Traditional Thai massage is an ancient healing practice that requires a touch more active participation than other types of massage.
One popular aspect of Thai massage therapy is the sense of relaxation and calm it brings. Even though it is more energetic than some other forms of massage therapy, Thai massage has been shown to lower anxiety and stress.
Using gentle pressure, manipulation and stretching techniques to relax the body, Thai massage relieves emotional and physical tension which is stored in the body.
Traditional Thai massage may help ease the symptoms of migraine or tension headaches according to several small studies. Researchers found that Thai massage reduced the intensity of pain associated with both migraine and chronic tension headaches.
Thai massage has also reported to be an effective, non-pharmaceutical way of reducing the discomfort associated with lower back pain.
Thai massage has been shown to improve joint function for people who experience stiffness pain when moving. In one study, researchers used a programme of Thai massage combined with wand exercises to study the effects on people suffering pain from knee arthritis. The study found that after the eight week program the participants walked with greater ease and experienced less pain.