Each culture has created its own type of massage, because the ritual is highly dependent on the location of the region, way of life, traditions and philosophy. So, Chinese is based on meridians and vital points, Thai – on energy channels and their blocks, Indian – on the balance of three doshas…
It’s easy to get confused. It is good that all eastern techniques have much in common, since the cultures of these countries have developed in parallel to each other over many millennia. But there are, of course, differences. Our review will help you choose the one that suits you perfectly.
In the East, the art of massage is treated with great scrupulousness. It is part of the traditional medicine of many countries, as well as culture and even the daily routine. For example, in Tibet, children from childhood are taught the basics of acupuncture so that if necessary they can relieve pain or cope with anxiety.
How is Indian relaxation different from Thai or Tibetan? We understand the mysteries of oriental culture together with here
However, the approaches to this wonderful action in the East are very different from the usual for us. If the basis of Western massage is the anatomical structure of a person: muscles, bones, joints, then the eastern one takes into account the flow of energy and biologically active points.
In Europe, it is done on those parts of the body where there are pathologies (for example, with back pain), and the gurus of oriental medicine consider the body as a whole. As a result, the whole body is healed and harmonized.
Indian Ayurvedic Massage
According to Ayurveda, health is a delicate balance of three forms of biological energy – the dosha of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. When this system is broken, a person can easily get sick. Ayurvedic beauty ritual helps maintain them in harmony. The balance of the elements is also important. Vata corresponds to the Wind, which is responsible for everything that moves in our body: for example, blinking or blood circulation. Pitta is Fire; it regulates the digestion, vision, and condition of our skin. Kapha – Water, its lack is manifested in an increase in weight and drowsiness.
Indian massage uses various oils, powders, healing rice and is never performed without these products. Ayurveda believes that this way you can completely avoid unpleasant sensations. Oils, of course, are selected individually. Most commonly used are sesame, coconut and castor. But any others can be applied, the master selects them in accordance with the needs of the client.
Classical Ayurvedic massage is a ritual that is performed to a quiet, melodic music in a cozy atmosphere of subdued light and exotic aromas. Direct contact of the palms with the human body is also necessary, unlike some oriental massages, where you do not need to take off your clothes. It all starts with washing the feet and lightly rubbing the head and shoulders, during which thoughts gradually calm down.
Having felt that you have relaxed, the massage therapist will offer you to move to a table made of neem (this is a special breed of wood with antiseptic and medicinal properties), and the action itself begins. It is performed synchronously in four hands. Gently and confidently, specialists work out all parts of the body – from the feet to the auricles.
If you want to fully experience the oriental flavor, ask a specialist to perform a sacrament called Navar. Bags with warm rice boiled in milk with herbs are used for it. The masseur intensively massages the body with them until the rice cools down. It relieves joint pain, helps with rheumatism and osteochondritis. There is also a special procedure that can remove fluid stagnation and break down fat after New Year’s feasts. This joy of the body is called massage with medicinal powder Go.
And thrill lovers will surely enjoy foot massage, which allows you to work out the deep layers of muscle tissue. He is advised to recover from injuries and relieve chronic pain, and he is also recommended for people with a large physique and professional athletes.
Tibetan massage
Tibetan doctors combined different systems and schools, exchanging knowledge with masters from India and China – as a result, a completely new direction was obtained. For example, Ayurvedic massage always takes place on a special table, and Tibetan massage on the floor. Unlike Indian, during which oils with a small amount of additional components are used, mixtures of many preparations are used for Tibetan. They may include up to a thousand plant substances, minerals, wild animal fat and spices.
The attitude to spices in Tibet is very serious. It is believed that this is also a medicine, and the approach to them is strict. Often, nutmeg, black and green cardamom, saffron and Sichuan pepper are added to the mixture.
Features of the cold high-mountain climate also introduced a variety of techniques for heating energy points into ancient techniques. Traditionally, steam, smoke and oil bags from medicinal plants are used for this.
An important part of the procedure is the diagnosis of human health by heart rate. The doctor thus identifies deviations from the balance of vital principles and prescribes the type of massage, composition of oil, spices or warming up to the patient.
The concept of healing is based on the fact that on the human body there are about seventy-five points, which are projections of internal organs. For example, clicking on a point that is located in a specific place on the spine can improve the work of the heart. The Tibetan ritual cures chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, strengthens eyesight, restores sleep, slows down the aging process. Grass pouches act especially gently on energy points.
During the procedure, dead skin particles are exfoliated, the function of sweat and sebaceous glands improves and venous congestion is eliminated. A massage with smooth black volcanic stones (by the way, one of the oldest in Tibet) is good for relaxing tired muscles. When you rush into shopping, order it in the menu of spa procedures.
Chinese massage
It underlies most of the eastern systems. The monks used Chinese massage to maintain spiritual and physical health, and his techniques were passed down from generation to generation. For it, natural oils are used, for example, almond and jojoba. If people are allergic to them, the master applies hypoallergenic powder, as his hands must necessarily slip. The sacrament relieves stress and stimulates blood circulation, helps with headaches and lower back pain, insomnia and chronic fatigue.
The technique includes stroking, rubbing, tingling, kneading, as well as the technique of acupressure. In general, you will not get bored. Of course, as in the Tibetan version, acupressure is in use here, but its meaning is slightly different. The Chinese believe that biologically active points can be of several types: “points of harmony” (normalize the flow of energy), “stimulating” (activate organs and systems), “calming points” (relieve tension).
In addition, each organ has a “signal point” that is used to quickly relieve pain. And do not forget about the popular rubbing of the feet in China. They even say in the country: “Foot massage is health.” Doctors are sure that you need to perform it in the morning and evening. The fact is that up to seventy thousand nerve endings are concentrated on the sole! So a specialist can influence any organ
Thai massage
According to legend, this massage was invented by Shiuga Komparay, Buddha’s personal physician. He was guided by Ayurvedic medicine, but his version is so original that it is quite difficult to find similar features. Sometimes the Thai ritual is even called yoga for the lazy, and there are many reasons for this. To begin with, both the patient and the master are dressed in clothes made of light natural material during the procedure.
In addition, the specialist does not use any oils and creams. It is believed that only in this case can the maximum effect be achieved. The session lasts at least two hours, which is quite comparable to a yoga lesson: during this time, the massage therapist manages to “understand” the client’s body and thoroughly work it out. Don’t be silent! If you are in pain or discomfort, you should immediately report it. The procedure itself takes place on the mat as follows:
What is the connection between Thai massage and Ayurveda? The fact is that it is based on the doctrine of the flows of vital energy permeating the human body. For him, ten lines are important called Sen Sip, which run from the area around the navel. This area on the stomach is given special attention. Thai massage is especially good when you need to recover from an injury or sprain. But also it will help with fatigue and overwork, to improve the digestive system. And in general, this is a great way to relax and tone the body before the festive bustle.
So, if your eyes are wide and you want everything at once, we advise you to stop at one oriental massage (naturally, the one that you liked most). The course of these heavenly procedures will magically balance your thoughts – so don’t waste your time in vain.
