subject: Massage Therapy Benefits [print this page] In most south-east Asian cultures, Thai massage is considered as a competent form of medical therapy. It came into existence more than 2,500 years ago in India by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha. Over the years, it made its way to Thailand during the time when ayurvedic techniques were progressively being influenced by Chinese medicines.
A traditional Thai massage lasts from one to two hours. The massage therapists uses his or her hands, feet, elbows, and knees to stretch your body in various yoga-like postures. This is said to open your body muscles and increase flexibility of your joints. As strenuous as this technique may sound, Thai massages are relaxing, invigorating, and rejuvenating. It opens the mind and brings about a sense of tranquillity.
Ideally a traditional Thai massage does not include oil. However, in recent times most Thai massage parlours have introduced the Hot Stone Massage Therapy. Flat stones made of basalt are used in this therapy due to their quality of retaining heat. They are dipped in hot water till they reach the model temperature. Oil is gently applied to your body in the form of a Swedish massage before placing the pre-heated stones on the key points of the body. The therapist either holds the stone down or massages it gently. This massage is ideal for muscle relaxation and improving the blood flow in your body.
Another form of massage that uses oil is the Aroma Oil massage. This therapy involves the use of essential oils extracted from plants. The science behind aroma oil massages is that smells from the oils awaken the limbic system, hence influencing our hormones and emotions. The limbic system is a part of the nostril that is attached to the brain. Essential oils are absorbed through the skin and tingle the limbic system resulting in various effects from calming the mind to energising you.
Foot massages have also made their way to the Massage Package. They remove all the stress stored in the muscles of your feet. Infact, this massage is so popular among the tourists in Thailand that it is found on every street corner.
We now have machines giving you a quick relaxing massage while at work as well. These are known as corporate massages. Chairs have inbuilt machines that vibrate while applying pressure to the key points on your back, thus releasing the stress stored from the days work.
Massages have come become an important part of our lives. Every country has adopted some form of massage therapy. It has made a loop to being recognized as a form of competent medical therapy again.
