mangosteen, guava, pumpkin, squash, various beans, yams, local vegetables, raw bananas, star gooseberry shoots, young jackfruit, pennywort, pumpkin flowers, and bottle gourds.
Some dishes include raw banana curry, gang-leang (hot Thai vegetable soup), spicy fish soup with sweet vegetables, stir-fried pennywort with eggs, roasted jackfruit chili paste, and stir-fried shrimp with sa-tor (fragrant Southern Thai vegetable). Snacks include steamed pumpkin custard, sweet glutinous rice and black beans, taro cake, soybean jelly, fried peanuts, and boiled banana in coconut milk. Beverages are sugarcane juice, coconut water, soy milk, corn milk, pumpkin juice, sprouted brown rice water, and barley water.
- The Element of Water (July, August, September)
In appearance, the Element of Water is well-proportioned with clear and fresh skin, charming and firm eyes, abundant tear ducts, a sturdy gait, and shiny black hair. They can tolerate hunger, heat, and cold, and has a bright and open voice. They have good sexual feelings but tends to be lazy. They should consume food that is sour and bitter, such as lemons, oranges, pineapples, tomatoes, star gooseberry, berries, and santol. They should also eat local vegetables like ironwood leaves, tamarind shoots, and small bitter gourds. Some dishes include sour soup with fish (gang som), spicy stewed chicken with bitter gourds, stir-fried bitter gourd with eggs, and wild forest soup with fish. Snacks include candied star gooseberries, pineapple jam, and santol in syrup. Beverages are lemon juice, tomato juice, tamarind juice, pineapple juice, roselle tea, and star fruit juice.
- Fire element (January, February, March)
The shape and form of this element is often hot-tempered, intolerant of heat, frequently hungry and eats well. Hair grows quickly and tends to be frizzy, skin is not very durable and often irritable. This element tends to have a hot temperament and strong body odor, with moderate sexual desires.
The recommended food for this element includes cold and bland foods, fruits such as watermelon, pumpkin, jicama, and local vegetables such as morning glory, Chinese cabbage, water mimosa, etc. Some popular dishes include stir-fried morning glory, boiled soup with water mimosa, stir-fried lotus stems with chili, and sour and spicy soup (gang som). Snacks such as ice cream and chilled drinks are also preferred, including watermelon smoothies, pennywort tea, and pandan juice.
- Wind element (April, May, June)
This element has a rough and dry skin, a thin and bony structure that often crackles when moved. They tend to be envious and jealous, easily falling in love but also easily unfaithful. They are not very tolerant of cold weather and have difficulty sleeping. This element tends to speak unclearly and have average sexual desires.
Recommended food for this element includes spicy foods and vegetables such as ginger, galangal, lemongrass, black pepper, coriander, turmeric, and chameleon plant. Popular dishes include fish soup with turmeric, spicy chicken soup with galangal, shrimp tom yum, and sea snail soup with chameleon plant leaves. Popular snacks include ginger soup with glutinous rice balls, tofu pudding, boiled ginger water with green beans, and sesame dumplings. Popular drinks include ginger tea and lemongrass tea.
