What is Thai traditional massage?
Thai traditional medicine
Thai traditional massage is one of the traditional Thai medical practices that has been passed down for approximately 2,500 years.
There are various theories, but it is believed to have been widely spread along with Buddhism, and its effectiveness is still recognized by the Thai Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health. Thai traditional massage is sometimes used in hospital treatments.
Reference: UNESCO Thai Massage Introduction Video
Furthermore, this technique involves simultaneously applying acupressure, stretching, myofascial release, and osteopathic techniques to multiple areas, resulting in a synergistic effect that relaxes the entire body, regulates the autonomic nervous system, and provides a highly relaxing and safe treatment method.
At the 14th Intergovernmental Committee on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Colombia in December 2019, Thai traditional massage was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list .
It was highly praised as "traditional medicine that combines art, science, and culture."
Differences in massage styles
Thai traditional massage has been passed down for approximately 2,500 years, but there are different styles of massage techniques.
[Royal Style]
The massage style performed on the king did not allow for viewing his face, nor could it involve stretching him by having him lie face down or pulling his arms and legs. The main style was gentle acupressure while he was lying on his back.
[Bangkok Style]
This style is said to have originated at Wat Pho, a temple in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, and is also known as the "Wat Pho style." It is similar to the Royal style and is a treatment method that mainly involves gentle acupressure.
[Chiang Mai Style]
This treatment method is widely practiced in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, and incorporates more stretching techniques compared to the Bangkok style.
[Runner Style]
In the north, there was once the Lanna Kingdom, which had Chiang Mai as its capital until it came under the rule of Burma (Myanmar).
Even today, the traditional culture of Chiang Mai is referred to as "Lanna style."
In massage, we also refer to our unique treatment method, which combines acupressure with pleasant movements, as the "runner style."
At our school, you can learn a comfortable massage technique that blends Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Lanna styles.
Yoga for two
Thai massage is sometimes called "yoga for two."
As can be seen from the beauty of the treatment, the practitioner also performs the treatment in a posture that stretches their own body.
This is a wonderful technique that allows both the person receiving the massage and the person giving it to become healthier together.
This is a unique characteristic of Thai traditional massage that is not found in other types of massage.
The most relaxing massage in the world
Thai massage is sometimes called "the most relaxing massage in the world."
This is due to their treatment method; instead of simply massaging the muscles in painful areas, they provide a comfortable treatment for the entire body.
Furthermore, by simultaneously applying acupressure, stretching, myofascial release, and osteopathic techniques to multiple areas, a synergistic effect is achieved, loosening the entire body, regulating the autonomic nervous system, and significantly enhancing relaxation.
This technique, too, is a unique characteristic of Thai traditional massage that is not found in other massages.
Less likely to cause muscle soreness after massage.
Thai traditional massage is said to be less likely to cause muscle soreness afterward.
This is because, instead of focusing intensely on stiff muscles for a short time, the entire body is slowly and gradually adjusted through pressure and stretching.
Massaging the same spot too hard for a short period of time can damage muscle fibers and cause pain.
This is the same condition as an injury, so you will experience pain after the treatment. This is called "rebound pain" or "muscle soreness."
The fact that Thai massage is both safe and highly effective is another characteristic of this type of massage.
What are the effects of massage?
Promotes blood and lymph flow
Blood and lymphatic circulation are extremely important for maintaining good physical health.
In particular, it is said that it takes about 12 hours for lymph to flow throughout the body and return to the heart.
I've often heard the theory that "lymph doesn't flow on its own like blood," but recent research has shown that the walls of large lymphatic vessels called collecting lymphatic vessels have smooth muscle and are capable of spontaneous contraction.
However, unlike the heart, it lacks a powerful pumping function, and its ability to push fluids out on its own is weak, so the flow tends to stagnate, which is said to be a common cause of swelling. This is called "lymphedema."
Lymphatic fluid can only flow through narrow lymphatic vessels due to external forces such as respiratory movements, arterial pulsations, contractions of muscles adjacent to the lymphatic vessels, and suction caused by the spontaneous contraction of collecting lymphatic vessels.
Thai massage involves applying pressure and stretching to the entire body, which helps to restore stiff and immobile muscles to their original state and promotes lymphatic and blood flow.
Improved blood and lymphatic circulation ensures that nutrients reach every part of the body, boosting natural healing abilities and immunity.
References: "New Lymphology" by Seiji Kato
Regulation of the autonomic nervous system
The relaxing massage techniques, a characteristic of Thai traditional massage, stimulate the secretion of oxytocin, also known as the "happiness hormone," which induces a semi-conscious, semi-sleeping state accompanied by alpha waves, and promotes the dominance of the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a deep state of relaxation.
When the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, muscle contractions throughout the body are relieved, which can lead to an improvement in insomnia.
Correcting body misalignment
Recently, there has been an increase in cases where prolonged computer work or excessive smartphone use leads to poor posture, causing muscle contractions and resulting in various physical ailments.
When stiff, rigid muscles pull on the skeleton, it can cause distortions in the body.
A typical example is a hunched back, but other cases include having one shoulder lower than the other, or having a protruding belly despite not being obese.
Thai massage incorporates techniques from yoga and chiropractic , working to relax muscles and return the body to its correct position.
Furthermore, fatigue of internal organs can sometimes lead to physical imbalances.
When the liver becomes fatigued due to stress or other factors, the right shoulder may drop and the right hip may rise. This is because the fatigued liver tenses up, pulling on the surrounding muscles, causing the body to become distorted as if being pulled towards the liver.
Thai massage is a soothing and relaxing treatment that induces alpha waves and a deep state of relaxation, making it highly effective in reducing stress.
"Sen" means
The pathway through which life energy flows
Reference: UNESCO Thai Massage Introduction Video
In Thai traditional massage, what is considered extremely important is something called "Sen".
Sen are lines through which life energy flows, and it is believed that there are 10 main lines of these Sen in the body.
Furthermore, it is believed that six of the ten main lines of this sen are located on the feet.
Therefore, authentic Thai massage, which places great importance on the "Sen" energy, begins by working on the feet, which are considered crucial.
Sen are very similar to the "acupoints" and "meridians" of Oriental medicine, which are recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization). Although it is not possible to see whether energy is flowing through them, stimulating Sen can produce various effects.
解剖学的な「 セン 」
"Sen," which is considered important in Thai traditional massage, is an abstract concept and very difficult to understand.
However, when we look at the areas called "sen" anatomically, we find that they are very often located between bones and muscles, between muscles, or in areas where arteries, veins, and lymph nodes are concentrated.
This treatment doesn't involve directly crushing muscles with fingers; instead, it works by releasing adhesions between muscles and bones, or between muscles themselves, improving lymphatic function, and promoting blood flow by targeting arteries and veins.
This also explains why Thai massage is considered safe and less likely to cause muscle soreness afterward, as it uses techniques that do not damage muscle fibers.
The seemingly abstract phrase, "the energy of life flows smoothly," can be interpreted as promoting blood and lymphatic circulation, relieving muscle tension, correcting bodily imbalances, and alleviating discomfort by consciously stimulating these "Sen" points.
Furthermore, the relaxing and soothing treatment of Thai massage puts you in a semi-conscious, semi-asleep state, which stimulates the secretion of a substance called "oxytocin" (also known as the "happiness hormone") and regulates the autonomic nervous system.