How can Thai bodywork help to reduce anxiety and depression?
Thai Bodywork is an ancient therapeutic healing practice that has strong spiritual roots in healing a person physically and emotionally, the art of this massage dates back to around 2,500–7,000 years ago and originated from when Jivaka was treating the Buddha. Thai massage combines deep compressions and gentle stretching and movements to give relaxation to the full body, working with your bodies energy pathways (known as sen) whilst releasing built up tensions and stresses.
How does Thai Massage work?
An authentic Thai massage acts as a calming agent for your mind and nervous system, helping you to channel your energy and harmonizing your mind, body & soul, regular sessions of Thai massage have helped people to lead healthier and contented lives.
Thai massage is an active whole body massage where you will move and participate with the support and connection of your practitioner who will help slowly move your body through stretches allowing you to feel more mentally invigorated and physically energised.
The main aspect where Thai massage differs from other kinds of massage and has been regarded as an effective measure to help cure anxiety and depression is that the practitioner during Thai massage will help you learn to regulate your breathing, thus teaching you the skills needed to stabilize your breathing in daily life and help you calm and control your emotions in any given situation.
What is the science behind this?
A 2015 Study from the National Institute of Health found that people who receive Thai massage test lower on measures of psychological stresses and anxieties following treatment.
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.
What to expect during your Thai Bodywork session?
With Thai massage, you will be the most comfortable in loose-fitting light weight clothes.
Unlike other massages, oil isn’t required and your muscles typically aren’t heavily kneaded. Some of the stretches will involve going through movements with the practitioner holding or pulling you to maintain a pose.
If you have an injury, or any part of your body is particularly sensitive to pain, be sure to let the practitioner know before they start the session.
If you are interested in finding out more about how Thai Bodywork can help, get in touch via our Contact us page