What to Expect From a Thai Massage Session

If you’ve never had a Thai massage before, you’re missing out on a real treat! 

Thai massage offers a lot of benefits including relief from back pain, anxiety, and stress, as well as energy boost and improvement in flexibility. Anyone who has experienced getting a Thai massage knows that it is so much different from Western massages.

So if you’re curious and would want to learn more about it before booking a session, read on to find out what you can expect from a Thai massage session. 

What is the Idea Behind Thai Massage?

Thai massage has influence from Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. This healing art is based on the idea that when energy flows freely throughout your body, you’re in perfect health. However, when there are blockages along these energy lines, you experience pain and discomfort.

Thai massage techniques are designed to remove these blockages and restore optimal energy flow. 

What Does Thai Massage Involve?

Thai massage implements a holistic approach and can help alleviate issues in your physical and mental health. Below are some of the key things you can expect from a Thai massage session.

Thai massage is done fully clothed.

Unlike other types of massages, Thai massage is done fully clothed. Because the practitioner will be moving you into different positions and stretches, it’s recommended that you wear loose comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. 

Thai massage is done on a padded mat and not a massage table.

Western massages, such as the Swedish massage, are done while you lie on a massage table with barely any clothes on. With Thai massage, you will lie down on a padded mat on the floor while wearing loose clothing. 

Also, unlike other types of massage wherein you lie passively on the massage table, Thai massage involves more physical movements on your part. 

Thai massage doesn’t involve the use of oil or lotion.

Traditional Thai massage doesn’t involve the use of oil or lotion. However, just like in other massages, Thai massage therapists also use their hands, forearms, elbows, and knees to flex your joints and apply pressure.

Thai massage involves various yoga-like positions and direct pressure.

Unlike other massage techniques where you will assume only a few positions throughout the entire session, Thai massage involves several positions. The therapist will assist you in making yoga poses and stretches to promote energy flow and release tension. 

This means you may be required to lie on your back, stomach, side, and even sit. This ensures all your muscles get massaged. Also, the practitioner will apply direct, rhythmic pressure on your muscles and certain pressure points.

The intensity of Thai massage can be adjusted according to your preferences and ability.

Thai massage usually gets a bad rap for being too painful. However, skilled Thai massage therapists can adjust the intensity as long as you communicate your preferences.

This makes Thai massage for everyone, including those with physical limitations. Don’t worry if you’re not very flexible as the practitioner will only push the stretches as far as your body will allow.

Does Thai Massage Hurt?

We all have varying levels of pain tolerance, and nobody knows your limitations better than you. While traditional Thai massage involves extreme stretching and deep pressure that is painful for some, there are in fact ways to practice Thai massage in a less painful manner.

Over the years, practitioners have developed their own styles and techniques to cater to different kinds of people. Such techniques usually involve gentler rocking motions and yoga principles.

One of these relaxed forms of Thai massage which involves breathing techniques and smooth, flowing movements is coined as Thai Yoga Massage or Ruesri Dat Ton. It focuses on awakening your energy flow to promote healing in your mind and body. Although the motions are less intense, it is just as effective in providing relief and uplifting your spirit.

After a Thai massage session, you can expect to feel energized and relaxed at the same time, as it involves a lot of movement and stretches. This means, you can go and do other things within the day after getting a Thai massage.

Regular sessions are also recommended for people who are active and do sports because Thai massage can help improve flexibility and boost your physical performance. 

Final Thoughts

Before you book for a Thai massage, take note that not all Thai massage practitioners are created equal. So if you’re looking for an experienced Thai massage therapist in New York that you can trust, you might want to consider ThaiMassage-NYC.

Led by a Thai massage expert with over 30 years of experience, you can expect to have an amazing session that addresses your needs. If you want to learn more about their wide range of Thai massage services, get in touch with Thai Massage NYC today!