Although people flock to Thailand’s shores for the famous beaches, delicious cuisine and the hunt for a bargain, traditional Thai massages also top the list of must-dos in the Asian nation. The popularity of Asian massage styles extend beyond their countries of origin and into shopping centres, massage parlours and day spas in Australia, offering an alternative experience and technique to common Western styles.
Massage is designed to release muscle tension and promote circulation and this focus on soft tissue is the common factor across the various techniques in massage therapy. The difference in techniques used to manipulate muscles sets each massage style apart, but the history behind Asian massage is also important to its practice and place in Asian cultures.
Western massage primarily uses continuous scooping strokes to relax and manipulate muscles, whereas many Asian techniques focus on pressure points, stretching and rocking motions. Thai massage incorporates all of these techniques and also uses yoga-like positions to stretch and release tension. Shiatsu, a technique originating in Japan that translates to ‘finger pressure’, similarly uses stretching and pressure from palms and fingers to relieve stress and promote wellness. Unlike Western massage, some Asian methods also differ in their delivery, with practitioners sometimes using their elbows, forearms or even feet to massage a person who is often fully clothed and lying on a mat on the floor. However, styles of Asian massage are varied and can also be altered to include Western characteristics.
In Western cultures, massage is often seen as a luxury. Although some believe it is gradually being regarded as a form of treatment for many illness and ailments, its practice is not entrenched in our lives as it is in many Asian countries. The history of massage throughout Asia dates back over 2500 years, with Thai massage in particular linked to a doctor close to the Buddha. The importance of the practice is obvious – ancient instructional texts were carved in stone to preserve the tradition and still remain in Bangkok’s Wat Pho temple. But it is the more common method of passing the techniques on that say the most about massage’s place in Thai culture. Parents teach their children massage skills taught to them by their own parents and the practice becomes as much about community and relationships as it is about muscle tension. Through its place in everyday life, massage is truly part of Thai culture.
The next time your muscles are aching and you’re feeling stressed, leave the West behind for an Eastern massage that is tailored to your needs and focused on a holistic outlook for your body and mind, with a bit of history for good measure.
Although people flock to Thailand’s shores for the famous beaches, delicious cuisine and the hunt for a bargain, traditional Thai massages also top the list of must-dos in the Asian nation.
The popularity of Asian massage styles extend beyond their countries of origin and into shopping centres, massage parlours and day spas in Australia, offering an alternative experience and technique to common Western styles.
Massage is designed to release muscle tension and promote circulation and this focus on soft tissue is the common factor across the various techniques in massage therapy. The difference in techniques used to manipulate muscles sets each massage style apart, but the history behind Asian massage is also important to its practice and place in Asian cultures.
Western massage primarily uses continuous scooping strokes to relax and manipulate muscles, whereas many Asian techniques focus on pressure points, stretching and rocking motions. Thai massage incorporates all of these techniques and also uses yoga-like positions to stretch and release tension. Shiatsu, a technique originating in Japan that translates to ‘finger pressure’, similarly uses stretching and pressure from palms and fingers to relieve stress and promote wellness. Unlike Western massage, some Asian methods also differ in their delivery, with practitioners sometimes using their elbows, forearms or even feet to massage a person who is often fully clothed and lying on a mat on the floor. However, styles of Asian massage are varied and can also be altered to include Western characteristics.
In Western cultures, massage is often seen as a luxury. Although some believe it is gradually being regarded as a form of treatment for many illness and ailments, its practice is not entrenched in our lives as it is in many Asian countries. The history of massage throughout Asia dates back over 2500 years, with Thai massage in particular linked to a doctor close to the Buddha. The importance of the practice is obvious – ancient instructional texts were carved in stone to preserve the tradition and still remain in Bangkok’s Wat Pho temple. But it is the more common method of passing the techniques on that say the most about massage’s place in Thai culture. Parents teach their children massage skills taught to them by their own parents and the practice becomes as much about community and relationships as it is about muscle tension. Through its place in everyday life, massage is truly part of Thai culture.
The next time your muscles are aching and you’re feeling stressed, leave the West behind for an Eastern massage that is tailored to your needs and focused on a holistic outlook for your body and mind, with a bit of history for good measure.
Spa Detective Kirby
Although people flock to Thailand’s shores for the famous beaches, delicious cuisine and the hunt for a bargain, traditional Thai massages also top the list of must-dos in the Asian nation. 
