Thai Massage Instructions

Thai massage is an ancient healing art that is considered part of traditional Thai medicine. This stretching technique focuses on soft tissue pressure, twisting joints and manipulating the body to improve flexibility, reduce pain and make a person feel more energetic. Thai massage has been practiced in Thailand for more than 1,000 years but is practiced around the world by people today. Thai massage must be performed with a partner. Like other massage techniques, Thai massage is performed on a passive person by an active masseur. Learn how to perform a few basic Thai massage techniques by starting with simple stretches.

Things You'll Need

  • Comfortable clothes
  • Massage mat
  • Pillow
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stretch a person's hamstring, gluteal and lower back muscles with a vertical leg stretch. Ask the person receiving the massage to lay down on his back on a massage mat. Place his head on a pillow and arms at his side. Raise his left leg in the air until it forms a 90 degree angle with his right leg or as high as the person can comfortably tolerate. Place your right knee on the person's right quadriceps muscle; place your left palm on the bottom of his foot and place your right hand on the front of his knee. Apply pressure to his right leg with your knee and to his left leg with your hands.

    • 2

      Stretch the person's thighs and hips with a simple foot massage. Ask the person to lay flat on his back with his arms at his sides. Kneel between the person's spread apart legs and press his feet down and outward until the outer edges of the pinky toes touch the floor. Hold the stretch for five seconds and release them. Place your hands on top of his feet and press them inward until the big toes touch the floor, or as far as the person can comfortably tolerate. Hold for five seconds and release. Repeat these two stretches three times.

    • 3

      Stretch a person's arms, back and hamstrings with a simple lifting technique. Ask the person to lay flat on his back on a massage mat. Lift the person's legs until they are perpendicular to the floor and place your feet beneath his buttocks. Bend over and grasp the person's arms around his wrists and have him do the same to you. Pull the person gently upward, bringing his nose as close to his knees as he can comfortably tolerate.