Thai massage is one of the most famous massages in the world. It’s a combination of body massage, yoga practices, and acupuncture techniques that provide relaxation to the full body. Like any other massage, Thai massage has its own requirements. Today, we will explore Thai massage etiquette, what to expect from Thai Massage and Thai massage benefits.
Thai Massage Etiquette
Massage etiquette involves handling the whole experience in a more effective way to extract maximum benefits. Thai massage is a full-body massage. It involves a lot of movements and Massage techniques. Before going for a Thai massage, you need to know what to expect and how to prepare for it. Thai massage etiquette includes
- Choosing a free day
- Wearing proper clothes
- Following personal hygiene
- Knowing what includes in Thai massage
- Having a proper conversation with a massage provider
- Guiding massage provider according to your bodily needs.
- Relaxing before and after a massage
- Staying hydrated
- Limiting movement for a day or two
Here is an explanation of all these etiquettes.
When To Go For A Massage?
Choose a free day for a Thai massage as you will need to relax before and after the experience. You may not wait for the vacation but at least go on a weekend. Prepare well before going for a Thai massage. The “before ” preparations include
- Refraining from alcohol for at least one day.
- Drink water and eat healthy food at least 3 hours before massage.
- If possible do home stretching exercises as they will protect you from muscle pain after massage.
What Does A Thai Massage Include?
A Thai massage is not a typical massage with oils and scents. In fact, it doesn’t involve oiling at all. In Thai massage, the massage provider applies pressure to specific body points, does muscle stretching, and will massage your body using his hands and feet. Also, Minimal equipment is used in Thai massage. Normally, you will just need a soft mattress to lie on.
Usually, body parts like the head, arms, legs, back, muscles, and shoulders are treated. Moreover, according to specific individual requirements, the massage provider will use different yoga techniques or acupuncture.
What To Wear During A Thai Massage Session?
Wear a loose shirt and shorts/trousers. Ladies can take off their inner wears for a better experience but this is entirely one’s own choice. You can also wear cotton robes and men can also go shirtless. Avoid tight-fit sportswear made of synthetic fibers.
Practically, you can wear anything to a massage session but Thai massage etiquette includes wearing comfy and loose clothes. The reason is that Thai massage involves flexible movements. This means you will need clothes that are airy, adjustable, movable, and comfortable.
You can’t stretch tight clothes thus limiting your body movement. This kills the essence of Thai massage. Though a massage provider is bound to provide you with services regardless of your clothes, this is for your own benefit.
Following Personal Hygiene
Thai massage etiquette involves personal hygiene. By personal hygiene we mean, taking a proper bath, brush teeth, and being clean. Bad Body odors leave a bad impression and make the experience less pleasant. However, shaving your legs or body before massage is up to you. We suggest don’t wax before the massage as waxing can cause sore skin and open the pores.
Proper Conversation And Guidance During Thai Massage
- Before massage communicate clearly to your massage provider about why you need Thai massage.
- If you are pregnant or had surgery recently, tell them first hand.
- Guide them to focus on body parts that need more attention. A Thai massage session can be up to 2 hours long depending on why you want a Thai massage.
- Also, don’t speak unnecessarily or cause distraction during a massage but keep guiding your massage provider.
- Switch off your connection to the outside world. Turn off mobile phones. Close your eyes, let go of stressful thoughts. Feel the experience.
- Furthermore, never involved in a personal conversation with Masseur. Keep it professional and decent. Never touch your massage provider.
The “After” Thai Massage Etiquette
After a session of Thai massage, you will feel relaxed and calm.
- Drink more water as hydration will prevent sore muscles and keep you energetic. We suggest drinking a soothing Matoom tea to freshen up.
- If you are wearing clothes provided by the spa, change them. You can also give a nice tip to the masseur before leaving.
- Don’t involve yourself in strenuous activities and take proper rest.
- Also, take a good amount of sleep to freshen you up.
Thai Massage Benefits For Body
There are two types of Thai-style massage. The Southern Thai massage and the Northern Thai massage. Northern Thai massage involves more calm and slow techniques as compared to the Southern one. Both Massages are best but spas usually adopt the Northern style. In these modern times, the whole idea of massage means “relaxation” to us. Moreover, Thai massage also involves Chinese Medicinal practices.
Thai massage benefits include
- It releases muscle tension and provides comfort to sore muscles.
- Thai massage releases endorphins in the body that makes us happy and we feel more relaxed.
- As Thai massage involves acupuncture techniques. So the right pressure on points, helps positive energy to flow throughout the body. It improves our chi.
- The stretching techniques in Thai massage help in improving flexibility and range of muscle movements.
- Thai massage increases blood circulation in the body. We feel rejuvenated after the massage.
- It also improves conditions like aches and pain. Though Thai massage is not a medical treatment but its effectiveness is undeniable.
- A good Thai massage session also improves our emotional condition. We feel calm, relaxed, rejuvenated, and more focused.
- As Thai massage stimulates nerves, it benefits our skin by making it luminous and glowing.
Overall, Thai massage can be a very relaxing and refreshing experience. If you are going for a Thai massage, prepare well. Following proper Thai massage etiquette will boost its effectiveness 10x.
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