Have you heard the negativity associated with massage parlours?  Many times often enough, massage parlours have a negative connotation.  Sometimes they are referred to as the practice of massage therapy by women whom typically do not possess a state license to practice massage therapy and they engage in erotic behaviors.  This is very unfortunate for the massage therapy community not only to the therapists who practice legally, but it gives the art of this Chinese medicine a negative connotation that all massage clinics are erotic in nature.  Massage therapists must attend a school licensed by a state or national licensing agency to become a certified massage therapist in order to practice in the United States.  These programs are typically about one year in length and are anywhere from 500-1000 hours in duration.  They study classes such as human anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, pathology, hydrotherapy, orthopedic testing, range of motion evaluation, and clinical application of applied skills and techniques.  There are also alternative techniques to learn such as Thai massage, Shiatsu, Cranial-Sacral technique, Rain-drop technique, hot stone massage, and many more. 

Safety of the Public

Massage clinics may be located anywhere and it’s important to notice where they are located, how long they’ve been in business, are the therapists licensed in the state, are they nationally certified by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (N.C.B.T.M.B.), and how many clients attend the clinic.  Taking all these factors into consideration will help determine whether or not it’s a safe and ethical place to receive a massage therapy session.  Most massage clinics can be found in spas, hospitals, physical therapy and wellness centers, chiropractic offices, and acupuncture offices.  The public always has the option of looking up a therapist or any other professional license for that matter on government agency sites such as the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or www.idfpr.com. 

A Thai massage is very different from a traditional massage.  A Thai massage is very similar to participating in a session of Pilates or yoga at the gym.  The Thai massage is typically done on the floor because there is a lot of stretching involved.  Typically the massage therapist will start with stretching your arms, hands and legs.   Normally you will come in fully clothed as you will be stretching in different positions on the floor.  

Wear comfortable clothing

It’s important to wear clothing that will be comfortable and stretchy.  The Thai massage doesn’t include lotions or oils as the massage therapist will actually use her legs and arms to help stretch and massage your entire body.  If you are looking for a more relaxing experience, the Thai massage is not for you.  It’s similar to a sports massage in that you are stretching and stimulating the blood circulation. 

Benefits

The benefits of receiving a Thai massage are truly endless.  A Thai massage can help with your blood flow and increase your overall range of motion, as it is similar to stretching before an exercise.  A Thai massage will also assist in increasing your energy and relieving stress, anxiety or depression-like symptoms. 

Finding a Thai Massage isn’t easy

Thai massage isn’t offered everywhere.  Most spas and Chiropractic offices don’t offer this type of massage, as it isn’t as popular or relaxing as the Swedish or therapeutic massages.  It takes very special hands-on training for someone to learn how to give a Thai massage.  In most cases students will have to go through a specialized program through a school that may offer additional training in Chinese or Thai massage.

The Truth about Thailand Massage Parlours

but now they are be located in almost any neighborhood or city.  Most salons are small but clean and managed with a staff of 5-10 females.  Massages are given in one common large room and last about 2 hours.  Customers will pay about 300 baht, equivalent to 10 U.S dollars, and are expected to leave a 50-100 baht tip, equivalent to 2-4 U.S dollars.  Client demographics consist of Westerners and Asian people that live outside of Thailand.  You will rarely see the people of Thailand use the massage services.  This is especially true for females, as they typically have no interest in receiving the massage service.  Thai traditional massage is a lot different than the massage you would receive in western countries.  It can actually be painful if you have never received treatment before, as it is based on pressure points and there is a lot of stretching that’s entailed in a session.  After several sessions, your tendons will get used to it and it will be less painful.        

Education

Many women will tell their clients that they have learned their profession at Wat Pho, a center that teaches the skill of Thai massage, but it is unlikely.  There is actually a way to tell if the woman has a proper education or not.  The beginning of the massage will start at the legs and the masseuse will pressure your femoral arteries on both legs for about 30 seconds. If this is done correctly, you will feel your arteries begin to pump faster against the woman’s wrist.  If this doesn’t occur, it means they cannot find the correct location and they are just applying pressure all over the body.  Proper training and education is not regulated in Thailand like it is in the United States. 

 T

A massage in Shanghai is focused around two primary teachings in China.  You have a choice of either receiving a traditional Chinese massage or a Thai massage. 

Chinese Massage

A Chinese massage is focused around the pressure points in the body.  The Chinese believe that the pressure points are essential in releasing the toxins and increasing the energy flows within the entire body.  The massage is focused around stimulating the muscles and use pulling and rubbing motions to increase the flow to the meridians within the body.  The Chinese massage process can seem somewhat abrasive as it’s not a relaxing massage such as Swedish American massage.  This massage is solely there to release any of the toxins while increasing the energy flows. It’s also an option for the patient to receive acupuncture right after the massage.  Traditionally, they will use acupuncture but you can request that this is not to be used. 

Thai Massage

The Thai massage on the other hand is a little more calming and relaxing the client, they actually use stretching techniques to help alleviate the tension before they begin to massage the client.  They also use their knees as well as their arms and legs to massage the client.  This allows the massage therapist to put larger amounts of pressure to the areas where the client may need some extra assistance.  The Thai massage is not done on a massage table, as this won’t allow the massage therapist to use their knees and legs to help stretch and massage your back and neck.  You will lie flat on a floor mat similar to an exercise mat, you are also asked to bring comfortable clothing like the clothing you would wear during a yoga session.  You can request the massage to be completed within an hour or even two hours.  The pricing will vary at each location but you can generally get a good massage within an hour time frame.  If you are looking for complete relaxation, two hours will definitely allow you to totally relax.  This is not recommended for pregnant women or people with serious underlying conditions.  It’s important to always consult with your doctor before starting any massage regiment.

Thai massages are more energizing and thorough than any other types of classic massages.  Therapists will use his or her hands, knees, feet, and legs to perform yoga-like movements on their clients.  Since Thai massage is similar to yoga movements, it is also referred to as Thai Yoga Massage.  Clients will experience muscle compressions and joint mobilization during treatment.  The movements in Thai massage are so similar to yoga that many people say a session is like doing yoga without having to do the work.   

 Typical Session

During a session, the client remains fully clothed and there are no oils used.  There is a padded mat on the floor and clients are asked to wear comfortable clothes.  Sessions last about 60 minutes.  Many clients say that Thai massage has helped them relax, decrease stress, improve circulation, increase energy, improve flexibility, and increase range of motion.  Massage therapists suggest that clients do not eat a heavy meal before  a session because of the activity.  It is important that individuals inform their therapists about their complete medical history because people with certain conditions should not participate in Thai massage.  If there is any discomfort during a session, the client should always let their practitioner know.   

If you have always wanted to take a yoga class or purchase a yoga home DVD but you never seem to have the energy after a long day, then finding yourself a therapist that performs Thai massage would be perfect for you. Known also as Thai yoga massage, this form of massage is an ancient ayurvedic healing technique similar to shiatsu where the therapist will apply gentle pressure on various acupressure points on the body while also including stretching and compression with some deep tissue work.

What to expect

Thai massage is a very passive therapy for the client. The therapist essentially gives a client a session of massage and yoga work with the client doing nothing more than relaxing. The work is generally done on a padded mat on the floor with the client fully dressed; no oils or lotions are used. The sessions last from one to two hours with the whole body being worked on. The therapist will use their hands, feet, legs and knees to put the client into different yoga postures. The various positions will help to mobilize the specific joints. During these postures, the therapist will also use acupressure and compression of different muscles. Thai massage delivers many of the same benefits as yoga. It is a relaxing therapy that decreases stress while increasing flexibility. There are no negative side effects of Thai massage but like all forms of massage, it is recommended that if a client has any health issues or concerns, they receive a written approval from their physician prior to scheduling a session.

References Cited in this Article

www.altmedicine.about.com

www.thaimassagetherapy.com

Thai Massage originated in India supposedly by the great, legendary, Buddha’s physician.  Eventually the massage technique spread to Thailand where it blended with Traditional Chinese Medical philosophy.  In Thai Massage, the Massage Therapist puts the patient into a variety of poses similar to yoga that can often be intense, yet therapeutic and relaxing.  In addition to massage, Thai Massage incorporates the use of Acupressure as well as the movement of bodily joints through appropriate range of motion.  Massage Therapists that employ Thai Massage must be well coordinated and flexible as all body parts are used to accomplish various Thai Massage poses. 

What to expect

A typical Thai Massage appointment lasts about 1 hour.  As opposed to traditional Swedish Massage performed on a table, Thai Massage usually involves the patient sitting on a soft mat.  In Thai Massage, patients do not take off clothes; however, patients are asked to wear clothing that allows bending and stretching movements.  While a conventional visit to a Massage Therapist will most likely involve the application of Massage oil, Thai Massage Therapists do not use oil.  Common benefits of Thai Massage include increased flexibility, energy, and relaxation.  After receiving a Thai Massage, importance lies in adequate hydration.  For a less conventional massage, make an appointment for a Thai Massage.[1]