Muay Thai and Massage
What is Thai Massage?
Thai massage is an extensive and highly refined system which combines characteristics of European massage (kneading the muscles), chiropractic (manipulating the skeletal parts) and acupressure (applying deep, consistent pressure to specific nerves, tendons and ligaments) in order to balance the functions of the body. It is an ancient form of healing which originates from the time of Buddha. The theoretical basis of Thai massage lies in the theory of energy lines running through the body. Working on these energy lines helps to remove blockages and allows free flow of energy through the body to balance the body's energy system. The work displays an inherent knowledge of the inner workings of the body, a knowledge that developed over centuries of practice and has been passed down by oral tradition.
Types of sports massage
There are two types of Thai massage related to sports massage:
- Therapeutic sport massage assists recovery from injuries and is essential to a Muay Thai boxer who may have received injuries during a bout or in training. Thai massage unblocks lymph or blood vessel blockages, clearing away waste products and so reducing scarring and aiding healing.
- Stimulating sport massage is part of the warm-up procedure to prepare the body for vigorous exercise. A Muay Thai boxer should be vigorously massaged before entering the ring. Properly applied, massage benefits the boxer both physically and psychologically. It relaxes the mind reducing worry and anxiety. Sport massage will also stimulate the nervous system to help make the Thai boxer fast and accurate.
