What should I wear for a Thai massage?

You may have noticed that different massage styles are popular at different times. And you may have wondered whether each was just part of a passing fad or the latest, greatest massage technique? Even more important is how can you tell whether the latest style will actually help you?

Sports massage was developed to aid athletes in their training, before, during and after sporting events. It may be used to improve flexibility or prevent injuries. It can also help with muscle strains after sports injuries.

Cranial sacral treatment is a gentle manipulation and stimulation of the bones of your skull, spine, pelvis and brain that helps to regulate the flow of cerebrospinal water in your central nervous system. It can also lead to deep relaxation.

Brain scans of people who received Thai massage treatments showed more relaxation and much lower anxiety than people who underwent physical therapy treatments for the same conditions.

A lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle massage of your tissues designed to help increase the circulation of lymph fluids in your body. Lymph is a protein-rich fluid that moves throughout your body in lymph vessels. It scoops up things like bacteria, viruses, and waste, and carries them to your lymph nodes. Your lymph nodes then filter the fluid to get the impurities out of your body. The massage is usually done with light pressure with gentle, long strokes along the skin to increase the movement of lymph through your system.

Reflexology uses hand, thumb, and finger techniques to stimulate certain areas of the feet. These areas are believed to correspond to different parts of the body. The massage, then, is expected to promote health and well-being.

A couples massage is a massage that you do with your partner, friend, or family member in the same room. It brings all the benefits of a regular massage plus the chance to enjoy a relaxing experience with a partner.

In another study involving 60 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, researchers found that 3 weeks of Thai massage provided the same pain relief as 3 weeks of ibuprofen.

Deep tissue massage works best when you need to pay attention to painful or stiff areas of your body. Massage therapists apply slow, deliberate pressure to layers beneath the skin's surface, such as muscles, tendons, and other tissues. Deep tissue massage, although less rhythmic, may prove to be therapeutic. It may relieve chronic patterns or tension, as well as help with muscle injuries, like back sprain.

You need to decide what massage style you prefer before you can make a decision. Are you looking for relaxation or stress management? Do you need to relieve symptoms or treat a specific health condition? Let the therapist know your needs before you book a massage. Ask the therapist which style they use. Many people use multiple styles. The therapist can also customize your massage to suit your needs and goals, such as your age or condition.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage, also called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), a gentle massage that stimulates lymph flow throughout the body.

Hot stone massage refers to a type or massage therapy. It has many health benefits. Learn more.