The worst of the pandemic seems to be behind us, and Thailand is welcoming travelers to the country once again. Now is the perfect time to book a trip to Bangkok and experience the best of Thai culture, including a traditional Thai or oil massage.
People who are used to frequent massages welcome them as a way to keep their muscles, joints and ligaments supple and flexible. They also enjoy the calming, almost meditative state that a Thai massage induces. People who enjoy massages often see them as a form of therapy; as valuable to them as practicing yoga.
Thai massage is based on the same principles as yoga in that the goal is to increase the suppleness of your body by stretching your muscles, joints, and ligaments. Through this process, your stress is relieved, your circulation is improved, and your body feels stronger and more able to perform the way you want it to.
For people who aren’t used to receiving Thai massages, it can be a little daunting at first. Put your worries and problems aside and simply enjoy the sensation of indulgence, bliss and complete “me-time.”
There’s no real secret to getting the most out of your Thai or oil massage. It’s about relaxing and living in the moment. But there are a few things that people who regularly experience these massages do to enhance and better enjoy the experience. We’ll discuss these simple techniques to encourage you to get the most out of your massage experience.
Your massage therapist will be able to provide a more pleasurable experience if you inform them of any existing medical problems before your session begins. Also, if you’re under a doctor’s care, please check with them before scheduling a massage. This is especially important if you have:
A massage should be a relaxing and completely safe experience. If you have any underlying conditions that can be triggered by the movements during a massage, let the therapist know beforehand to avoid any issues.
Let’s Relax Spa understands the importance of staying hydrated so we provide refreshments for our guests. Don’t hesitate to tell your massage therapist if you’re feeling thirsty.
If you undergo a massage without being adequately hydrated you can often experience cramping in your muscles. A lack of hydration can also cause symptoms, including dizziness and feeling tired. If the therapist notices any of these symptoms before beginning a session, they may request that you hydrate before your massage starts.
Just like in yoga, breathing is important in massage. Calm, regular breathing helps you stay relaxed. When you’re relaxed, your muscles are flexible and able to reap the benefits of massage. This also improves blood circulation, which helps keep your muscles and tissue fully oxygenated. Keeping tissue fully oxygenated helps prevent cramping.
Breathing steadily also helps induce more of a meditative state during the massage. Your mind can focus on your body, and it’s easier to avoid distractions by concentrating on the rhythm of your breathing.
Although you may feel completely relaxed after a massage, a 90-minute Thai massage can actually burn up to 350 calories or more. As heat is beneficial in relaxing your muscles, tendons and ligaments, a massage can also cause you to sweat more than usual.
After a morning or afternoon session at Let’s Relax Spa, treat yourself to a high-protein lunch or early dinner, and wash the meal down with plenty of fresh water. This will help restore any nutrients lost during the massage, and you’ll feel more energetic and alert afterwards.
Stretching and bending your muscles to the limit can put a strain on your muscles. Scheduling workouts too close together doesn’t provide your muscles with the time they need to recover.
We recommend that after you finish your massage, you stay active, but don’t engage in an intense workout until the next day. Allowing your muscles the time they need to recover is a necessary part of any healthy physical activity.
Relaxation and enjoyment may seem like side benefits of a massage, but they’re actually important to the process.
Relaxation and enjoyment help your muscles to stay flexible and not ‘fight’ the massage therapist. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, you won’t be able to completely relax and get the full benefits of the massage.
Discover the mental and physical health benefits of a Thai or oil massage at a Let’s Relax Spa in Bangkok, and become a convert to a weekly massage.