There’s almost a certain mysticism to Thai traditional massage. With all those stretches and yoga-like poses, it looks great and sounds exotic. I have only come across one “traditional”-branded massage system. Is conventional Thai massage superior to non-traditional methods, though?
In actuality, the situation is completely reversed. Several of my most excellent Thai massage instructors were definitely unconventional. They created their own look, were highly imaginative, made adjustments, and deviated greatly from the “traditional” look that is taught in the majority of Dubai schools.
Looking at Thai Massage tradition objectively
Tradition is not necessarily always a good thing. Sometimes it is just a synonym for an unwillingness to change, to grow, to expand. In some cases, it can be nothing more than a limitation.
I have noticed that some Thai Massage students here in Dubai build up almost a cult atmosphere around certain teachers. They put them up on a pedestal, and then these teachers can do no wrong. Whatever they do is perfect and their way is the only ‘right’ way to do it.
However, the facts often show us a different picture. Let’s set aside tradition and lineage as an indicator of quality for a moment and look at it in an impartial way.
Looking at possible improvements for Thai Massage
It is useful to take a step back and analyze this modality or any therapeutic system with some common sense. If you have lived in Dubai for a long time, you will certainly come across the good and the ‘could-be-better’ elements of this healing art.
Below I am listing some of my observations and non-traditional solutions that represent a real improvement.
Moving from mechanical to creative Thai Massage Therapy
Thai Massage is often practiced in a rather mechanical way, beginning at the feet and ending up at the head by following a routine sequence of moves. Many times I have requested that therapists work on a certain area of my body – let’s say my shoulders. But almost in all cases they just proceeded to do their usual routine.
They could not imagine doing anything different. They were stuck in their traditional routine. However, some creativity and intuitive modifications can be a big improvement. Instead of following a routine sequence, you can follow your intuition, or the client’s requests, or the path of the client’s areas of restriction.
And yes, you can mix in elements from other techniques, even if they are not part of traditional Thai Massage. If it works, it is good and right.
Tradition versus Evolution in Thai Massage Therapy
In Dubai, most sessions consist of mostly leg work and relatively little upper body work. The traditionalists argue that this is because the Thai people used to spend a lot of time working in the fields and therefore needed mostly leg work.
Well, maybe this was so at one time in the past, but today most urban Thais work desk and computer jobs just like their western counterparts, or they drive vehicles or have some other sitting occupation. This means that they develop more back, shoulder, and neck problems rather than leg problems.
If the work environment has changed over time, what’s wrong with letting Thai Massage evolve along with it? Nobody would argue that the Thais should follow old traditions and go back to plowing fields with buffaloes instead of their modern jobs.
Neglected areas in Thai Massage
The abdomen, for example, is almost never touched. Although there are some abdominal techniques taught in Thai Massage schools, they are often uncomfortable or even painful and are rarely practiced in the typical massage shops (which is a good thing).
However, there are massage modalities that work very effectively on the abdominal area, like Chi Nei Tsang and Shiatsu.
Some of those techniques can easily be built into Thai Massage and improve it significantly. A system that incorporates such effective and gentle abdominal work into Thai Massage already exists.
Take a look at Thai Healing Massage Academy’s Abdominal Massage online course.
Replacing direct pressure with motion-based movements
Thai Massage uses mostly linear, straight-down pressure that is applied with thumbs, hands, forearms, elbows, and knees. This can sometimes feel quite strong or even painful.
Most linear or direct pressure techniques can be modified or replaced by circular or rocking motions that greatly reduce the risk of unnecessary pain.
Such a modified and more gentle system of Thai Massage exists already. It is called Thai Rocking Massage, and thousands of Thai Healing Massage Academy’s students have been practicing it with excellent results for over two decades.
Making a good system even better
These are just a few examples of how Thai Massage can be improved, and there are others. Of course, there are many highly talented practitioners in Dubai who can do truly excellent work.
Luckily I had the opportunity to learn from some of them. Those studies opened my eyes to new ways of working, new inspiration, creative applications, and modifications.
Please note: My observations in this article are based on the mainstream massage shops in Dubai which is where most sessions take place. Of course, even in those shops you will find exceptions in the form of gifted therapists, but they are rare.
Just to make this clear, I am not saying that traditional Thai Massage is an inferior system. What I am saying is that a good system can sometimes be made even better by evolving and expanding the traditional style.
The world is evolving and changing, and so can Thai Massage. We can always learn more and become more creative, intuitive, and flexible. If tradition gets in the way of this, then it is a label that we do not have to hold onto.
Water Spa Nahda offers a large selection of Thai Massage online courses. The training is highly detailed, easy to follow, and guaranteed to work. Our unique online training programs represent a true evolution in Thai Massage and will take your skills to a whole new level.
