This ancient therapy is old, and we mean dating back some 2, years. Its origin is said to have come from India, during the time of the Buddha. The physician to the Buddha, Shivago Komarpaj, is said to have created the Thai massage. As Buddhism slowly started to make its way to Thailand, the massage technique came with it.
Thai traditional massages were, and still are, used in conjunction with other traditional medicines. The benefits of receiving a Thai massage are vague, at best. While it is easy to say that Thai massages are good for you in the short-term, any scientific evidence backing this information is certainly lacking. That being said, there are some obvious benefits. For one, it feels incredible. It relieves stress and tension in joints and muscles.
It is also very good for those of you feeling stiff, especially during travel, as you are stretched throughout the massage. Some studies are backing the benefits these massages claim to have. One study suggests that a traditional Thai massage could be used as a complementary therapy for autistic children in Thailand. Another study suggested that patients suffering from back pain associated with myofascial trigger points the connective tissue that holds us together should consider receiving Thai massages as an alternative primary health care treatment.
Getting a massage can be intimidating. Do you keep your clothes on? Do you have to change into the scrubs that were just handed to you? For most Thai massages, you will be given a shirt and pants combination, then led to a changing room or bathroom. You can wear your own clothes, but it is a much more relaxing experience to wear the clothes provided to you. They are loose fitting, clean, and comfortable. During the massage, you will be pulled, stretched, and rocked at the hands of your Thai massage therapist.
They will use every part of their body in order to do this, including their thumbs, elbows, and knees. Some masseuses might even walk on you.
