Along with physical activity, Thai massage eases joints and keeps us lithe as we age.
Everyone loves a trip to the spa, but Thai massage offers a much more profound form of relaxation. In addition to calming your nerves and easing your tensions, the Thai approach benefits your health as you get older, and is particularly ideal for those uncomfortable with lying in a flat position.
What Does Thai Massage Do?
Thai therapies do away with the awkward and uncomfortable experience of lying naked on a massage table covered only by a sheet. Instead, the patient and practitioner sit fully-clothed on a floor mat, and through a series of yoga-like assisted poses, the therapist gently stretches and manipulates the recipient’s body.
You can feel tension releasing from your spine as the practitioner uses a foot or hand to apply just enough pressure to stretch it out comfortably. The technique does include some strokes you might be familiar with from traditional or Swedish massage, but combines them with assisted movement to achieve the maximum amount of physiotherapeutic benefits.
Expertly delivered treatments can rejuvenate sore muscles and stiff joints, not just through touch alone, but by activating the sen lines of the body. This process leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Those at high risk for or already suffering from osteoporosis, a group largely made up of postmenopausal women, will be pleased to hear that Thai massage has been proven through clinical studies to increase bone density.
Is it Right for Me?
Thai massage can adapt to your body, age, and ability, making it a treatment that can work for everyone. A good practitioner, like one at Navina, will talk to the patient first to learn about any problem areas or health issues.
The resulting treatment plan should include gentler pressure for older people or over areas of inflammation, allowances for arthritic joints, and postures suited to the recipient.
Many of the poses can be done lying down, on your side, or in an upright stance. The second option, side-lying, can be an excellent way to experience Thai massage as you age — it’s comfortable if you have back problems, dodgy knees, or just want to be able to lie down comfortably as you receive treatment.
The Power of Touch
In the modern world, we are more connected than ever before, but we’re also more physically isolated, which can induce feelings of loneliness. It’s great to talk to the family over the internet, but it’s not quite the same getting the real, in-person sensation of touch.
The power of touch isn’t just sentimental — it’s scientific. Studies show that the physical contact of a massage alleviates stress, according to the American Massage Therapy Association. So why not take your health and well-being into your own hands by inviting the trained hands of one of Navina’s fully-licenced therapists? Make an appointment today and see what Thai Yoga Massage can do for you.
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