Daniel Thompson
November 16, 2021
Have you been thinking about getting a Thai massage, but you aren’t quite sure how often you should go? And perhaps you would like to know of any potential risks that come with the world-famous Thai massage as well? In this article, we’re going to talk you through everything you need to know, including recommended frequency, benefits, potential risks, and of course, why Thai massage is so sought-after.
How often should you get a Thai massage?
A common question is: “how often should you get a Thai massage?” This is an important question, as with any form of massage, you don’t want to overdo it. Here’s what you should know:
- The frequency at which you should get a Thai massage depends on your individual circumstances and condition.
- For example, if you have acute conditions, then one to three treatments are recommended.
- However, for chronic conditions, you can look at getting treatments at least once a week, or once every fortnight.
- As for maintenance and general health and illness prevention, you can get regular monthly treatments to aid you with this.
- Some people like to get a Thai massage every two, four, and six weeks for both therapy and relaxation.
Can a Thai massage do damage?
When it comes to Thai massage, it is important to know that just with any other massage therapy, there are a few risks involved. For example, Thai massage may cause changes in your heart rate which is something to be mindful of if you do have existing heart issues. In addition to that, there is the risk of damage and injury to your bones and muscles from an excessively rough Thai massage.
All that being said, for most people, a Thai massage is not only harmless but can bring a lot of amazing benefits. Naturally, you should be certain to seek a Thai massage from licensed practitioners only, to be on the safe side.
Why is Thai massage famous?
So, why is the Thai massage famous? Well, for one thing, it is because Thai massage varies differently in terms of practice, from most standard and traditional massage types.
For example, traditional massage therapies require that you lie down on a massage table, whereas Thai massage is typically carried out on the floor, or a raised matt surface. In addition to that, the Thai massage involves a lot of stretches and yoga-like poses and tends to require some involvement on the recipient’s part as the therapist moves their body into a variety of different shapes.
Another reason why it is so famous is because of how beneficial the Thai massage can be. People who have suffered from a wide variety of ailments have been said to have benefited greatly from their Thai massage. But before we get into Thai massage and its many benefits, let’s look at the history of Thai massage first.
A brief history of the Thai massage
What makes the Thai massage so attractive and mysterious is the fact that much of the history surrounding the Thai massage is exactly that: a mystery. Many records have been lost or destroyed over time, and it is possible that the tradition of the Thai massage was primarily passed down from practitioner to practitioner orally, for centuries.
One thing that most historians agree on, however, is that Thai massage began at least 2,500 years ago. This was attributed to an Indian Doctor and medicine man by the name of Shivago Komparpaj (aka Jivaka Buccha Komar). This Doctor is also known throughout much of Asia as the “Father Doctor”.
It is believed that Shivago was a colleague and friend of the Buddha. He was able to help spread traditional medicinal practices throughout Southern and South-East Asia. Over the years, with much foreign influence, the Thai massage began to develop as a popular and holistic health tradition implementing yoga, Ayurveda, and some elements of Chinese medicine as well.
One could argue that it is a bastardised form of massage that has been perfected over several millennia to become the medicinal marvel that it is today.
Benefits of Thai massage
What are the benefits of having a Thai massage?
- Increase range of motion: Due to the fact that Thai massage combines compression, passive stretching, and acupressure, these can help to increase the overall range of motion in your joints and muscles (including improved posture).
- Aids back pain: Thai massage can be used to focus on areas that contribute to back pain, such as the abdomen and inner thigh. Naturally, those with constant back pain should consult a doctor prior to seeking out massage, just in case.
- Reduces headaches and intensity: Those who suffer from chronic headaches and migraines can experience significant relief through regular Thai massage.
- Stress relief: Thai massage is linked to stress reduction, especially when combined with regular rest and mindfulness.
- Helpful in stroke patients: Stroke patients who get regular Thai massage tend to do better with daily activities. It can also help to lower pain levels as well.
- Better sleep: People who have regular Thai massage sessions have reported sleeping much better.
- Relaxation: The process itself is incredibly relaxing and can carry on well into your week.
- Improved digestion: Thai massage helps with circulation and can even help with digestion.
- Mindfulness: Thai massage can also help you with your state of mind, promote positivity, and have a calmer state of mind.
Conclusion
All in all, Thai massage is famous the world over for good reason: because it comes with so many benefits. At the very least, if you would like to benefit from Thai massage, you should look to a frequency of at least once a month, with fortnightly treatments showing great promise.
We hope that you have found this article helpful and wish you the best of luck on your journey into the millennia-old therapy that is the Thai massage.
