The Techniques and Modalities of Thai Massage

Long working hours and a tiresome routine does not inspire any excitement. In fact, it only plays catalyst to throwing off your internal clock and wreaking havoc on your body (cramped muscles, dehydrated skin, and so much more). With every day pressures and demands of drawing out a balance between work and family life, most people resort to unhealthy practices such as, using sleep aids or consuming alcohol, to cope up. Stresses can be hard to avoid, and may often leave you feeling sluggish and weary.

Sure, you can find your “me time” by going on a luxurious vacation, away from the hustle and bustle. But what about your jet lagged muscles, drained body and pinched pocket? Fortunately, it does not have to be this way. One of the most convenient ways of managing stress and invigorating your body is to incorporate Thai massage in your everyday life. This traditional technique helps the body to reconnect by loosening energy blockages.

If you are a novice to Thai massage, this blog will help you understand the techniques and modalities of this ancient technique:

The modalities:

From a technical point of view, Thai Massage has three main modalities:

  1. Bending or stretching. This type is the combination of passive-stretch and massage. The goal is to lengthen ligaments and muscles of joints and bones.
  2. Meridian line compressing. Meridian line compressing has been developed from the knowledge of local practitioners after observing the reaction of the human body, when applying pressure along the energy line (Sen).
  3. Acupressure. Acupressure makes use of deep pressure on the organs or muscles. The pressure is used for stimulation.

Thai Massage manipulations:

There are a range of different patterns in Thai massage manipulation. The style is similar to Thai boxing or Thai Martial arts which uses every single body part to fight or massage. However, while boxing causes pain, Thai massage offers relaxation.

  1. Squeezing is known as a two way compression which can be done by using both the hands and a single hand (thumb against fingers).
  2. Compressing is putting weight right onto your muscles. The masseuse may use their palm, fingers, or elbows for compression. Additional tools such as a piece of wood or stone may also be utilized.
  3. Friction is applying pressure to your muscles in circular motions or back and forth.
  4. Gliding is done by moving the fingers in circular motions or back and forth.
  5. Rolling is making use of rounded tools such as the arm, a stone or a log rolled longitudinally over your muscles.
  6. Hitting, hacking or slapping is done to stimulate your muscles rhythmically.
  7. Circulating involves moving joints in a circular motion.
  8. Twisting involves lengthening your muscles diagonally.
  9. Stretching is performed to lengthen your joint and muscle laterally.
  10. Cracking involves lengthening your joint which lets out a crack-like sound.

Between our careers, families, workout regimens, and social lives (apart from all the other things we do!), we hardly take the time to treat our body to some quality relaxation time. When you are constantly running around, working, and missing out on sleep, cortisol, a stress hormone, starts to build up in your body making you fall ill more often. Do yourself a favor and book an appointment with a Thai massage service today. Regular sessions will rejuvenate your muscles and help you manage your stress better.