An ancient massage technique that has withstood the test of time, Thai massage has been practised across Asia for over 2,500 years. During that time, it has been developed and refined by incorporating healing principles from several schools of healing, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Unlike most massage techniques, Thai massages do not involve rubbing oils into one’s skin and kneading pressure points to remove the latent effects of stress on one’s muscles. The recipient of a Thai massage is not expected to simply lie down and wait patiently as the massage is performed- they are an active participant in the massage, as their muscles are stretched and their body is rocked
Thai massages are performed through a series of movements that stretch the muscles and rock body in order to relieve the tension within the muscles and relax the body. Thai massage is considered to be assisted yoga by many, as the stretching exercises that are performed on the body are derivatives of Ayurvedic principles (which is considered to be a sister science to Yoga, as they both are derived from the knowledge of the Vedas).
How Thai Massage Therapy Works
Thai massage combines the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda to create a rounded technique focused on the circulatory system within the body.
As laid out under the principle tenets of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body is made up of many energy pathways, and the energy flowing through these pathways is critical to one’s well-being. Illness and disease are often simply byproducts of blockages to one’s energy pathways that manifest themselves in the symptoms that are considered by Western medicine to be the root cause of a disease or illness.
In order to increase or stimulate the flow of energy throughout the body, practitioners of Thai massage use pulling, rocking and stretching motions to clear the energy channels within the body, promote circulation and improve flexibility, all while relaxing the mind and body.
Benefits of Thai Massage in Dubai
Thai massage offers several benefits, which include:
1.Reduces Back Pain- Over the years, Thai massage has become a proven means to reduce or completely rid oneself of back pain. The yoga-like movements, according to those who received the treatment on a regular basis, are especially helpful in getting rid of back pain associated with trigger points, such as a tight or painful cluster of muscles, as they stretch those muscles through the range of movements applied by the therapist, thus reducing the tightness and tension within the muscle groups.
2.Boosts Energy Levels- Thai massage has been known to boost the energy levels of those who receive the massage, which is not altogether surprising, given that massage practitioners focus on the energy channels within the body to clear blockages in energy channels and tightness in muscles (which are both linked, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine).
In a randomized trial that was conducted on a group of people experiencing fatigue, half the group was given a Thai massage, while the other half was given a Swedish massage. The result was that those who received the Thai massage reported increased energy and mental stimulation, while those who received the Swedish massage reported better sleep quality and relaxation.
3.Gets Rid of Headaches- Over the years, Thai massage has proven to be a major boon for those experiencing migraines and tension headaches. Depending on the severity of one’s headaches, Thai massage either helps reduce the pain, or removes it completely. There are several reasons for this, but the primary reason attributed for this effect is believed to be the improved circulation within the body after one receives a Thai massage.
4.Promotes Flexibility- Thai massage also offers several benefits for athletes, as it offers them the chance to undo the effects of working out on the body. While working out is extremely beneficial for the body, there is no doubt that it places an incredible level of stress on our muscles, organs and bones. That is why every trainer will harp on the importance of one’s recovery post-workout. When we work out, the muscle groups that are exercised often become tighter and more compact, which is not necessarily desirable, as it can increase the risk of injury.
Thai massage, through it’s yoga-like range of movements, allows athletes the opportunity to undo the effects of their workout, stretching their muscles and increasing their range of motion. This reduces the risk of injury and also allows the athlete the opportunity to go into his or her next workout loose and limbered up.
At Yinyang, we offer Thai Massage Therapy at our branches in JBR, Village Mall, Beach Centre and Al Safa in Dubai. Book your appointment today and see the benefits for yourself!
