Pad Thai, Buddhist temples, and gorgeous beaches are the quintessential symbols of Thailand. But more than just a place to experience unique culture and beautiful scenery for tourists and luxury vacationers, Thailand is also the place of Thai massage. Relaxing and invigorating simultaneously, getting a Thai massage on your visit to this beautiful country completes the Thai experience.
Popular among locals and tourists, as well as the rest of the world, Thai massage is a traditional healing practice with ancient origins. For this article, we deeply dive into this type of massage, its benefits, and why you should get one on your Thailand adventure.
Related article: Why Luxury Vacationers Love Thailand
What is Authentic Thai Massage?
Known as “Nuad Bo-Rarn,” or sometimes dubbed assisted yoga, authentic Thai massage is a traditional healing practice with roots in ancient medicine and Buddhist practices. Its main goal is to relieve tension and reduce muscle soreness through stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques.
Thai massage has its origins in Ayurvedic medicine. Buddhist monks from India brought it to the country and introduced yoga and other ancient healing practices. In addition, the massage is also influenced by traditional Chinese medicine by integrating acupressure points, such as the concept of “chi” or life energy.
In Thai massage, this energy force is called “sens.” According to Thai massage principles, energy is believed to move throughout the body in pathways or the “sens.” We suffer from soreness and tension when our senses are blocked; therefore, we need to include energy flow through these pathways to feel relaxed and heal physically and spiritually.
Therefore, the Thai massage practitioner aims to move your body in yoga-like positions to increase energy flow through the different “sens” or life energy pathways.
Characteristics of Thai Massage
Thai massage differentiates itself from Western and other types of massage based on the following characteristics:
1. Dry Massage
Authentic Thai massage is also known as dry massage since you won’t need to remove your clothes. Loose clothing is ideal as it entails plenty of movement, so you must be comfortable enough to move your limbs and your body when the practitioner stretches and pulls your body.
2. Active Massage
Since it is also known as assisted yoga, Thai massage is an active form. You’re not lying down on a table all the time, but rather, you’ll be on a mat, and the practitioner will use their hands, elbows, thumbs, forearms, and sometimes their feet to target specific acupressure points. Stretching, rocking, and pulling are also prominent characteristics of the technique, which leads to invigoration aside from relaxation.
3. Both Physical and Spiritual
For some practitioners, a prayer is done before the massage; others assist you in meditation. Authentic Thai massage is more than just the relaxation or healing of the physical body and the spiritual aspect. It is a form of holistic therapy that relaxes the body and the mind.
Tips for Experiencing Authentic Thai Massage
Before you book your massage session, you need to know a few tips to get the most out of your experience:
1. Choose a Reputable Spa or Therapist
Don’t just have your massage from any spa. Ask the Concierge Services for their recommendations to ensure you get to have professional service. Thai massage has been practiced and perfected in Thailand for thousands of years, and to be a licensed practitioner in the country, one must complete the requirements to offer quality and authentic Thai massage services.
Ensure the spa or therapist you choose has completed 800 hours of training, has a license, and is registered with the Department of Health Services Support (under the Public Health Ministry).
2. Know What to Expect
It’s ideal to know what to expect during the massage, such as the duration, clothing, and your preference regarding the amount of pressure and other details. A Thai massage lasts 60 to 120 minutes, depending on the therapist or your choice.
3. What to Prepare
Avoid big meals right before your massage, wear loose, comfortable clothing, and stay hydrated before your massage.
For the ultimate Thai massage experience, The Luxury Signature’s Guest Experience Concierge can coordinate or arrange in-villa spa/massage therapy at your request. Set the stage for a relaxing session as you experience the wonders of Thai massage right in the comforts of your accommodation, whether it would be a luxury villa in Koh Samui or a holiday home in Phuket.
Related article: Why A Villa Holiday is the Perfect Wellness Break
Health Benefits of Thai Massage
Thai massage also delivers more benefits for the body and mind. Here are the advantages of getting an authentic Thai massage:
- Improves flexibility and circulation.
- Relieves muscle tension and pain.
- Promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
- Boosts energy levels and overall well-being.
As mentioned earlier, Thai massage merges the mind and body. Boosting mental, physical, and spiritual health is more than just a method of relaxation; it is an invigorating path to holistic health.
Conclusion
All in all, when your day’s been filled with island hopping, trying the best Thai cuisine, and reveling in all the beauty Thailand has to offer, the best thing to do to end your day is with a relaxing, serene, and energizing Thai massage—Experience Thailand’s true healing nature with an authentic Thai massage that benefits your overall well-being.
Related article: The Importance & Health Benefits of Massage When Traveling
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Featured Image: Villa Chelay by The Luxury Signature
The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
