Thai massage is at least 2,500 years old - Buddha himself was to use its benefits, and scenes reflecting its course can be found in reliefs in Angkor temples, created over 1000 years ago. From India, Thailand and Cambodia, Thai massage has come to Europe, where it is becoming more and more popular.

Thai massage(or nuat boran - classic massage) was created as a result of the assumption that energy flows through the human body, so it functions properly when the energy balance is maintained in it . The techniques used during Thai massage - a combination of Ayuwerda, acupressure and passive yoga (it has even been called Thai massage "yoga for the lazy") are aimed at releasing tension from the body and allowing energy to flow through it more easily.

Thai massage - techniques used during the treatment

This type of massage is performed on a hard mattress or on a mat on the floor. The person undergoing the treatment lies in loose clothing, available in massage parlors - a T-shirt and shorts - and no oils are used during the session. Thai massage is based on pressing specific points on the body - energy channels - from the feet, through the legs, hands, back to the head. According to Buddhist philosophy, the head is the most important and sacred part of the human body, so the massage person washes their hands before massaging it. The massaged points are not chosen randomly - it is their pressure that is supposed to unblock the energy flow in the body. While performing the procedure, the masseur uses not only hands, but also forearms, elbows, and even knees and feet. Thai massage can also be performed with four hands. The strength of the pressure depends on the specific person, initially some of them may feel it painful.

During a Thai massage, you first lie on your back, then - on your stomach. At the beginning, the masseur, as a matter of respect, washes the feet of the person being massaged with a hot towel. The sessions are accompanied by performing yoga elements - laying the body of the massaged person in asanas, i.e. positions - which is not a problem even for people who have never de alt with yoga - the positions are not difficult, and the masseur helps to deal with them. Thai massage also uses acupressure elements that improve blood circulation.

Thai massage is one of the most frequently chosen by visitorsmassage treatment rooms, therefore, is widely available. One hour of treatment costs about PLN 130-180. It is worth adding that many other treatments have been created on the basis of traditional Thai massage: massage with herbal stamps, hot stone massage, reflexology, massage with aromatic oils, Thai Sun massage - introducing a state of deep relaxation, Mukabhyanga massage covering the shoulders, cleavage and face or Ayurvedic massage of the Shirodhara head.

Thai massage - action

Individual elements of Thai massage have different effects on the body. Compressing selected points on the body (the Sen line) stimulates blood and lymph circulation and improves metabolism. It also strengthens the body's immunity and frees it from toxins. In turn, the introduction of yoga elements serves to strengthen the tendons and muscles - reducing the tension in them. It also improves the functioning of the joints and acts on the body from the outside. Thanks to techniques derived from yoga, the skin of the massaged person is firmer. In turn, acupressure has a de-stressing and relaxing effect. It improves mood - puts you in a good mood - and reduces sleep problems and the symptoms of menopause. It can also be helpful in fighting migraines and chronic pains in various parts of the body.

Thai massage: recommendations and contraindications

Thai massage is recommended primarily to overworked people who live at a fast pace, but at the same time do not have time or will to be physically active. It has a relaxing effect, which is why its elements are often found in the offers of beauty salons and SPA offices. It is also used by people during convalescence, e.g. after removing the plaster. It can also support rehabilitation after frostbite and neuralgia. Thai massage can also be used by people who want to slim their figure and reduce cellulite.

Pregnant women must give up the procedure, and it is not recommended to undergo it during menstruation. Contraindications to Thai massage are diseases of the nervous system, heart disease and peptic ulcer disease. It must also be given up by people with skin problems: blisters, unhealed wounds. It is also not performed in people with cancer. It is recommended not to eat a heavy meal 3 hours before a Thai massage session.

Worth knowing

Thai massage, contrary to its name, most likely comes from India, and only later, over 2,000 years ago, became popular in Northern Thailand, surrendering all the time to Indian and Chinese influences. Shivago Komarpaja, the court physician of King Magadha and apparently a friend of the Buddha himself, is considered to be the father of Thai massage. In centers that train in the performance of Thai massage onAt the beginning and at the end of the day, as well as before each treatment, a prayer is said to Komarpaja - Wai Khru.

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