Experiencing a massage that utilises 2,000-year-old techniques is enjoying the result of a tradition that has worked wonders on people’s bodies.
A traditional Thai massage is an experience aimed at allowing the body to achieve harmony, ease aches and pains, stretch the body and provide wellbeing. It is surprisingly different from any western type of massage and that adds to the allure of the treatment.
Lasting a good 90 minutes, the treatment touches upon all of the body, and knowing a bit about its history helps one understand just how and why it was created.
Meeting Thai massage therapist Artita at the Grand Hotel Excelsior’s Le Grand Spa provides first-hand information about it all. She trained at one of the leading schools in her country – the Chetawa Medical Massage School in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
“It is believed that the traditional Thai massage could be as old as 2,500 years, since it is owed to the inventiveness of Bhivogamaraphajj, considered the father doctor of this massage,” she says
From a regal treatment, it became known throughout Thai civilisation down to becoming a treatment practically everbody learnt how to perform hands on. Family members taught it to each other as it was excellent relief for farmers’ aches and pains. Somebody from the family could relieve the pain by a simple movement. Moreover, no expensive oils are required – only clean, bare hands.
The massage works on the 10 sense lines running through the body. Once one of the sense lines develops a problem, the body starts fighting against the problem, creating further malaise.
Stretching movements are excellent for the relief of back pain especially, but also for eliciting relaxation and loosening sore and tense muscles.
It is safe to use on most people but there are specific methods for infants, young children and the elderly. It is avoided on pregnant women and people suffering from certain medical conditions.
“If someone wants to try out this type of massage, it is important to be open and frank with the therapist to allow her to go as gentle as is required.
The feeling of wellbeing provided by this massage is enhanced by dimmed lights, soothing music and sound of water.
However, those who expect to just lie down and enjoy it, possibly also dozing away, will soon realise that the therapist will require cooperation and flexibility.
The stretching movements are coupled by deep tissue treatments and other movements. The treatment is administered on a normal mattress laid out on the floor.
The client is propped up when required by normal pillows and the therapist sits and squats next to the client according to the treatment movement.
Lying face up, face down or on either side, one is allowed to relax and flex muscles according to the therapist’s motions.
One minute she is manipulating a foot muscle, the next she is stretching the whole leg.
Thai massage is all about getting you back in shape as soon as possible. The aim is to resuscitate you and your body. And it happensinstantly.
Be prepared to need to visit the restroom immediately after the therapy, and to require at least one full glass of water or tea after that to flush the system once again.
After that, a calm afternoon, and next morning you’re as good as new.