Thai Massage for Health
By Chami Jotisalikorn

Once enjoyed only by Thais but now gaining a worldwide following thanks in part to its popularity in the ever-increasing number of Thai spas, legions of visitors to Thailand are discovering the holistic benefits of traditional Thai massages.

First time recipients are often amazed at its rejuvenating abilities, especially after a cramped, long-haul plane ride or a tense day hunched over their computers at work. Many people may think of massages as self-indulgent pampering, but Thai massage's surprising rejuvenating abilities come from the fact that it is actually a holistic therapy with ancient roots in traditional medicine and has been practiced over the centuries as a form of healing.

Like many aspects of Thai culture, traditional Thai massage derives its origins from ancient India, and arrived in Thailand through Buddhist missionary monks who were also trained as healers. Along with the spread of Buddhist faith, the traditional massage techniques gained popularity for their abilities to relieve ailments like backaches, headaches, tension, and fevers.

Thai massage technique is based on the concept of invisible energy lines running along our bodies. It is linked to the ancient Indian yoga philosophy that our life energy is supplied to our bodies along 72,000 lines that run along our bodies. That's why some of the stretching poses of Thai massage resemble the stretching poses of yoga - to give the body the same holistic benefits. Thai massage focuses on ten key energy lines along our bodies and uses pressure techniques to release the blocked energy along those lines.

Statues at Wat Phra Chetuphon (or Wat Pho) temple illustrate various postures featuring methods of self-massage known as "Hermit's Self-massage" techniques evolving from yoga poses.Along with releasing blocked energy, there's a spiritual element to Thai massage as well. It's believed that the masseuse is healing the recipient by giving love to the patient through his or her hands. Back in ancient times, the masseuse would say a prayer to centre the mind in a meditative mood before performing a healing massage. This meditative awareness gives the masseuse the power to sense the energy flow and blockages in the recipient's body so that the ailing parts can be healed. When done properly, the masseuse should feel as relaxed as the recipient, because Thai massage is supposed to be a spiritual act that nourishes both the giver and the recipient.

Thai massage is very different from other types of massage. Unlike western massages, Thai massage doesn't use oils and you remain fully clothed. A pair of clean, loose-fitting cotton pyjamas is always supplied for you to change into at the start of the Thai massage. The masseuse uses pressure and stretching techniques, done in a rhythmic, rocking motion. A Thai massage session usually lasts two hours; for the most part, you are lying prone on your back or stomach, but the massage ends with a series of stretches in which the masseuse twists and flips your body sideways, backwards and forwards.

Instead of the standard massage table, Thai massage is done on a mattress on the floor. The masseuse uses her thumbs, arms, elbows, knees and feet, so expect her to climb all over your body and even walk on your back. Don't be alarmed or embarrassed if you find the masseuse suddenly on top of you straddling your groin area - its all part of the traditional technique. Like most Thai people, Thai masseuses are usually quite friendly and may chat or giggle to put you at ease, but there's no need to strike up a conversation with the masseuse, nor is it expected. The best way to enjoy the experience is to simply lie back, close your eyes, relax and let the masseuse do her work. At some point you may actually fall into a snooze as your aches and tensions get kneaded away.A well-trained masseuse will usually ask you whether the pressure is too hard or too soft and you're expected to give her some feedback to help guide her into giving you a proper massage. At the end of your Thai massage, the masseuse will stretch your back by swivelling your spine side to side until she hears a crack. If you find this uncomfortable or frightening, it's perfectly fine to tell her to stop, and ask for a more conventional neck rub instead.

After a Thai massage, it is normal to find your body aching in places that didn't ache before. That's because some people may suffer from repressed stress or tension that has made their muscles tense unconsciously. This muscle tension may be so subtle that it's unnoticeable by the sufferer, but these tensed up muscles are the cause of energy blockages in the body. These energy blockages are released during Thai massage, which causes the resulting discomfort. A few more massage sessions usually relieves this type of ache.

You'll find that traditional masseuses tend to be female, ranging in age from teens to grandmothers. You may find it surprising that even the most delicate-looking masseuse may pack amazing power in her two thumbs, though many massage connoisseurs say they prefer the more mature and heftier masseuses for a more thorough massage. Older masseuses also tend to be more experienced and are more skilled at identifying problem areas and kneading knotted muscles.

Traditional Thai massage is easily available anywhere in Thailand and usually have signs under the billing "Thai massage for health." They range from very reasonably priced, basic budget establishments to candle-scented luxury in pricier spa establishments.