Alternative Medicine and Thai Massage

Picture soft lights, warm candles, soothing music and an invigorating or sleepy scented oil being massaged on to your back. This is theimage most of us have of the classic Swedish massage. However, there are alternativetypes of massages such as Hawaiian Massage, Reiki Massage, and Thai Massage.

Among these, Thai Massage consists of the most physical involvement between the massage therapist and patient. Thai massage differs from classic massage in that the patient and the massage therapist wear loose clothing, are both involved in positioning the body, and it is done on a mat on the floor rather than a massage table. Another key difference is that lotions and oils are not part of a Thai Massage.

Thai Massage involves a series of moves done to the body that are designed to stretch the fascia, release toxins from the body, and deepen relaxation. Stiff muscles are made soft and pliable, and tension is squeezed out as the therapist places the patient's body in a series of twisting positions, then stretches, and/or applies a counterweight to achieve deep release.

A common Thai Massage move is when a TM therapist places a foot (barefoot of course) under a patient's armpit while pulling on the arm to create a full body stretch the person could not achieve on his or her own.

A good way to think of Thai Massage is it is like someone doing yoga to your body. The effect is a wonderful release of tension in the muscles, and leaves the patient's body so loose that they feel like a limp noodle.

When I first had a TM, I realized I had to trust the TM therapist and give over control of my movement to him. He placed my body in positions that can only be described as a human pretzel; when it was over my body felt like Gumby in a hot tub at Club Med. Typical cost of a Thai Massage ranges from $35 to $100 for an hour and a half to two hours.

If you're without any serious physical limitations, getting a Thai Massage is definitely worth checking out for its benefits of relaxation, increased pliability, and ridding toxins from the body. It also goes nicely with your favorite Thai food or coffee; afterward of course!