Maybe you’ve decided to give Thai massage a shot because of all the hype that surrounds it, but on every Thai massage commercial by spas you’ve come across you often see the supposed client almost fully dressed, and as such you begin to wonder if they wear their clothes throughout the experience. And if they do, why so?
The answer is yes. Since oils are not needed for a Thai massage, being all about pressing, stretching, and acupressure, wearing clothes is quite essential to allow the masseur or therapist to get a firm grip on the body. Because of all the movement (including yoga-like poses and acrobatic moves) and stretching that comes with getting a Thai massage, loose, flexible, and comfortable clothing is required. Keep your pencil skirts and leather pants at home. Shorts, sweatpants, yoga pants, and a t-shirt are all ideal for a Thai massage.
An ideal Thai massage pant is the traditionally worn pants by Thai fishermen because of their ability to dry fast and support free movement. This can either be provided by your therapist or gotten at a local shopping mall for yoga essentials.
The preferred clothing material for a Thai massage is cotton, this is because it prevents sliding on the skin and is efficient at absorbing sweat which is a catalyst for sliding and gliding. Although any loose material is up to the task, cotton is just exceptional.
Below are other frequently asked questions before receiving a Thai massage.
Is Thai Massage Painful?
Because the emphasis is always made on pressing, stretching, and acupressure when talking about Thai massage, one may begin to wonder if Thai massage is painful. Therapists are capable of manipulating Thai massage to suit a client’s preference, all it will require is a request for him or her to use deep or soft pressure. Thai massage therapists are trained to be able to identify distress through a client’s reaction when applying deep pressure and to make adjustments accordingly if any. If you are not used to stretching or acupressure before Thai massage you may begin to feel some soreness after the treatment. However, you certainly will feel less tension and great the next day when the soreness subsides.
How Long Does A Thai Massage Last For?
The recommended Thai massage timeframe is around 90 minutes, however, some Thai massage spas offer treatments that last for 60, 90, and 120 minutes. 90 minutes is ideal because it includes a client’s relaxation time and also gives the therapist enough time to pay attention to problematic areas. Rushing is always a bad idea when it comes to getting the best massage experience.
What Should I Expect After A Thai Massage?
After a Thai massage, you should expect to feel less tension and stiffness, together with increased flexibility and an overall good feeling. However, for first-timers, they may feel a little bit sore at first but great the next day.
How Often Should One Get A Thai Massage?
How often one gets a Thai massage or any type of massage depends on factors such as a person’s physical condition and overall health. After receiving your first session, your therapist will give out recommendations concerning how often you should receive a massage and what part(s) of your body should receive the most attention. Depending on a client’s physical condition, some do get weekly massages to do away with pain or focus on problematic areas. People without physical conditions should at least get a massage once a month to reduce tension, stress, and stiffness, and to prevent problems from occurring, there’s an old saying that “prevention is always better than cure”. In addition to eating well, exercising, and getting quality sleep, getting a massage now and then will see to it that you remain in good shape.
Is Thai Massage During 1st Trimester of Pregnancy Safe?
For a normal pregnancy with overall good health, Thai massage may be safe, however, it will require an experienced therapist who specializes in pregnancy massages. It is also important to know that the first trimester of pregnancy poses a greater risk for miscarriage and as such you should speak to your doctor to know if a massage is right for you, especially if you’ve previously had a miscarriage or are at high risk.
