Thai massage benefits range from lowering stress levels to boosting energy levels and include many things in between. It requires gentle pressure and stretching to relax the whole body, so you don’t lie still on a bed for this massage. You remain fully clothed while a professional helps with stretching, pulling, and rocking to achieve the Thai massage benefits.
Thai massage focuses on improving the energy flow in your body through movements similar to yoga. As your energy flow stabilizes, it helps boost your overall wellbeing. The movements also encourage your mind and spirit to slow down so that you can relax.
Additionally, Thai massage improves flexibility and circulation. It can help with weak or dysfunctional organs, aches and pains, and many other ailments. Understanding the Thai massage benefits will help you feel more comfortable trying it yourself.
What is a Thai Massage?
Thai massage originated in India more than 2,500 years ago. With influences from Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, it was once regarded as a healing art. Thai massage uses the body’s energy line system, which is also known as Sen lines.
With more than 72,000 Sen lines in the body, the Thai massage benefits help every area, including bones, muscles, blood, and nerves. Some Sen lines affect the mind and consciousness, too.
Each session takes a couple of hours and works your entire body. The sessions are typically tailored to each individual, making it beneficial for everyone.
As the massage therapist moves your body, they might use their hands, knees, elbows, or legs to adjust your body into the correct positions. While differing from traditional massage techniques, you will quickly find comfort in Thai massage.
Thai Massage Benefits
Here are the key Thai massage benefits you can expect.
1. Lowers Stress
Thai massage can lower your stress levels, improving your health and mood immediately. Too much stress can quickly have a negative impact on your mental and physical health. Long-lasting stress can cause illnesses and diseases, including depression and cardiovascular problems.
Research shows that Thai massage reduces levels of a stress marker that is present in saliva. The same study also explained that this massage technique is more effective for reducing stress than resting. Thai massage helps put your mind in a full state of relaxation.
This massage technique also promotes the release of serotonin, a hormone that makes you feel happy. Additionally, it reduces the amount of cortisol in your body, which is a stress hormone. With this hormone regulation, Thai massage is one of the best stress-management techniques.
2. Relieves Headaches
People that suffer from chronic tension headaches or migraines can find comfort in Thai massage. As one of the Thai massage benefits, this technique eases the intensity of headaches. The headache relief can last for months, giving you a way to alleviate the symptoms.
Without relief, headaches and migraines can interfere with your daily life. You will struggle to focus, experience light or noise sensitivity, or be unable to get out of bed at all. If this is a problem for you, consider trying a Thai massage to improve your life.
3. Improves Energy
Studies show that Thai massage can increase your physical energy levels and reduce fatigue. Along with improved energy levels, it also promotes mental stimulation. After a massage session, you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated rather than tired.
As the body’s energy pathways open up, you will notice an increase in your energy levels. The energy boost is long-lasting, and it opens you up to vitality. Even as the massage deeply relaxes your body, you will leave feeling energized and ready to go.
You will feel lighter and less sluggish, helping with energy restoration. Plus, with improved energy levels, you will focus better and handle obstacles more positively.
4. Reduces Back Pain
If you suffer from back pain, Thai massage can help you manage the symptoms. Researchers in Thailand had half of a test group get a Thai massage, and the other half did other management techniques. The results indicated that Thai massage was just as effective as other techniques for pain management.
Other studies show that Thai massage targets back pain associated with trigger points. Targeting the trigger points means that it relieves tight, painful muscle clusters in the upper back.
Additionally, back pain often stems from weakened back or core muscles and shortened or contracted legs or abdominal muscles. Thai massage helps alleviate all of these issues, decreased the level of back pain you experience.
5. Improves Circulation
The yoga-like movements of Thai massage promote blood and lymph circulation, filling your body tissues with oxygen. Improved blood and lymph circulation promote healthy cell growth and heart health, decreasing your risk of developing life-threatening conditions.
Additionally, Thai massage can help treat complications of diseases such as diabetes. Diabetes can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which is a common complication of the condition that affects your balance. This benefit of Thai massage is because improved blood circulation stimulates the somatosensory system.
With improved circulation you can also experience things like:
- blood pressure regulation
- mental clarity
- increased energy levels
- less strain on your heart
6. Relieves Joint Pain And Stiffness
If you experience pain or stiffness when you move, it could be a result of joint dysfunction. Thai massage improves joint function, relieving discomfort or stiffness. Since it benefits the joints, this massage technique can bring relief to those that have arthritis.
Studies show that Thai massage provides the same level of pain relief as painkillers, making it an all-natural alternative. Additionally, researchers discovered that people with knee arthritis experienced less pain and had an easier time walking after starting a Thai massage program.
7. Enhances Flexibility And ROM
As the Thai massage helps improve your circulation, it improves your flexibility and range of motion, too. It increases the circulation of synovial fluid in your joints and because of the improved blood and oxygen flow. This fluid reduces friction, allowing for increased mobility and range of motion.
Athletes can benefit as an improved range of motion helps them move better. Researchers observed a group of athletes before and after Thai massage, and after three massages, they showed dramatic improvement in their ability to move. These athletes also experienced increased speed and agility while playing competitively.
8. Eases Anxiety
Thai massage brings a sense of calm and relaxation to your mind and body. Although it requires more movement than other forms of massage, it still decreases anxiety. Studies indicate that people who receive Thai massages have lower levels of psychological stress than others.
Thai massage not only alleviates the symptoms of anxiety, but it prevents it from setting in, too. Further studies show that this massage technique offers more benefits for anxiety than other therapy treatments.
9. Improves Sleep Quality
Although Thai massage can increase your energy levels, it doesn’t negatively affect your ability to sleep. The opposite is true because since Thai massage lowers stress and anxiety, it can help you sleep better at night. Research published in the National Library of Medicine explains that this massage technique can improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue.
If you have trouble falling asleep at night or wake up frequently and can’t fall asleep again, this massage technique can help. It will guide your mind and body into a restorative sleep pattern, helping you feel better and rest. Your improved sleep quality will lead to better performance at your job or during your other daily activities.
10. Aids Deep Relaxation
Thai massage aids deep relaxation by using gentle pressure and stretching techniques to relax your entire body. As you get the massage, your mind falls into a meditative state, starting the relaxation of your mind. From there, your body becomes more relaxed until you’ve entered a state of relaxation.
Massage promotes the release of endorphins, which are brain chemicals that improve your sense of wellbeing. Plus, it reduces levels of stress hormones adrenalin, cortisol, and norepinephrine. As your sense of wellbeing increases and your stress levels decrease, your body can relax fully.
11. Reduces Muscle Tension
Because it stretched your entire body, Thai massage drastically reduces muscle tension. It helps spread tissues that knot up during a workout, and it loosens your muscles naturally. Additionally, the oxygen that Thai massage helps circulate throughout your body help reduce muscle tension, as well.
Thai massage targets areas that tend to hold tension, using applied force to release the muscle. Once the muscle lengthens, you will experience less tension and muscle spasms.
Final Thoughts on Scientifically Proven Benefits of Thai Massage
Thai massage is a natural way to maintain a healthy lifestyle and feel your best. With improved circulation, an improved range of motion, and reduced stress and anxiety levels, the Thai massage benefits can be life-changing. Plus, with its ability to reduce the severity of headaches, back pain, and joint discomfort, you’ll feel rejuvenated.
Remember that Thai massage isn’t like traditional massages. You won’t get undressed, lie passively on the table, or use oil. Instead, you will stretch your body in many directions with the help of professional Thai massage practitioners.
If it’s your first time, go in with an open mind and allow the Thai massage benefits to kick in. Once you’re comfortable, you will want to continue this beneficial Thai massage technique.
