Thai massage originated in Thailand over 1,000 years ago and is a very popular form of massage in the Western world. Based on Ayurvedic medicine and yoga, this art form has been handed down through an unbroken chain of masters for centuries. Thai massage is becoming increasingly popular in the Western world, and is one of the fastest growing massage types in the United States.
The main difference to this type of therapy is no oil is used and the therapist uses a mattress on the floor instead of a typical table and the client remains completely clothed throughout the session. It is so different than what most people in the West expect, many people describe this type of therapy to have yoga performed on you.
Some people call this therapy yoga in action since it employs many sequences of stretches by having pressure applied with the thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, and feet.
Before the therapy begins, the therapist typically interviews the client to find out any specific conditions the client and discussing their pain tolerance before beginning the massage. Once the massage begins, the massage takes on a rhythm and only stops if the pain is too much from too much pressure or too light if not enough pressure is applied.
Thai therapy usually begins with the extremities starting from the feet and legs and then moving to the hands and arms. From there, the abdomen is massaged with yoga stretches and the back is massaged for relaxation. Finally, the head, neck, and face are massaged to complete the treatment.
