Thai massage involves moving and manipulating the body to relieve physical and emotional tension. While stress can motivate and improve performance, excessive stress negatively impacts mental and physical health, potentially leading to chronic illnesses like depression and cardiovascular disease.

Thai massage uses gentle pressure and stretching techniques to promote relaxation. A 2015 study found that it significantly reduces salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), a stress marker, concluding that Thai massage is more effective at reducing stress in healthy individuals than simply resting.

Research has shown that Thai massage can boost physical energy levels. A randomized trial comparing Thai and Swedish massages found that Thai massage increased energy and mental stimulation, while Swedish massage improved relaxation and sleep.

Thai massage is based on the concept of energy lines, or Sen. Practitioners believe there are various Sen within the body corresponding to different parts like bones, muscles, blood, and nerves. Some Sen, called subtle channels, affect the mind and consciousness. Tight muscles can cause blockages in Sen, reducing life energy flow and resulting in stiffness, pain, and illness. Thai massage techniques aim to open or constrict different Sen to correct this energy flow.

Court-type is a specific form of Thai massage that involves applying pressure to specific energy channels. One 2015 studyTrusted Source found court-type Thai massage is an effective treatment for people who have chronic tension headaches. They also had lower measures of tissue hardness, which the scientists measured using a handheld device.

Thai massage can promote the circulation of both blood and lymph through the use of gentle stretches. These yoga-like stretches increase blood circulation, which fills the body’s tissues with oxygen. This helps promote cell growth and heart health.

One study examined the benefits of Thai foot massage in people with peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes. The researchers found that this massage helped improve people’s balance. They believe that this is because it improved blood circulation, which, in turn, stimulates the somatosensory system. This is a system that plays a major role in balance. 

Thai massage incorporates yoga-like stretches to reduce stress and improve circulation. The gradual, gentle stretching will enhance the person’s flexibility over time, allowing a greater range of motion. Thai massage may also improve the circulation of the fluid in the joints, or synovial fluid, which reduces friction between the joints. This can improve joint mobility and range of motion.