How often should I get a Thai massage?

A Thai massage uses the body of the therapist to position the client in a variety positions. This massage involves compression, mobilization, and acupressure.

Lymphatic drainage massage is also known as manually lymphatic drainage (MLD) and it's a gentle type of massage that promotes lymph fluids circulation throughout the body.

Massage used to be available only through luxury spas and upscale health clubs. Today, massage therapy is offered in businesses, clinics, hospitals and even airports. If you've never tried massage, learn about its possible health benefits and what to expect during a massage therapy session.

Pressure points refer to sensitive areas in your body that correspond to certain parts of your mental or physical health. We will show you how to use five of them.

Researchers in Thailand studied the effects of Thai massage on a group of 120 people with nonspecific low back pain. Half the test group was treated with Thai massage and the rest with other conservative management techniques that included joint mobilization (a technique that involves applying pressure), hot packs, and manual stretching to painful areas.

You can usually choose which type of massage you’d like to receive, and you and your partner can each get a different type of massage, depending on your preference and clinic offerings.

If a massage therapist is pushing too hard, ask for lighter pressure. Occasionally you may have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. It's likely to be uncomfortable while your massage therapist works it out. But if it becomes painful, speak up.

Before you start your session, it is a good idea to have a conversation with your therapist. This will allow you to communicate your expectations and answer any questions.

Swedish massage therapy (the most popular type) is the most well-known. It involves gentle, rhythmic, tapping strokes that are light and rhythmic on the topmost layer of your muscles. This can be combined with movement in the joints. Swedish therapy has the ability to relax and energize muscles tension. It may even be beneficial after an injury.

The therapist uses heated stones to massage specific areas, such as acupressure points. The stones can be temporarily placed or used as tools for massage. Hot stones are a great addition to other massage techniques. They can help you relax and soothe your body, transmitting heat deep into your body.

Your expectations and goals should be communicated to your massage therapist. If you feel uncomfortable, speak up. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor prior to receiving any type of massage.

Brush aside any thoughts that massage is only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. To the contrary, massage can be a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are just looking for another stress reliever. You can even learn how to do self-massage or how to engage in massage with a partner at home.