Myth:
Thai Massage always has to involve sex.
Fact:
Massage can, but does not always have to, involve sexual activities. Massage can beneficially be given to infants and it is a common practice among mothers in many different cultures. Massage can be done for the purpose of relaxation or for relieving the symptoms of certain ailments. Massage can be practiced between parents and children, between other family members and by physiotherapists.
Some modern physicians and health professionals, especially in the fields of child care and mental health, have recently become more aware of the significance of the positive effects of touching on health and interpersonal relationships. The image of massage as a specifically sexual activity probably comes from commercial advertisements for the so-called "massage- parlors". In reality professional thai massage therapists are required to have adequate training and even licenses before they can practice.
Myth:
Upon receiving Thai Massage once will feel "achy" and ''sore'' due to the therapy been quite deep and stretchy.
Fact:
It is a natural reaction to tense up some muscles when one experiences fear or anxiety in a threatening situation. Sometimes when fear or anxiety is internal (for example, resulting from a poor self-image or from self-doubt) muscle tension may be so minute that one is not aware of it e.g., frowning, shoulder or rib-cage tensing, pressing the lips together, and so forth. When tensions persist for a long time, the person will develop muscle pain in such forms of tension as headaches, back pain or pain in other parts of the body. When those muscles are massaged, they become "reawakened" and the person experiences pain or discomfort the day after the massage. This could be eliminated by one or two more sessions of massage on the same area. Recurrence of pain or tension may result if factors such as low self-esteem, a stressful life style, or self-destructive habits persist. These problems need to be addressed separately. It is not enough simply to get a good massage.
Myth:
Massage should be practiced only by physicians or physiotherapists. If a lay-person attempts it, they may cause harm or injury to the receiver, such as sprained joints or paralysis.
Fact:
Massage, or any other skill, can be dangerous only when practiced irresponsibly, without careful preparation and training. Risk of injury from massage should be minimal if one acquires, through reading and careful practice, the basic concepts and skills.
Myth:
Massage is for the weak and sluggish; a luxurious activity for the affluent; not suitable for the general population.
Fact:
Massage is essential to good health. It has to do with people who are attentive and feel in charge of their own health and the health of those around them. They care enough to invest time and energy in learning and experiencing massage.
Caring for one's own health is, therefore, something an intelligent individual does. It need not be an activity for the self-indulgent or rich. Massage is an excellent method of self-care. It might be worth noting that in rural Thailand it is common to find massage being given freely and frequently amongst family members or village friends. Particularly noticeable are the young children massaging their parents at the end of a day's hard work in the paddy fields, or the free massage sessions given to the very old on certain days at the local Buddhist temples.
Myth:
One needs to be big and strong or muscular to be able to give good massages. A small or thin person will never be able to do well. For such a person giving massage can be very tiring since massage is hard work.
Fact:
With proper learning and practice, you will see that you don't need big muscles or extreme strength to give a massage and, if it's done properly, you shouldn't feel exhausted after giving a massage; instead, you should feel relaxed, alert and refreshed. Massage is an act of giving and compassion which should bring joy and a sense of well-being to both the giver and the recipient.
Thai Massage is like a dancing medition for both the receiver and the giver.
Thai Massage always has to involve sex.
Fact:
Massage can, but does not always have to, involve sexual activities. Massage can beneficially be given to infants and it is a common practice among mothers in many different cultures. Massage can be done for the purpose of relaxation or for relieving the symptoms of certain ailments. Massage can be practiced between parents and children, between other family members and by physiotherapists.
Some modern physicians and health professionals, especially in the fields of child care and mental health, have recently become more aware of the significance of the positive effects of touching on health and interpersonal relationships. The image of massage as a specifically sexual activity probably comes from commercial advertisements for the so-called "massage- parlors". In reality professional thai massage therapists are required to have adequate training and even licenses before they can practice.
Myth:
Upon receiving Thai Massage once will feel "achy" and ''sore'' due to the therapy been quite deep and stretchy.
Fact:
It is a natural reaction to tense up some muscles when one experiences fear or anxiety in a threatening situation. Sometimes when fear or anxiety is internal (for example, resulting from a poor self-image or from self-doubt) muscle tension may be so minute that one is not aware of it e.g., frowning, shoulder or rib-cage tensing, pressing the lips together, and so forth. When tensions persist for a long time, the person will develop muscle pain in such forms of tension as headaches, back pain or pain in other parts of the body. When those muscles are massaged, they become "reawakened" and the person experiences pain or discomfort the day after the massage. This could be eliminated by one or two more sessions of massage on the same area. Recurrence of pain or tension may result if factors such as low self-esteem, a stressful life style, or self-destructive habits persist. These problems need to be addressed separately. It is not enough simply to get a good massage.
Myth:
Massage should be practiced only by physicians or physiotherapists. If a lay-person attempts it, they may cause harm or injury to the receiver, such as sprained joints or paralysis.
Fact:
Massage, or any other skill, can be dangerous only when practiced irresponsibly, without careful preparation and training. Risk of injury from massage should be minimal if one acquires, through reading and careful practice, the basic concepts and skills.
Myth:
Massage is for the weak and sluggish; a luxurious activity for the affluent; not suitable for the general population.
Fact:
Massage is essential to good health. It has to do with people who are attentive and feel in charge of their own health and the health of those around them. They care enough to invest time and energy in learning and experiencing massage.
Caring for one's own health is, therefore, something an intelligent individual does. It need not be an activity for the self-indulgent or rich. Massage is an excellent method of self-care. It might be worth noting that in rural Thailand it is common to find massage being given freely and frequently amongst family members or village friends. Particularly noticeable are the young children massaging their parents at the end of a day's hard work in the paddy fields, or the free massage sessions given to the very old on certain days at the local Buddhist temples.
Myth:
One needs to be big and strong or muscular to be able to give good massages. A small or thin person will never be able to do well. For such a person giving massage can be very tiring since massage is hard work.
Fact:
With proper learning and practice, you will see that you don't need big muscles or extreme strength to give a massage and, if it's done properly, you shouldn't feel exhausted after giving a massage; instead, you should feel relaxed, alert and refreshed. Massage is an act of giving and compassion which should bring joy and a sense of well-being to both the giver and the recipient.
Thai Massage is like a dancing medition for both the receiver and the giver.
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