One of the most well-known attractions for tourists when they visit Thailand is definitely to try out a Thai massage in all its authenticity! That’s not to say that Thai massages don’t exist anywhere else, but when it comes down to the authenticity of the experience, it’s best that we go back to its roots – where it all originated from!

Thai massage, also commonly referred to as ‘slow or lazy yoga’, is a massage technique made popular in Thailand which requires you to lay down a floor mat as your masseuse utilises their magic hands, using stretching techniques to help relax your body as well as other techniques to enhance your muscle tone and flexibility.

Aside from that, according to YogiApproved.com, Thai massages also incorporates compression, acupressure and joint mobility. Thai massage has a great influence and its roots dates back from the Ayurvedic tradition from India.

The main distinguishing feature of Thai massage is that usually involves tissue manipulation. It does not rely on the use of essential oils and lotion. The Thai massage technique is based on the notion of energy lines, or Sen. Many practitioners believe that there are various Sen, or channels, of energy within the body. There is a notion that tight muscles constrict the flow of life energy throughout the body, often causing issues such as stiffness, pain and illness.

As mentioned previously, as opposed to being rested on a massage bed as practiced in Shiatsu/Swedish massage, customers lie on a floor mat and are instructed to come to the massage session in loose-fitting and comfortable clothing. Oftentimes, their assigned masseuse will prepare clothing for them to get into before starting with the massage session. These clothing have been designed to be comfortable enough for customers to reap the benefits of all the activities involving the stretching and relieving of muscle tension during their massage session.

Stay tuned for the next part of the article where we will explore 8 benefits of Thai massage and why you should give it a try!