Demystifying Thai massage
When clients step into my office they see a large floor mat on the ground in addition to my massage table. Many are not familiar with floor based bodywork, such as Thai massage. They are curious about what to expect and how it differs from the Swedish massage they are familiar with. Some also think that Thai massage is not for them based on myths they have heard about it. Since Thai massage practiced on the floor mat is my favorite type of bodywork to give and receive, I would like to address those questions and myths in hopes of enticing you to give it a try.
Swedish vs Thai massage
Oil vs no oil. Swedish massage involves direct skin contact and the use of a lubricant (I use jojoba oil) and the draping of sheets to keep unworked areas covered. Thai massage is performed with the client fully clothed so there is no need for oil or sheets to be draped and undraped over the course of a session. Clients who prefer not to have residual oil on them after a session really appreciate this element of Thai massage.
Table vs mat. Swedish massage is performed on a massage table. While Thai massage can also be adapted for table work, I prefer to work on the floor mat which is more traditional and allows greater flexibility for me as the therapist to use my hands and feet at the same time and for the client to spread out without concern for falling off the table. This is also a reason that taller and larger clients often prefer to receive Thai massage on the floor mat.
Techniques: Swedish massage primarily uses gliding and kneading techniques. Thai massage uses compression, traction, rocking, joint mobilization, percussion, pressure points, and stretches in addition to kneading. (That said, my style of table massage is heavily influenced by Thai massage and also includes all of these techniques to a lesser degree)
Tools: Swedish massage is mostly applied using the therapist’s hands and forearms. Thai massage uses hands, forearms, feet, knees, and the therapist’s whole body for leverage and to apply varying degrees of pressure.
Approach: Swedish massage anatomical in its approach and largely two-dimensional, with the client generally lying still in a horizontal position. Thai massage works along energy lines, called Sen in Thai, to improve and correct energy flow in the body and is three-dimensional in its approach including lots of gentle movement.
Debunking myths about Thai massage
Myth #1: Thai massage is painful. While it is true that Thai massage is great for deep work, Thai massage can also be very gentle and the amount of pressure and depth of stretches is always adjusted to your comfort.
Myth #2: You have to be flexible to receive a Thai massage. While Thai massage is known for including yoga-like stretches, those can be gentle or deep and are completely optional, so flexibility is by no means a requirement to receive a Thai massage. In addition, many clients find that flexibility increases over time with regular sessions.
Myth #3: Thai massage isn’t safe for clients with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Actually, skillfully applied Thai massage can be beneficial for clients with these conditions. The broadly applied pressure used in Thai massage was shown in a study to increase bone mass, particularly in older post-menopausal women who have smaller body build. This was believed to be the result of mechanical loading, increased circulation and central nervous system regulation of stress hormones that negatively impact bone density.
Myth #4: Thai massage isn’t safe for pregnant clients. With proper bolstering and adjustment for pressure in certain parts of the body, Thai massage is a great option for clients who are pregnant and many report greater comfort receiving work on the floor mat vs on the table.
I hope this overview has piqued your interest in Thai massage and that you will give it a try and come to love it as much as I do. Clients who receive Thai massage from me have shared that they experience the following benefits:
Deep relaxation that lasts long after the session
Nervous system reset and relief from anxiety
Improved sleep
Improved flexibility
Improved range of motion
Muscle tension relief
Improved body awareness
To experience these benefits yourself, book a Thai massage session today. If you are on the fence, book a fusion table & Thai session where we start on the mat and then move onto the table for an oil based massage.
See you on the mat!