Visions of pointy elbows and knees poking into one's body are usually the typical image of "traditional Thai massage". While this type of massage does use those sharp-angled body parts, fans will be quick to point out that the massage itself is actually very pleasurable and healthy. Traditional Thai massage improves blood circulation, relaxes muscles, increases alertness and flushes out toxins from the body.
Newcomers to traditional Thai massage might be intimidated by what may seem as brutal body-pounding torture, but there are actually ways to train oneself to enjoy and get used to it. Be careful, though, because it can be addictive!
It's All In The Name
What newcomers must understand first is that in Thailand, there are two different types of "Thai Massage". Those who are after the wholesome, traditional Thai massage should make sure that the massage shop does provide "Traditional Thai Massage". In other words, the word "traditional" must be present on the menu. Plain "Thai Massage" (without the word "traditional") is another, more questionable kind of massage, which Thailand is also famous for, as it involves scantily-dressed ladies and highly suggestive words like "happy ending" and "special service". Definitely not the kind of massage that most lady (and even some male) customers are looking for.
Another way to check whether a massage shop sells "Traditional Thai Massage" or the raunchier "Thai Massage" is to survey the establishment's employees. If they are mostly older (30-40-50 year-olds), average-looking women, then the shop most likely offers "Traditional Thai Massage". On the other hand, if the shop is heaving with hot young things wearing short shorts, heavy makeup and sequins, it is safe to assume that this shop caters to a more "niche" kind of customers, the kind who often would prefer not be seen frequenting such an establishment.
Preparation To A Traditional Thai Massage
After one establishes the fact that a shop offers the traditional kind of Thai massage, a masseuse will ask the customer's feet to be washed. Some customers might feel uncomfortable with the idea of someone else washing their feet, but feet-washing is mandatory because the masseuse will actually massage the whole body, including the feet. Having a customer with sweaty or smelly feet would ensure that the massage experience would be less than nice for the masseuse as well as other customers who also have to breathe the same oxygen within the building.
The customer will also be asked to change into loose-fitting cotton pyjamas. Again, this is to ensure that the massage experience will be comfortable and pleasurable. The cotton pyjamas serve two kinds of purpose: one is to absorb sweat (because body temperature will most likely rise during a traditional Thai massage), and two is to keep customer's modesty, as the body will be bent and twisted into unimaginable positions which can cause some prudes to blush.
Customers should not expect any massage oils to be used for traditional Thai massage. There are two reasons for this: the first one is that the weather in Thailand is usually hot and humid, therefore it is not advisable to slather oil all over the body, unless one wants to develop body acne. The second reason is that traditional Thai massage needs strong grip and pressure to induce sweating, therefore any kinds of massage oil will actually hinder the masseuse's ability to achieve traction.
What To Do During the Traditional Thai Massage
Most traditional Thai masseuses have incredible grip strength, irregardless of their body size and muscle mass (so do not underestimate if a masseuse is slim and petite). A newbie might have to demonstrate the right massage pressure to the masseuse, but this is actually quite easy to achieve, based on the newbie's vocal agony level. A good, firm pressure might be manifested as a strong, noisy exhalation of the customer, while an excruciating, bone-crushing pounding will be clearly manifested as a whimper or an ear-piercing scream. Luckily, most experienced masseuses are extremely adept in adjusting their massage pressure based on their customers' vocal feedback.
To completely enjoy traditional Thai massage, a customer should completely relax all muscles and trust the masseuse's skill. It is not advisable to tense any muscles during a traditional Thai massage, as this will result in feeling ticklish (especially when the feet, legs or armpits are being massaged) or outright pain. Some might be shocked when the masseuse steps on their thighs or back while lying spread eagle on the mattress, but rest assured, this is actually the typical process of a traditional Thai massage (thus the need to wear the pyjamas mentioned above).
One useful point to remember is: exhale when pressure is applied, and inhale when pressure is released. This will also coordinate breathing with the massage rhythm and create a very soothing, pleasurable feeling for both masseuse and customer.
Is it not advisable to fall asleep during a traditional Thai massage, as an unconscious brain will fail to register the massage's pressure, thus negating its healthy benefits. The rule of thumb should be: if one is falling asleep during a Thai traditional Thai massage, it means the masseuse is not pounding, twisting, and kneading hard enough to maintain consciousness, improve blood circulation and promote sweating (in order to flush out toxins).
What to Feel After A Traditional Thai Massage
Customers will usually feel very alert after a traditional Thai massage, not groggy. The body and legs will feel light, and the shoulders are less tight and farther from the ears. It is safe to say that having regular traditional Thai massages will keep one healthy and happy in the long run.
When visiting Bangkok, a visit to the world-renowned Wat Po is highly recommended. Wat Po, which is both a temple and massage school, offers both traditional Thai massage service as well as classes for aspiring body-benders and pounders.
Frances Suselo - Frances Suselo began having trouble sleeping a year after she left journalism. Then she realized that she actually needs to dump her busy ...
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