What is Thai massage and how is it done on the couch?
If you go for a massage for a very long time, you may inadvertently think that you will not be surprised by anything. Involuntarily you catch yourself thinking that you were here and tried, wondering if there will be something interesting this time. And here is another week, a new story.
When I first tried Thai massage at the Natalia Bezvulyak Massage Studio, I promised that I would definitely come back to it (and wrote a separate article) – I really liked it. But I did not think that I would return so soon and even for an updated massage. The novelty was that this time the massage was performed on a massage table, and if you feel quite comfortable, spacious and free on the tatami, the very idea that such a massage can be performed on a couch, seems a bit unbelievable (at least to me, inexperienced as shows practice to the visitor).
What are the difficulties and why I could not imagine it, you can understand from the previous article on Thai yoga massage. The key word here is “yoga”, because massage involves the active interaction of the master with the client and the special activity of the client, who has to stretch the muscles well during the session, and therefore – to work. As a reminder, I will highlight the main features of Thai massage:
Unlike many other types of massage, this one is performed in clothing – a free form that does not restrict movement and allows you to freely manipulate your own body.
Thai massage – is aimed at stretching or stretching the body, it is performed in such a way that gradually warms up all areas and stretches as much as possible in different ways.
The effectiveness and impression of the massage depends on how flexible you are at the time of the procedure. The better your physical shape, the more manipulations the master will be able to perform and the more noticeable the effect will be.
The technique of massage also depends on the client’s capabilities – from simple to complex, and there are several varieties, so you can gradually increase the load.
Thai massage should be performed as often as possible. Every day you need to spend some time for stretching and from time to time you can fix the results with a massage.
Indications for Thai massage:
- Regular exercise and the need to relax.
- Muscle strain after active physical activity.
- The need for outside help in improving their own skills and abilities.
- Sedentary lifestyle, weak stretching.
Contraindication:
- Hernia.
- Inflammatory processes in the body.
- Severe diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
Indications, features and contraindications, as well as the positive effects of such a massage are common to both table and tatami massages. However, these two techniques have many differences both technically and sensationally:
The technique of massage is changing, because the master is in a different position. New elements are added, some on the contrary are removed, and despite the fact that you may not be at the Thai massage for the first time, the feeling will still be fresh, because it is impossible to prepare for new elements in advance.
With the new techniques and the fact that the body is higher than on the tatami, it is possible to better work those areas that usually remain on the periphery. In particular, work is very active on the lumbar region, which in other circumstances is very difficult to stir and force to work.
When the body is in the highest position, it is more convenient for the master to manipulate it.
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It feels like this massage resembles a yoga class, during which you have to try hard to make it work. What is difficult: during the massage it was difficult for me to equalize my breathing and breathe properly – calmly, deeply, rhythmically. This was partly due to the fact that the new massage causes a lot of interest, questions, and therefore – stimulates the brain, the release of hormones, in this state it is difficult not to think about anything and just breathe. Partially distracted by the massage table, which you need to get used to for the first 5-10 minutes, because it is very difficult to imagine a dynamic massage on the couch. And this despite the fact that breathing during the massage is extremely important, it can be said that the main work of the client during the session, although sometimes it is very difficult to perform.
In addition, this massage is an active work of the muscles, and if the body is not accustomed to stretching, it is difficult to follow all the instructions correctly. I would like to emphasize that any muscle contraction is a nerve impulse that is transmitted from the brain, and it is important to have the right mood and attitude to productive work. Having already visited two sessions of Thai massage, I, of course, want a third, it will suit any of the previous techniques. At first I thought that for some time I would form my favorite types / techniques, but I would not react to others. After two different Thai massage sessions, I can say that it is good that there is no need to choose.