Exploring Thai Massage Styles: Traditional vs Modern

Published on: 09/20/24 | Category: 
exploring thai massage styles traditional vs modern

Thai massage styles differ from what most people think when envisioning a massage. Our massage techniques are based on 5000+ years of ancient (and successful) healing medicine and arts from Chinese and Indian cultures. 

Even so, most traditional Thai massage therapists in the Bay Area may incorporate other or more “modern” massage techniques into their sessions - and vice versa. 

The Difference Between Traditional & Modern Thai Massage Styles

The principles of traditional and modern massage techniques are similar, including things like:

However, there are variations in technique. It is these technical approaches to massage that may distinguish aspects of traditional and modern massage approaches.

Traditional Thai Massage

Here in the United States, the term “traditional massage” usually relates to massage styles based on Swedish massage traditions. When getting a traditional massage, clients usually:

  • Are naked or wear minimal clothing (but are respectfully draped.
  • Are massaged with oil to minimize friction (although deep tissue techniques typically minimize this for increased contact).
  • Lay down on their front and/or back but rarely (if ever) get off the table during the massage.
  • Do not change positions other than flipping from front to back (unless an injury or physical need requires it).
  • Mostly, they lay still with only minimally active movements of their limbs by the massage therapist.
  • Massaged by the masseuse's hands without other tools involved (although hot stones or towels may be used at certain points).

Traditional or “relaxation” massages may also incorporate:

  • Deep tissue techniques.
  • Acupressure.
  • Aromatherapy and sound therapy.
  • Hot stones.
  • Oils or creams targeted for pain relief, like those infused with menthol or CBD
  • A peppering of other cultures’ techniques, like Thai massage, Mayan massage, shiatsu, and so on.

Traditional massage increasingly incorporates other massage techniques, especially with the influx of massage styles from other cultures, which have been introduced via globalization. Technological innovations also contribute

Traditional Thai Massages May Also Include Spiritual Elements

The ancient origins of Thai massage connect it to Buddhist, Hindu, and other East Asian spiritual traditions. If clients are interested or open to a traditional Thai massage, they may enjoy the addition of:

A short prayer that is said before the massage

Traditionally, experienced traditional Thai massage therapists spend time centering or meditating before their session to prepare themselves and optimize their focus. This also includes saying a short prayer or intention. 

Of course, we never do this if clients aren’t interested. But this prayer can be said in the client's presence if they wish to help center the space's intention and support the energetic healing inherent in Thai massage sessions. 

 

The basic, English translation of this prayer is:

The Goddess of Healing dwells in the heavens high, while mankind lives in the world below. In the name of the Founder, may the heavens be reflected in the earth below so that this healing medicine may encircle the world. We pray for the one whom we touch, that illness will be released and happiness will follow. 

 

There may also be a small altar or table with candles, essential oils, and other seasonal offerings to create an ambiance that facilitates calm, relaxation, and positive energy flow and balance.

Breath work that supports energetic flow

Those familiar with Yoga know that breath (prana) is a foundation of the practice, including the asanas (poses) taught during a class. So, it’s no surprise that Thai massage therapists frequently remind clients to take nice, deep breaths. We may also coach you in a particular breathing technique to support whatever technique or movement we use at any given moment.

Position changes and passive manipulations of the body

One of the biggest differences between traditional Thai massages and other forms of massage is that you leave your clothes on. There is no way to remain modest during a Thai massage because we use a variety of non-traditional moves and position changes throughout the massage - all with respect to the client’s abilities, comfort level, etc. 

During your massage, you may be asked to:

  • Sit
  • Stand
  • Kneel
  • Lay down on your front or back.

We also manipulate the limbs and joints using pushing, pulling, rolling, kneading, and stretching techniques.

For this reason, we ask that clients wear comfortable clothing to their Thai massage sessions, similar to what they would wear to a gym, aerobics class, or yoga/pilates session.

We may use additional massage tools

Ancient massage techniques have always included various tools to access various pressure points, provide additional deep tissue techniques, and increase circulation and energy flow. So, just like traditional massage techniques incorporate hot stones, our massages can incorporate a variety of massage-specific tools to optimize massage benefits.

Modern Massage Techniques

Over the course of hundreds of years, and with our increased exposure to other cultures and traditional practices, globalization has created a foundation for hybrid massages.

So, when you contact a massage studio and schedule a Swedish massage, there is a very good chance the massage therapist will utilize various techniques, some modeled after traditional Thai and other massage modalities.

Examples include:

  • Acupressure. Acupressure points are identical to the pressure points identified in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and fall across the sen energy lines (also called meridians) to unblock and stimulate balanced energy flow.
  • Deep tissue massage. Unlike relaxing massages, deep tissue techniques can be almost painful at times as the massage therapist accesses the deeper tissue and fascia to stimulate healing and circulation. 
  • Trigger point massage. Chronic tension can cause muscle bundles to tense into “knots” and this creates dense trigger points. Using deep tissue, acupressure, and other techniques, a trigger point massage is focused on these tense areas, allowing them to relax. They are particularly effective for neck/shoulder tension.
  • Sports massage. Athletes frequently incorporate sports massages into their workout and rehabilitation routines. A sports massage is personalized to each athlete and their injury or areas of complaint. This targeted massage technique expedites healing and recovery.
  • Instrument-assisted massages. Technology has expanded our ability to incorporate technical innovations into our massages. Some of the most common technical tools used in massages include ultrasound or infrared light therapies, TENS machines, warming devices, massage guns, and more.

Other modern massage offerings include:

Each has its risks and benefits. Anyone with specific physical or health issues should discuss massage therapy with their healthcare practitioner beforehand. Similarly, take the time to complete your intake forms in detail so your massage therapist understands your physical well-being, and we can customize our techniques accordingly.

Enjoy The Benefits Of Thai Massage Styles At Chetawan Thai Massage Sanctuary

The Chetawan Thai Massage Sanctuary blends the very best of traditional Thai massage techniques with the benefits of modern massage techniques to customize your massage to your needs. Contact us to schedule a massage and learn more about our services. We ensure each client receives a massage experience informed by centuries of knowledge and unparalleled expertise.

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