Benefits
The Surprising Benefits of Thai Massage
Those who
value the importance of having regular Thai massages know, instinctively,
how beneficial this “practical
expression of loving kindness” can be. This millenary practice, which
relies upon the ancient tradition of yoga Asanas to open the joints and
release tension in surrounding muscles, has the unique ability to relax and
energize all at once. Its aim, of course, is far more profound than simply
relieving the body of pain and stress; an authentic Nuad Phaen Boran (or
‘healing touch’) massage aims to bring us closer to the Four Divine States
of Mind: Loving Kindness, Vicarious Joy, Compassion and Equanimity. The
origins of Nuad Phaen Boran are thought to date back to the 5th century
BC, and to this day, it continues to be imparted in a manner that expresses
what the Buddhists call ‘Meta’ or ‘loving kindness’. Recent scientific
findings indicate the plentiful benefits of a practice that aims to heal
through sacred energy. These include:
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Psychological and Physiological Benefits: A 2006 study published in the Journal
of Bodywork and Movement Therapies set out to explore the
psychological and physiological effects of Thai massage, as compared to
Swedish massage. Some 53 participants were given either a Thai or
Swedish massage, and assessments of their blood pressure, heart rate and
range of motion, perceived anxiety and mood were carried out immediately
before and after the respective massages. The results showed that both
types of massages led to significant improvements in the subjects’
resting heart rate, ankle flexibility and shoulder flexibility. An
improvement was also found in shoulder abduction (the ability to move
and raise the arm sideways, away from the body). Through gentle rocking,
pressure and rhythmic compression, Thai massage prepares the body for
stretches and releases muscular tension, thus promoting greater
flexibility and movement. The study also found that subjects had lower
anxiety levels and improved moods, which is just one of the reasons why
this type of massage is so ideal for those suffering from stress or
recovering from difficult circumstances such as addiction
or loss. Indeed, one of the biggest challenges for recovering
addicts can be keeping their mind ‘in the moment’; the harmonious nature
of Thai massage, which is often enjoyed with calming music in the
background, is highly beneficial in promoting mindfulness, relief from
anxiety, and spiritual equilibrium.
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Pain reduction: In 1984, a
study led by Prayotch Boonsinsuk established that applying pressure
on particular points in the lower back is able to significantly lower
the intensity of backache at the waist level. In 1990, another study
revealed that Thai massage was successful at reducing stiffness and pain
in the neck area, as well as headaches. In 1992, the effects of Thai
massage on muscle and joint pain in particular were studied. Following a
massage, the pain level of subjects was greatly reduced. The massage was
found to be particularly useful in quelling muscular pain.
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Improved function: A
2010 study published in the Journal of Medical Technology and Physical
Therapy found that Thai massage was useful to treat systemic sclerosis,
a connective tissue disease which leads to disability of various organ
systems, especially the hands, which can also suffer from deformity.
Volunteers were given a 30-minute Thai massage on the upper limbs, while
a control group was told to rest for 15 minutes. The ‘massage group’ was
found to have an increased hand temperature and greater hand function,
than those in the control group. This led scientists to conclude that
Thai massage would serve as a useful adjuvant therapy for scleroderma
patients.
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Improved
circulation: If you are used to the passivity of a
typical massage, where you simply lie on your stomach while the
therapist does all the work, Thai massage involves more activity on your
part, in that you are assisted by the therapist to adopt particular
positions. Each position promotes blood circulation to particular parts
of the body, and assists blood in returning to the heart, promotes lymphatic
drainage and aids with digestion. Despite moving quite a bit during
the treatment, you will find the massage to be deeply relaxing and
immediately soothing, as the therapist applies pressure to areas which
may be causing you pain. The full effects of a Thai massage are often
felt two or three days after the treatment, and the newfound flexibility
and release in your joints and muscles, is a no less than blissful
sensation.