Walk into a spa in the U.S. and a look at the massage menu will likely be one of the more common ways that Americans are exposed to Thai culture, in the form of Thai massage. (Other ways include a Thai restaurant and electronic items that are stamped with “Made in Thailand.”)
Massage is a significant part of the culture here. Maybe it’s because generally people sit cross-legged on the ground, sleep on a bamboo mat on the ground and if they do leave their village, its for long trips. But what is Thai massage like and where did it come from?
Thai massage differs from a lot of other massage styles in that the receiver doesn’t really just lay there and have someone rub their muscles. Thai massage is pretty active and is more stretching and activating pressure points rather than rubbing.
History of Thai Massage
The practice comes out of Buddhism and is said to have been originated by Shivago Komarpaj, the Buddha’s personal physician. Though in actuality, the practice has influences from various countries and practices in the region.
The modern center of traditional Thai massage is at Wat Pho in Bangkok, home of the famed giant reclining Buddha. The wat is largely considered the first university in Thailand because of the educational murals and sculptures, and in 1955 the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medicine and Massage School became the first of its kind to be approved by the Thai Ministry of Education. Now, there are various accredited schools throughout the country and in about a month at most places you can secure your own certificate.
What to Expect During a Thai Massage
If you are feeling tight and tense, I would definitely recommend getting a Thai massage to help loosen up. Thai massage is traditionally done with the recipient fully clothed and some places will provide you with a loose fitting shirt and pants to change into. If you are asked to undress, you are likely in a place that does not give the kind of massage that you are looking for.
Most massages will last for at least an hour and a half, but some can be up to two or three hours. You’ll begin by laying on a mattress on the floor and the practitioner will work along the lines of the body that are believed to be where the flow of energy happens and are called sen.
The massage starts with your feet and moves up the legs to the arms and body. At some point you will flip over or lay on your sides for the practitioner to stretch certain muscle groups. Eventually, you will be asked to sit up and the practitioner will continue to manipulate you into poses that are meant to stretch you out. Finally, the massage will end with work on your head or face.
Thai Massage Techniques
Techniques that are a part of Thai massage, which may be unfamiliar to people who are used to Western style massages. First, most time is spent on working on the legs. While most Westerners desire more time to spent focusing on their back and spine, the legs affect the alignment of the spine and subsequently the back muscles.
Also, there is a technique that is referred to as “Opening the Wind Gate” which is when the practitioner will find an artery and press, stopping the blood flow for a short amount of time, which can help the circulation to reach deeper areas that may usually have poor circulation. Generally, Thai massage is focused on balancing and opening up the energy flow of the body, which are not necessarily the focuses of Western style massage.
Where to Get a Massage in Thailand
Places that I would recommend getting a massage at in Thailand include Wat Pho is Bangkok, the Vocational Training Center at the Chiang Mai Women’s Prison and also in Chiang Mai, Association Massage Chiang Mai of the Blind. The latter two help to bring vocational and job skills to populations that otherwise do not have access them and help to rehabilitate or empower for employment.