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Thai massage is an ancient healing system combining acupressure, Indian Ayurveda principles and assisted yoga postures. In the recent years, health tourism has been on a rise, mostly in the Asian countries where tourists enjoy and practice various health techniques of the body such as “healing arts”, Tai Chi, Zen meditation and Yoga.
Why Thailand for massage?
Thai massage therapy has become an attraction for the tourists in Thailand as it directs them towards a ‘spiritual’ practice which is based on the Buddhist philosophy. Thailand is now mainly recognized as the health tourism site which simultaneously helps in the country’s development. Thai massage therapy is practiced in different cities of Thailand and has various benefits for an individual.
Benefits of Thai massage
The masseuse or the masseur uses gentle pressure on the energy lines of the body and yoga like stretches to relax the whole body on a deeper level. Tourists tend to enjoy Thai massages due to the atmosphere spas create in Thailand for their customers. They cater people with luxury and indulgence in a beautiful and relaxing environment helping them deal with stress and other issues such as stiffness and pain in the body.
The slow movement allows the mind and spirit to slow down and realize a true form of relaxation helping the individual level out blood pressure, reduce heart problems, increase energy levels and also enhance the circulation system of the body. Other than the massage, the atmosphere that is created further helps the customers relax more. The delicate scents of the candles or flowers present in the room soothe the atmosphere.
Moreover, Thai massages also strengthen the immune system as it is one of the most integral parts of the body. Thai massages can help to prevent the body from illness also helping in lowering the cholesterol level in the body. Other than the physical benefits, Thai massages also help improve emotional balance in life, helps concentration and creativity; calms and clears mind and also helps get mental clarity. Since the body relaxes after massage, the mind automatically tends to relax as the circulation system improves. Massages not only are related to the body, but they have a major impact on the mind and the soul at the same time.
Types of massage in Thailand
Different spas in Thailand are present in different areas where methods and the environment vary. Some spas may use high quality massage chairs to relax their customers while some may use a more traditional approach. However, since Thai massage is mainly associated with the spiritual side based on the Buddhist philosophy, a traditional approach is preferred most.
The development of the spa industry in Thailand has influenced tourism acculturation of Thai massage. There is a big demand for spas among the tourists who visit Thailand and some only go for the massages themselves. Thai massages have received a great importance and popularity around the world. Since they provide physical, mental and emotional healing altogether, it has become a sort of addiction that makes people return for it over and over again.
About the author: Sara is a psychologist by profession and she loves massage therapies. She enjoys home-based work and travelling. She is obsessed with massage chair therapies and other relaxing techniques. She regularly posts at https://mymassagechairs.com/.
Photo by Merlin Phuket on Flickr
