I’m a sucker for a soothing massage to ease aches and pains, increase flexibility, and straighten out body parts that are out of whack. If I could get one every week I would. I especially love traditional Asian massage because their practices have been around for thousands of years and work wonders on the body, especially if you’re over 50.
I used to go to an amazing Thai massage place that is no longer there. The therapists (women) came from Thailand and spoke little English. They asked me to take off my shoes, had me put on cotton pajamas, and then worked on me on a floor mat.
A traditional Thai massage therapist will walk or crawl on your back, but if you are older or someone with physical issues they will not. If you choose to be walked on, there are often bars on the ceiling to support the therapist to prevent injuring you. A good therapist will always make adjustments when giving an Asian massage to a mature adult.
You can tell your therapist the degree of pressure you prefer or groan if you want less especially if there is a language barrier. Many Asian massage studios use regular massage tables so you don’t have to get up from the ground. It’s a good idea to leave your underwear on because Thai massage is a combination of massage and yoga stretches and having your leg stretched high in the air could be embarrassing.
The practice is designed to open up your energy lines. Your therapist will apply pressure to strategic points on your body to free that energy by stretching you out with yoga moves. You’ll find it reduces stress, improves your well-being, increases circulation, and improves flexibility.
The history of Thai massage
“Traditional Thai Massage also called “Thai Yoga Therapy,” Nuad phaen Boran or Nuat Thai, is a therapeutic technique that dates back thousands of years. Its precise origins are unknown, but practitioners traditionally trace their lineage to Jivaka Komarabhacca, also known as Shivago, who was a personal physician to the Sangha, a friend, and physician to the Buddha, and renowned as a healer in the Buddhist tradition.
Traditional Thai medicine is a natural, holistic approach to health and well-being, developed over thousands of years, which includes proper nutrition, physical exercise, the use of medicinal herbs and therapeutic massage. It is not only concerned with curing diseases and ailments as its primary goal is maintaining health and well-being, as ancient Thais believed that “the absence of illness is the best blessing”. The medical knowledge developed by Thai people through many generations has come to be known as the ancient wisdom of Thailand.
Diagrams inscribed on the walls at the temple of Wat Po in Bangkok illustrate one of the fundamental principles of traditional Thai medicine: that energy flows through the body along ten major channels or sen lines. If an obstruction occurs in any of these channels it is believed that pain or disease results. In this sense, traditional Thai medicine is similar to many other ancient healing systems, that believe illnesses are caused by an imbalance or obstruction within the individual, or by an imbalance between an individual and his environment.”
Unleash your energy or Qi (chee)
When your energy is flowing freely, it makes it easier to maintain a healthier weight, lowers blood sugar levels, and reverses the onset of type 2 diabetes. Your circulation will improve and more oxygen will flow to your brain. It also reduces migraine pain and lowers the chance of blood clotting.
Energy centers in the body are invisible and aren’t recognized as viable in traditional Western medicine. However, Asian massage practitioners believe that energy circulates throughout the body. If energy becomes blocked you may experience pain, sickness, and emotional distress. Their techniques help your “Qi” energy flow more freely.
Other Asian Massage Modalities
Chinese foot massage focuses on acupressure points on your feet. It’s extremely popular here in Los Angeles.
You have to be careful to choose a reputable place, but so far the places I’ve been to have been wonderful.
My daughter and I once visited a popular Korean spa in downtown Los Angeles called Wi Spa. I had a foot massage and manicure there while my daughter had a regular massage. Koreans bring their entire families to sit in hot saunas, lie on heated floors, and receive treatments. Some spend all day there.
I experienced some culture shock at their women’s spa. All the ladies were prancing around naked without a hint of modesty. Nudity isn’t a big deal in Korean culture like it is in America. They were helping each other bathe and scrubbing each other’s backs. I thought it was cool but most of them were in the 90 lb range so I wasn’t about to show off my blubber in front of them. We were given a “uniform” of shorts and a cute tee shirt at reception to wear and kept them on the entire time.
Massage in any form whether it’s Asian massage, Swedish, other modalities, and self-massage is an effective way to keep your blood flowing and stay healthy. The human touch is life-giving and healing if you’re open to receiving it.
Caution: Although many Asian massage establishments are completely legitimate, clean, and wonderful, some are on the sketchy side. You can check out a massage parlor by clicking on Rubmaps. It has a database of establishments that may be guilty of human trafficking so be careful.
Have you had a massage lately? What style do you prefer and why? Please leave a comment below.
I’ve only had a handful of massages in my lifetime. Now that I’m retiring soon, I might have more. My wife and I are looking at massage clinics that are experienced and offer a soothing massage. We haven’t ever heard of therapists walking on your back—maybe we’ll look into that!
Alex Jennings |
Hi Alex,
Massages rock! They’re so great for your health because they improve circulation and keep your lymphatic system moving.
I’m a big fan of Asian massage. Usually a Thai therapist will not walk on a woman’s back if she’s small or older but will gently crawl on it instead. When they do walk on a person’s back, they hang on to handles on the ceiling so they aren’t walking on your full force. After the massage they stretch your legs and back with yoga moves. If you can find a good therapist, there’s nothing like it.
I recently had a Chinese foot and body massage. Loved that too.
We tried that Thai massage you suggested, and it was fantastic! Maybe we’ll try the Chinese foot and body massage next. 🙂
Alex Jennings |
Wow! I’m so glad you liked it. Yes, try them all. You’ll love it!
thank for the information i definitely try that Thai massage. Thanks
Great! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It’s a wonderful way to relax.
In my opinion, massage is must not only for people over 50, but everyone! It gets really hard to spend quality time with your friends and family when your full of stress. Which is why getting a massage daily ain’t a bad idea.
Got here the first time, and truly loved your writing style and website. Keep up the good work 🙂
Hi Hamza,
I agree. Massage is great for people of any age. Since I write a blog for Baby Boomers that’s why I referenced people 50 and over. We have more aches and pains. LOL. It would be wonderful to have a daily massage. I try to have one 1-2 times a month if I can. Thanks so much for your comment.
The best massage I ever had was by a Korean..It was a body massage with some deep tissue involved…He also brought to my attention that I had a inflamed stomach which I do…& a bad back….He Recommended next time to get a cupping done..Did anyone ever hear about that???I know what it is but I never heard of it before until I went here…They specialize in natural herbs & healing..First time for everything but a great experience!!!
Sounds like you had an amazing massage and I love it that the massage therapist was able to read your body so well. I’ve heard of cupping. It’s popular with celebrities but haven’t tried it myself. It might be something to look into.
Excellent information shared about asian massage therapy. Thanks for sharing your deep knowledge.
Thanks, so much for reading it, London.
I had a really great Irish massage, and shiatsu is always fun. The Chinese feet massages are too brutal to be enjoyable though, and the ones I had were accompanied by sadistic smiles! No fun.
Thanks Jane. I have never had an Irish massage. I was fortunate to have gentle Chinese foot massages. I guess it depends on where you go. Thanks for you comment.
I experienced Thai massage from a training school when I visited Bangkok early last year. I find it too intense and exhausting for my liking. Is there a modality that senior citizens like my mom can enjoy but at the same time help relieve pain associated with arthritis? I know some basics of shiatsu and reflexology but I want to explore other options. Thanks for a well written article:)
I have been able to tell my massage therapist how intense I prefer but probably Swedish would be more relaxing for your mom. There are some massage therapists who specialize in Senior massage. That would be your best bet.
I have personally experienced the Thai massage and feel one should surely go through a nice session of massage once a month. I have heard a lot about massage chairs and would like to know which one could be a nice choice.
hey this guide is very helpful for me can you elaborate more about Other Asian Massage Modalities i got confuse in this point
I’m not an expert in them Shayan. I just enjoy them. I suggest you give one a try. Check to make sure it’s a legitimate establishment first. Some aren’t and traffic workers.
A good massage is great for destressing and more! Asians somehow seem to know how to do it that much better!
Mentioning that Thai massage is designed to open up my energy lines should be a great choice for me to consider when looking for an Asian massage parlor. I do agree that Asian massage techniques help my “chi” energy flow more freely as you say since they study how to do it frequently. Since you added that massage in any form is an effective way to keep my blood flowing and staying healthy, I will consider getting a spa appointment for the particular options you listed in this post to treat my backache.
This is good to know about different Asian massage is also a good type of massage you could try to relieve stress in the body.
Thank you for sharing your thai massage experience ! I love Thai! I just love massages period! I’m a licensed massage therapist so I have had my fair share of massages! Some good some bad! I like a customized massage. A good Massage Therapist will listen to you first and then give you a customized massaged based on your answers. ?
You’re so right about what to look for in a good Massage Therapist, Melissa. Customized is always best so you get what’s right for your body. Thanks!
Great information regarding Traditional Asian Massage. I love this article.
Glad you liked it David. It’s always so relaxing.