Previously, we touched upon the basics of Thai massage in terms of its origin, general techniques and preparation before the massage session.
In Part 2 of all things related to Thai massage, we will explore 5 health and psychological benefits related to this traditional healing system.
1) Relieves Tension and Stress Levels
Stress does not necessarily have to be negatively associated. Occasionally, it gives motivation for people to strive better and overcome hurdles. Stress and tension may also occasionally arise when people are competing with others. Again, not necessarily a bad thing.
However, if feelings of stress are heightened or happens on a more frequent basis, it may put more of a strain on our physical and physiological state. Stress often leads to health problems such as high blood pressure, hypertension, mood disorders such as depression as well as cardiovascular diseases.
According to an article published by Medical News Today, Thai massage uses gentle pressure and stretching techniques to relax the body. In a 2015 study conducted on the effects of stress levels on massage patients, those who underwent Thai massage had their stress levels reduced significantly as indicated by a stress marker in their saliva called SAA. The researchers also found that Thai massage was more beneficial in reducing stress than just simply resting.
2) Alleviates Mood and Reduces Anxiety
Thai massage has a relaxing effect on both the mind and body. Massages are often sought as an alternative or complementary medicine to treat mood disorders. Thai massages can help alleviate various psychological parameters such as mood, anxiety as well as feelings of confusion and bewilderment.
3) Migraine, Go Away!
A traditional Thai massage has been helpful in treating massages with chronic tension and frequent migraines. In a study conducted on the patients diagnosed with chronic-tension type and migraine headaches, Thai massages were much more effective in treating patients than by giving them a placebo ultrasound treatment.
It is also found that Thai massages help to increase the pain pressure threshold in their patients.
4) Improves Body Adaptability to Different Motions
As Thai massage has commonly been referred to as ‘Lazy Yoga’, there’s a lot of yoga-like stretches posed during the massage session. The range of motions and stretches help to circulate blood throughout other organs. There are specific pressure points which are pressed, which can help improve the range of motion of your limbs and other parts of your body.
Patients who undergo Thai massage therapy experience improvement in their shoulder, posture, ankle rotation and flexibility.
5) Good energy boost!
The techniques applied in Thai massages is based on the notion of energy lines, called Sen. There are different Sens, or channels within the body. Some muscles within the body are tight, this may cause blockage or constriction of different Sen. The blockages may cause illness, stiffness and pain. Thai massage helps to open or constrict different Sen to correct the flow of life energy.
Research has shown that Thai massages help to create mental stimulation and boost physical energy levels among patients.
So there you have it, 5 benefits people can gain from a good Thai massage therapy session! Stay tuned for the next part of this article where we explore more benefits of Thai massage.
