For a Thai massage, the client usually lies on the floor while a licensed massage therapist slowly works their body through several stretches. The therapist may use their hands, knees, legs, or feet to help manipulate the person's body in different positions. Thai yoga massage is an integral part of Buddhism and has been extended to Thais and the rest of the world since the Thai Massage Renaissance Project in 1985. Unlike Swedish and deep tissue massages, Thai massages are performed on a mat. This type of massage is heavily influenced by Ayurvedic practices in India and traditional Chinese medicine.
The ultimate spa getaway for massages, reflexology, body scrubs and waxing can be found in the heart of downtown San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter. As treatment is provided through clothing and equipment, it is minimal and may be a good option if you want to hire a qualified mobile Thai massage therapist. Instead of using the Swedish masseuse's hands, fists, forearms and elbows, the Swedish masseuse's usual tools, the Thai masseuse can generally use their legs and feet during the massage. Thai massage is said to have been founded more than 2500 years ago by doctor Jivaka Komarabhacca, who was the personal physician of Magadha King Bimbisara in India.
There are some key differences between Thai massage techniques and the regular methods traditionally practiced by Western masseurs. During a Thai massage, you won't just be lying on your back or stomach like you would during a Swedish or deep tissue massage. Enough stretching is required during a typical Thai massage for it to be jokingly called Lazy Man's Yoga. In addition to providing relaxation and stress relief, Thai massages can also improve skin quality and muscle function, as well as contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
This type of massage combines the principles of acupressure by which the Sen is stimulated, which is said to balance the body's energy system. Some of the therapeutic principles used in Thai tradition are similar to those of Swedish or deep tissue massage, although other methods may be used to achieve them. During a Thai massage, the masseuse moves around and above the client to access a wider range of angles in each part of the body, even in cases where the client is much larger than the massage therapist. During most of these massages, clients wear loose-fitting clothing provided by the spa instead of going completely naked.
