Thai Massage FAQ
How does Thai massage differ from “regular” massage? How should you prepare for a session? This Thai Massage FAQ may answer your questions.
[expand title=”What should I wear?”]Traditional Thai massage is performed on a thick mat, on the floor, rather than on a massage table. You’ll stay fully dressed and will be most comfortable in stretchy clothes, like leggings or sweats. I like to wear long sleeves and pants, to stay cozy while the therapist stretches and presses me.[/expand]
[expand title=”Is the pressure deep or light?”]Stretches are meant to go to your edge, but not in a painful way. The therapist will rhythmically press into your tissues in a way that’s both relaxing and energizing, using the palms, knees, feet, and thumbs.[/expand]
[expand title=”What if I’m not flexible?”]Believe me, that’s ok. *I’m* not flexible at all, and I love how my body feels after a Thai massage. If you’re not flexible, this is actually a great bodywork style for you to gain mobility. Most stretches are done in sets of three:
- The first is a gentle exploration
- The second finds the stretch
- The third gently encourages a deep stretch.
This gives you and your therapist a chance to notice before a stretch goes too far.[/expand]
[expand title=”How is this different from Western massage?”]Thai massage takes a holistic approach to the body. It addresses both the physical body, with its deep pressing and stretches, and the energetic body, via the energy lines known as “sen”. There is more body contact between the client and practitioner–imagine relaxing as someone moved you through yoga postures. No lotion is used.[/expand]
[expand title=”Will I be comfortable on the floor?”]The mat I use is a nice thick cushion. Some people feel more comfortable with additional pillows under their knees, or to support them in sidelying. You are always welcome to ask for more.[/expand]
[expand title=”Is Thai massage safe during pregnancy?”]Just like with a table massage, a pregnant client will need additional support for comfort and ease. The stretches are not as deep, because the body is dealing with the effects of relaxin. Thumb presses are never done with the intensity and duration required to “jumpstart” premature labor (such as at Gallbladder 21, or at the uterine reflexes). Find more pregnancy questions in our Pregnancy Massage FAQ.[/expand]
