A Thai massage is a type of full-body massage that uses a combination of deep tissue pressure, muscle and joint stretching, and gentle body adjustments in yoga-like positions. It is a technique that has existed for thousands of years and is one of the most common forms of alternative medicine in Thailand.
Similar to other types of massage, Thai massage can help relax the body and mind. Numerous studies have found clinical benefits of Thai massage, including improvements in pain, joint mobility, and muscle stiffness.
If you’re receiving your first Thai massage, your experience is likely to be different from having a Western-style massage.
During a Thai massage, you’ll keep your clothes on. You’ll likely be asked to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, similar to what you would wear in a yoga class.
You’ll begin the massage lying on a mat, face up. The therapist will work through different parts of your body, moving along the various energy lines (sen lines) of your body.
Typically, the therapist will start at your feet and then move along each leg. The massage will then progress to your torso, shoulders, arms, and hands.
As the therapist works through each part of your body, they’ll apply gentle pressure with their hands and the weight of their body. They’ll also place you in yoga-like positions and stretch your muscles and joints.
