Asia offers many treasures of massage techniques and wellness practices rooted in millennia-old traditions. Passed down from generation to generation, these methods aim to harmonize body and mind. A massage is chosen according to your needs. Criteria such as the technique used, the quality of the masseur, the products used, the duration of the massage and the environment are all factors to be taken into account. These practices are not limited to massages. If you’d like to know more about massage techniques and wellness practices inspired by Asian tradition, this article is for you. In the following lines, we’ll show you how these practices can enrich your daily life.
The different Thai massages
The best-known Thai massage is traditional Thai massage. But there’s also Thai oil massage, Thai herbal massage and Thai foot massage. We’ll give you more details below.
Traditional Thai massage
Also known as Nuad Bo’Rarn, this massage has been practiced in Thailand for over 2,500 years. This traditional massage is given through soft cotton pyjamas, and is inspired by yoga, shiatsu and Ayurvedic massage. This massage is both invigorating and zenifying, harmonizing energies and releasing blockages. This massage will leave you feeling totally relaxed, physically, nervously and emotionally.
Thai oil massage
Using aromatic oils directly on the skin promotes real physical recovery and offers a sensation of deep relaxation. This type of massage uses fluid movements to massage the body from head to toe, stimulating energy lines and revitalizing the entire organism. What’s more, the use of different oil fragrances promises even more of a change of scenery.
Thai herbal massage
Thai herbal massage begins with a traditional Thai massage. During this, cotton bundles of herbs are steamed. The practitioner then applies them directly to the skin at specific points, when they are sufficiently hot. The warm herbs increase energy points and help to provide lasting relief from body tension.
Thai foot massage
Foot reflexology is as much a science as an art, providing effective relief for many ailments. In Thai foot massage, a wooden stick with a rounded tip is used to stimulate so-called reflex zones linked to the body’s organs. To relieve stress and restore harmony, feet, calves and legs are treated in this way.
Other Asian massages
In addition to Thai massage, discover other Asian massages below.
Shiatsu massage
This is a form of Japanese body therapy based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. The practitioner aims to stimulate the circulation of this vital energy in the body through pressure applied with fingers, palms, elbows or sometimes even feet. Shiatsu is generally practised on the floor, on a futon, allowing great freedom of movement and effective pressure, while remaining a non-invasive approach.
The benefits of shiatsu massage include stress and tension reduction. It improves blood and lymph circulation, balances the body’s systems and enhances mental and emotional well-being. It also helps relieve muscular pain and improve flexibility. This massage is particularly suited to those seeking deep relaxation and revitalization without the application of oils or creams.
Ayurvedic massage
Derived from traditional Indian medicine, Ayurvedic massage is an ancient holistic practice that aims to balance body, mind and soul. This technique uses a fusion of warm oils specially chosen according to the individual’s body type. It also includes a variety of movements such as kneading, tapping and friction, as well as acupressure techniques. All these movements help stimulate the body’s vital marma points.
Ayurvedic massage has many benefits:
- it promotes deep relaxation;
- helps improve blood circulation;
- stimulates the elimination of toxins;
- it strengthens the immune system and helps restore the body’s energetic balance.
It is also good for improving sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting healthy skin. Before starting a session, it’s important to discuss your state of health and expectations with your practitioner. This conversation will enable him/her to tailor the treatment to your unique constitution and specific needs.
Seated amma massage
This method is performed on a specially designed ergonomic chair. Seated Amma massage is a fast, effective massage technique that works on the back, shoulders, neck, head, arms and hands, without the need to remove clothing. To stimulate energy circulation and release tension, this approach integrates the principles of acupressure and various techniques, including kneading, tapping and pressure on specific points of the body.
The benefits of Amma seated massage include reduced stress and muscular tension, improved blood circulation and renewed energy and vitality. This method is a practical and accessible solution for people who don’t have enough time and are looking for rapid relief from stress and fatigue.
Reiki
Originating in Japan, Reiki is an energy healing technique. The technique is based on the principle of reconnecting universal energy through the practitioner’s hands to the recipient. Reiki aims to rebalance the body’s energies, promote deep relaxation, reduce stress and support the body’s natural healing process.
The benefits of Reiki include a sense of inner peace, pain relief, improved sleep and a general state of well-being. Its non-invasive approach and potential to complement other forms of medical or therapeutic treatment make Reiki an often sought-after method.
Massage techniques and wellness practices inspired by Asian tradition are renowned for their benefits. They enable a better circulation of energy and a return to a sense of balance between body and mind. Harmonizing the body, emotions and state of mind of the person receiving them is the aim of all the techniques used. So don’t hesitate to give them a try.
