The main difference between oil massage and Thai massage is that oil massage uses oils and is gentler than Thai massage, which does not use any oils or lotions.
In brief, massage is rubbing and kneading the body using hands to relieve tension or pain. There are different types of massage methods, such as Thai massage, Swedish massage, and hot stone massage. Of these, Thai massage is different from other types of massages due to several features.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Oil Massage
– Definition, Features, Benefits
2. What is Thai Massage
– Definition, Features, Benefits
3. Difference Between Oil Massage and Thai Massage
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Massage, Oil Massage, Thai Massage
What is Thai Massage
Thai massage is a traditional bodywork therapy that uses acupressure and aspects of yoga, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine. In the Thai language, it is known as nuat phaen thai. This massage technique uses gentle pressure and stretching techniques to relax the whole body.
Unlike other types of massages, it does not involve recipients lying on a massage bed and a massage therapist kneading muscles and pressure points. Also, traditional Thai massages do not use any oils or lotions. Instead, the recipients of the massage lie fully clothed on a mat on the ground. The therapist uses compressing, stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques to promote relaxation, relieve tension, and improve circulation and flexibility. Throughout the massage, there is close body contact between the recipient and the practitioner. The feet and legs of the practitioner can be used to position the body of the recipient or to do the massaging. A full Thai massage can last for about two hours.
Thai massage has many health benefits. It can increase the range of motion in your muscles and joints, making you more flexible. It can also help to relieve headaches, help with backaches, lower stress, and revive energy.
What is Oil Massage
Oil massage is the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body using massage oils to relieve tension or pain. This is a very popular massaging technique used all over the world. Oil massages can be very relaxing and are more gentle than traditional Thai massaging.
Massaging usually takes place on a massage table. Since the massage involves rubbing oil into the body, the recipient of the massage may have to get naked or use very little clothing. As mentioned above, oil massaging uses gentle rubbing and kneading instead of the more powerful movements used in Thai massaging. The use of oils can have a strong effect and make the skin soften. Moreover, oil massage can improve blood circulation, relax the body, and calm the mind.
Difference Between Oil Massage and Thai Massage
Definition
Oil massage is the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body using massage oils to relieve tension or pain, while Thai massage is a traditional bodywork therapy that uses acupressure and aspects of yoga, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Use of Oil
While oil massages use oil, Thai massages do not use oil or lotions.
Movements
Oil massages involve rubbing and kneading motions, whereas Thai massages involve compressing, stretching, pulling, and rocking movements. Moreover, oil massage is gentler than Thai massage.
Lying Down
In oil massages, recipients lie down on massage beds, whereas in Thai massage, recipients lie on mats on the ground.
Clothing
In Thai massages, recipients are fully clothed whereas, in recipients, recipients are not fully clothed.
Conclusion
Oil massage is the rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body using massage oils to relieve tension or pain, while Thai massage is a traditional bodywork therapy that uses acupressure and aspects of yoga, Ayurveda, and traditional Chinese medicine. The main difference between oil massage and Thai massage is that oil massage uses oils and is gentler than Thai massage, which does not use any oils or lotions.
Reference:
1. “What Is Thai Massage, and What Is It Used for?” WebMD.
2. Cronkleton, Emily. “What Type of Massage Should You Get?” Healthline, Healthline Media.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Oil, beautician, massage, hands, skin, body, relaxation, salon, treatment, woman” (CC0) via Pxhere
2. “Classical Thai Massage” By Tara Angkor Hotel – Flickr: Classical Thai Massage (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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