Wednesday, April 28, 2010

How Is Thai Massage Done

Thai massage is revitalizing.


Thai massage is noticeably different from other massage techniques. It is sometimes known as Thai Yoga Massage as it involves being moved into different postures that are similar to yoga postures. A Thai massage can last for up to two hours and is designed to balance your life forces, rejuvenating and invigorating you.








Instructions


1. Wear appropriate clothing. The first difference between a traditional Thai massage and other massages is that Thai massage is done while you are fully clothed. You should wear loose clothing so that you are comfortable and so that the masseuse can maneuver you without restriction from your clothes. No oils or lotions are used in traditional Thai massage.


2. Lay on the floor. Thai massages are performed on a padded mat on the floor and not on a bed or table like in other massages. This makes it easier for the masseuse to move around you and work on all the different areas of your body. You will usually be asked to lay on your back first.


3. Start with a leg massage. A Thai masseuse will usually start the massage with the legs and will use his hands to perform the massage, but also his knees, legs and feet. The masseuse will apply pressure in the form of gentle strokes along the energy lines of your body. Working on these energy lines is said to help your body release its tension and function better.


4. Follow with a hand massage. The Thai masseuse will often massage your hands next. He will press and rotate his thumb into the palms of your hands, and Co will then rub each of your knuckles in a similar manner, then work up each finger, rubbing it along the way. At the end, he will pull hard to loosen the joints.








5. Continue with a back and neck massage. The masseuse will slowly make his way up your body, and will usually ask you to turn over onto your front in order to access your back. He will push your head to either side to loosen it, then run the side of his arm or leg along the side of your head and along your back and arms. The masseuse will then apply pressure via gentle strokes along the energy lines of your back, neck and arms.


6. Move the body into various yoga positions during the massage. In general, your arms and legs will be moved into different positions for a space of time while the masseuse concentrates on releasing certain tense areas. An example of a yoga-like position some Thai masseuses use includes moving your foot to rest on the inside of the other leg's thigh, stretching your thigh muscles. This is similar to the tree position in yoga but laying down instead of standing up.

Tags: Thai massage, masseuse will, your back, your body, energy lines, will usually