What is considered a traditional massage in Thailand actually originated in India and uses several yoga positions in the course of the procedure. It also has some influence from traditional Chinese medicine. It has been practiced for thousands of years.

The Thai traditional massage combines the application of pressure on certain points of the body with rocking movements and deep stretches. Just like in traditional Chinese medicine, Thai traditional massage also focuses on energy lines and the balance of such energy. Dr. Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, or Shivago Komarpaj as he is known in Thailand, is supposedly the one who formulated the Thai traditional massage. This type of massage has a deeply spiritual basis and teachers as well as practitioners often pray before conducting a session. Though many of the latter day practitioners do not adhere that much to the spiritual foundation, they are mindful of its meditative nature. Still, those who practice the traditional Thai massage adhere to the enduring Buddhist concept of loving kindness, vicarious joy, compassion and equanimity otherwise known as The Four Divines States of Mind.

There are two styles which are being practiced – the southern and the northern styles. The faster and more intense southern type is the one mostly used in Bangkok while the northern one is gentler and commonly practiced in Chiang Mai.

Thai traditional massage is usually done on a mat on the floor and where the practitioner uses the palm, fingers, elbow and feet to apply pressure on various parts of the body. The receiver of the massage is usually fully-clothed and uses loose-fitting clothes.

This actually is like a lazy man’s yoga because the body is arranged by the practitioner into several yoga poses. It actually follows a certain pattern in which one position prepares the body for the next one enabling the continuous flow of energy. In a complete traditional Thai massage, the individual goes through the four basic positions with him lying supine, alternately lying on the side, prone and in a sitting position. This also entails deep and continuous pressure done until the connective tissues are relaxed and softened. A session usually takes one to two hours.

Traditional Thai massage can increase one’s flexibility and enables a wide variety of movements. It can promote deep relaxation and calmness and lessens the effects of stress. It improves posture through proper postural alignment. It enhances blood circulation and increases vitality. Muscle pains and spasms are managed. Recurring back problems and muscle tensions are alleviated. It also facilitates the flushing out of toxins thereby boosting the body’s immune system. For women, traditional Thai massage can ease the pain felt during the menstrual period.

It is not necessary anymore for a person to travel to Thailand just to experience the traditional Thai massage. The practice has reached other parts of the world and licensed practitioners who underwent training in the various schools for traditional Thai massage can now be found in many places such as hotels, spas or resorts which offer this service as part of their wellness program.

The most common type of massage used nowadays is the Swedish massage therapy, the primary result of which is to relax the body. It aims to increase the flow of oxygen in the blood resulting to enhanced blood circulation. This type was formulated by Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish doctor but it was Dutch practitioner Johan Georg Mezger who gave the French names to some of the strokes used in Swedish massage.

It employs five different strokes, usually in the direction to the heart. The long gliding strokes using the palm, thumb or fingertips are known as the effleurage while the firm kneading movement is called the petrissage. The tapotement or percussion is the rhythmic tapping or brisk hacking. Friction is created by applying pressure or compression. Vibration or movements which cause the body to shake and vibrate plus the bending and stretching round up the methods used in Swedish massage. Lotions or massage oils are used often used by the practitioner.

Increased blood circulation, lowered level of toxins in the muscles, relief of stress and enhanced muscular and joint flexibility are some of the benefits of Swedish massage. It also relieves the pain due to osteoarthritis. A sense of well-being is attained after a Swedish massage session.:)

Reflexology is also known as zone therapy. The feet and the hands are the focal point of this type of massage. It is believed that particular points in the feet correspond to certain parts of the body and that the application of pressure on the reflex points in the feet will have a healing effect on the body parts connected to it. The foot is said to be like a map which is used as a basis for the reflexologist in his treatment.

The origin of reflexology is not clear. It is no doubt an ancient healing practice and how it came about can be attributed to the Egyptians, the Chinese or the Indians. It is also possible that this practice was also existent in the Inca civilization that passed it on to the Native Americans and ultimately became widespread in the US.

In the early twentieth century, a book was published by Dr. William H. Fitzgerald and Dr. Edwin Bowers detailing the efficacy of the application of pressure on certain points of the feet in pain relief. There were other individuals who followed their footsteps and conducted their own research on reflexology.

The reflexology treatment session typically lasts between forty to forty five minutes followed by a fifteen minute hand reflexology. Some practitioners though take about an hour to finish depending on the receiver’s condition. The main tool used in reflexology is the hand. The finger is used to exert pressure on the foot starting from the toe area on to the heel. There are reflexologists who use simple equipments like a short wooden rod for the application of pressure.

When the pressure is applied and the part of the foot feels tender and causes discomfort, it is said that the body part connected to that area may have some problems. In some cases, the sensation felt is like a sharp pain. The tenderness may still be felt even after the session but will gradually stop. Those who have congested sinus might have a runny nose because of the treatment but it ceases shortly. Some may have more frequent bowel movements or urination. These are natural reactions during the initial stage of the reflexology therapy. During the session, the individual reclines on a seat with feet raised.

The initial reflexology sessions are done weekly for three to six weeks after which it can be done once a month depending on the prevailing conditions. The monthly sessions will be for the maintenance of good health and the prevention of the emergence of some medical conditions.

Adverse side effects are not very common though there are some people who are asked to refrain from undergoing such treatments. Diabetics and pregnant women should exercise extreme caution in having reflexology done on them because it might cause some complications.

Reflexology is often effective in alleviating chronic back pain and stress. Fibromyalgia or the inflammation of the body’s connective tissues may benefit from a reflexology therapy. Chronic fatigue can also be lessened with regular reflexology sessions.