All of us need a break from the hustle of our day-to-day lives, especially if we are living in the city. We may not always find time during the day to stretch and relax due to our busy schedules. However, we can learn how to give a massage and teach our partners.
Benefits of a Massage
Massage or myotherapy comes with multiple physical, mental, and even emotional benefits. Here’s how it can improve our quality of life:
- Improves blood circulation – A good circulatory system can do wonders for your body, and it helps your body carry out its processes smoothly.
- Stimulates the lymphatic system – Not only will this help your immune system by stimulating the production of immune or plasma cells, but it also helps in the removal of toxins in the body.
- Relaxes the body and mind while reducing stress – perhaps the most common reason why people go for massages after a hectic day is that it helps them relax and relieves them of the debilitating effects of stress.
- Increases mobility and flexibility – Working at an office all day doesn’t require much movement on your part. Meanwhile, a massage can stretch out your muscles as needed, making it really beneficial after a long day at work.
- Relieves muscle tension – Our muscles tend to freeze when exposed to limited movement and cold environments for extended periods of time. Having a massage allows our muscles to ease up, thereby allowing us to move comfortably.
How to Give a Massage
There are various forms of massage, and Thai massage is one of them. However, unlike most forms of massage, Thai massage is executed differently. As a giver of the massage, you need to have enough physical strength and stamina in order to perform well and avoid hurting the one you’re massaging. It’s an intimate type of activity as it is akin to dance if done right; on the flip side, it may feel like a wrestling match when done poorly.
A session may take from an hour and a half to two, so you will need pointers for the duration of the activity. Here are some you want to keep in mind:
- Observe good body alignment – In order to perform the required poses, you must align your body properly with the recipient and also continue observing proper posture.
- Communication is key – You must always ask for feedback from the recipient before proceeding. The process is very physical, and you can even hurt the recipient if you’re not careful.
- Breathe properly – You may also need to remind the recipient to observe proper deep breathing. A massage is like doing yoga – it will only work if you know how to breathe accordingly.
- Work together – Allow and also remind your recipient to relax and trust the process. It can be difficult and dangerous working with a recipient who goes against your movements. Try to achieve moving in sync.
If you’re wondering how to give a massage to someone, or if you’re planning to work as a masseuse, we have basic info on the four types of Thai massage to get you started.
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Thai Deep Tissue
The technique in doing a deep tissue massage is the use of knuckles and elbows. It is a bit invasive and is more recommended for people with dense tissue and thicker muscles like athletes and trainers. It’s one that’s best for treating strained and stiff trouble spots near the back, shoulder, and neck area.
Practitioners of this massage are more focused on encouraging blood flow to enhance the oxygenation of blood. It also aims to loosen tight muscle fibers.
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Thai Yoga Stretching
It is similar to yoga in many sorts, except that the recipient is more passive in the process. This is done through assisted poses that should be executed properly but are within the bounds of your recipient’s comfort level.
It is given through a series of poses that allow for flexibility and deep stretching. The focus will be on pressure points and energy lines, and the masseuse shall apply pressure with their hands, feet, knees, and legs throughout the process.
Oil is not used in this kind of massage, and the recipient is advised to remain fully clothed, wearing only lightweight and comfortable fabrics.
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Thai Sport Massage
Geared specifically towards people who are keen on athletics, sports, and even mixed martial arts training, this kind of massage requires a masseuse with great stamina and strength since he/she will most likely be dealing with dense muscles. Unlike deep tissue massage, this can be done before, during, and after sports activities in order to reduce the effects of an injury. It also aids in the healing of scar tissue. Learn more how to give a massage for sport reasons.
Practitioners of this massage should be keen on tracking results and improvements on the body. Another focus of the massage is making sure that the recipient retains proper posture, and this is done through active and passive posing and stretching in order to realign the muscle fibers.
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Traditional Thai Massage
The basic of all the Thai massages, this one is more versatile and recommended for those who are just getting into the Thai massage experience. Practitioners of this type of massage should be able to adjust the intensity and pressure to the abilities of the recipient, making it ideal for those who use massage as their form for physical therapy in aiding their recovery from circulatory problems.
Pressure is applied rhythmically and directly, alongside the stretching and yoga-like positioning, in order to promote the energy flow within the body. Many positions will be done during the course of the session, so always ask for feedback from the recipient and practice how to give a massage.
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Conclusion :
In conclusion, Thai massage is a very physically intimate but invigorating way of relieving your muscles from the tensions of your every work. Now that you learned how to give a massage, you will also have realized what to expect and how you should receive the massage, if ever you are to get one soon.
It is unlike its Swedish counterpart, but it truly helps in improving your health and your physical prowess, especially if you’re also planning to go active soon in your life. With that, we hope this helps you and we wish you a relaxing experience in the future.