The study size was small, so more research needs to be done to confirm these results.
6 Science-Supported Benefits of Thai Massage
Thai massage, which originated in India, has been around for over 2,500 years. Originally regarded as a healing art, traditional Thai massage includes influences from both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.
Unlike typical Western-type massages, it doesn’t involve lying on a massage bed while a massage therapist applies oil to your body and kneads your muscles and pressure points.
Instead, you lie fully clothed on a mat on the ground while a practitioner uses stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques to relieve tension, promote relaxation, and improve flexibility and circulation.
Sometimes referred to as assisted yoga, Thai massage is focused on improving the flow of energy throughout your body.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the science-backed benefits of traditional Thai massage and what to expect if you opt for this type of massage.
Thai massage can benefit your health in numerous ways, many of which are supported by scientific studies.
Below, we explore six key benefits that are supported by research.
If you have migraine or experience tension headaches, traditional Thai massage may help ease your symptoms.
In several small studies involving patients with chronic headaches, researchers found that Thai massage reduced the intensity of both migraine and tension headaches.
If you’re interested in trying nonpharmaceutical remedies for headache relief, it’s worth noting that researchers concluded that the benefits of Thai massage could last anywhere from several days to around 15 weeks.
Thai massage may be an effective, nonpharmaceutical means of reducing back pain.
Researchers in Thailand studied the effects of Thai massage on a group of 120 people with nonspecific low back pain. Half the test group was treated with Thai massage and the rest with other conservative management techniques that included joint mobilization (a technique that involves applying pressure), hot packs, and manual stretching to painful areas.
Both groups were treated twice a week for 4 weeks, and both groups had significant pain relief.
Other studies have found that Thai massage reduces back pain associated with trigger points — tight, painful muscle clusters — in the upper back.
Thai massage may improve your joint function if you experience pain and stiffness when you move.
In one study, researchers employed a program of Thai massage combined with wand exercises to study the effects on people with knee arthritis. The researchers found that the study participants felt less pain and walked with greater ease after the 8-week program.
In another study involving 60 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, researchers found that 3 weeks of Thai massage provided the same pain relief as 3 weeks of ibuprofen.
If your range of motion and flexibility are affecting your athletic performance or making it hard to get around, Thai massage may help you move more easily.
Thirty-four soccer players were part of an experiment to test the effects of Thai massage on athletic performance. After receiving Thai massage three times in a 10-day period, the soccer players showed significant improvement in their ability to do sit-and-reach exercises.
Researchers hypothesize that the increase in flexibility may be because Thai massage has the ability to improve blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles. This, in turn, may help reduce pain and decrease muscle adhesions.
The researchers also found that the Thai massage treatments improved the players’ speed and agility on the field.
One of the most appealing aspects of massage therapy is the sense of calm and relaxation it can bring.
Although Thai massage is more energetic than other forms of massage therapy, it has been shown to lower anxiety and increase a systemic feeling of calm.
Studies have found that people who receive Thai massage test lower on measures of psychological stress following treatment.
Brain scans of people who received Thai massage treatments showed more relaxation and much lower anxiety than people who underwent physical therapy treatments for the same conditions.
Thai massage incorporates whole body movements, many of which are yoga-like. For that reason, many people report that they leave Thai massage sessions feeling not only relaxed but also rejuvenated.
In one study, researchers compared the effects of Thai massage and Swedish massage on people who were fatigued.
They interviewed the participants after their massages and found that those who had Thai massage felt mentally invigorated and physically energized.
The study size was small, so more research needs to be done to confirm these results.
In a traditional Thai massage, practitioners use their hands, thumbs, elbows, forearms, and sometimes even their feet to reduce tension in your muscles.
Thai massage is based on the idea that energy moves through your body along predictable lines or pathways known as sens.
To increase the flow of energy along the sens, the practitioner will move your body into yoga-like positions in addition to pulling and rocking your body in various ways.
The combination of stretching, movement, and pressure is what distinguishes Thai massage from other types of massage.
Thai massage may be a good option for you if you want a more active type of massage, where you move and participate instead of lying down throughout your massage.
With Thai massage, you can wear your own loose-fitting clothes, or the practitioner may have you change into scrub-like garments — a loose cotton top and drawstring pants. You keep your clothes on throughout the massage.
Typically, you’ll lie on a mat or massage mattress on the floor, not on a massage table. Once on the mat, your practitioner will slowly move your body through multiple stretches, using the weight and pressure of their body to assist you.
Unlike a Swedish massage, oil isn’t used and your muscles typically aren’t kneaded. Instead, the practitioner will use their hands, thumbs, elbows, and knees to stretch, pull, and rock different parts of your body. They may even sit on you to stretch you into certain positions.
Some types of stretches may involve going through yoga-like movements with the practitioner holding or pulling you to maintain a pose.
If your muscles are sore or tense, you may feel some discomfort. If you do, let your practitioner know so the pressure and stretching can be reduced.
If you have an injury, or some part of your body is particularly sensitive to pain, be sure to let the practitioner know before they start the massage session.
Because Thai massage has profound effects on your circulatory system, make sure you check with your doctor before you schedule a massage, especially if you have:
- heart disease or coronary artery disease
- high blood pressure
- conditions that affect your spine, including osteoporosis and neurological diseases
- diabetes
- recent surgery
- open wounds
- cancer
Thai massage isn’t recommended for pregnant women.
In addition, medical experts recommend that you avoid massage if you have:
- bleeding disorders
- deep vein thrombosis
- burns
- thrombocytopenia
Thai massage is an ancient practice with many benefits that are supported by modern science. It may reduce the severity of your headaches, decrease lower back and joint pain, increase your flexibility, calm your anxieties, and energize your mind and body.
Thai massage isn’t a passive treatment. Your practitioner will move you through a gradual series of yoga-like positions in addition to working on the tension in your muscles.
Thai massage may not be safe for everyone. If you have an underlying health condition, be sure to find out from your doctor if this traditional form of massage is safe for you.
Last medically reviewed on July 14, 2020
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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10.1016/j.ctim.2012.02.002 - Buttagat V, et al. (2016). Short-term effects of traditional Thai massage on electromyogram, muscle tension, and pain among patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points. DOI:
10.1016/j.ctim.2016.07.004 - Chatchawan U, et al. (2014). Effects of Thai traditional massage on pressure pain threshold and headache intensity in patients with chronic tension-type and migraine headaches. DOI:
10.1089/acm.2013.0176 - Chiranthanut N, et al. (2014). Thai massage, and Thai herbal compress versus oral ibuprofen in symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled trial. DOI:
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10.12659/MSMBR.894343
Benefits of Thai Massage
Thai massage is a form of therapeutic touch that differs in many ways from traditional massage. Instead of a massage table, you lie on a mat on the floor while the provider manipulates your body in certain ways to stimulate organs and improve flexibility.
Thai massage is part of traditional Thai medicine. Similar to Chinese medicine, it works with the body’s energetic pathways. These are also called sen.
Other Names for Thai Massage
In the Thai language, the name for Thai massage is Nuad bo-rarn. Nuad means “massage.” Bo-rarn means “ancient.” So in Thailand, it is an ancient massage. Some also translate it as “ancient healing way.”
The History of Thai Massage
Much of the history of Thai massage is a mystery. Many records about it have been destroyed over time. It’s possible that the tradition of Thai massage was primarily passed down orally for centuries.”
Many historians agree that it started at least 2,500 years ago. They attribute its start to an Indian doctor, Shivago Komarpaj, also called Jivaka Buccha Komar. He is known throughout Asia as “Father Doctor”.
Shivago Komarpaj was a colleague of the Buddha. He helped to spread traditional medicinal practices throughout southern Asia. Over the years, with foreign influences, Thai massage has developed into a popular holistic health tradition that includes aspects of yoga, Ayurveda, and Chinese medicine.
How Is Thai Massage Different From Other Forms of Massage?
In most forms of massage, the practitioner uses their hands and sometimes other objects to relax and manipulate your muscles. You lie on a massage table, switching between face-down and face-up. In Thai massage, however, you lie on a mat on the floor.
You can leave your clothes on for a Thai massage. It’s important to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to move in. With other forms of massage, you typically remove all or most of your clothing.
Thai massage practitioners move your limbs around to stretch joints and gently massage key areas of the body according to traditional Thai medicinal theory.
The Benefits of Thai Massage
Increased range of motion. Thai massage combines compression, acupressure, and passive stretching. These increase the range of motion in your joints and muscles. This can also improve your posture.
Helps with back pain. Thai massage tends to focus on areas that can contribute to back pain, like the inner thigh and abdomen. However, if you have constant back pain, it’s best to visit a doctor before getting any type of massage.
Reduces headache intensity. One study showed that nine sessions of traditional Thai massage in a 3-week period can reduce painful headaches in people who have chronic tension headaches or migraines.
Lowers stress. In another study, researchers showed that Thai massage reduced stress, especially when combined with plenty of rest.
Helps stroke patients. A 2012 study suggests that stroke patients who get Thai massage regularly may be better able to recover the ability to do daily activities. They may also have lower pain levels and sleep better.
Other benefits of Thai massage may include:
- Better sleep
- Better relaxation
- Improved digestion
- Calm mind or increased mindfulness
Risks of Thai Massage
There are a few potential risks of Thai massage, just like any form of massage. It may cause changes in your heart rate. This could be harmful if you have a heart condition. There is also a small risk of injury to muscles or bones from a rough massage.
However, for most people, Thai massage is not only harmless, it can be helpful. Be sure to visit a licensed practitioner to lower the risk of injury from a Thai massage.
Each state has different requirements, but most want a minimum of 500 hours of training for someone to become a licensed massage therapist. This shows that they have the knowledge to safely help you feel better and improve your overall well-being.
Show Sources
amta: “Thai Massage: Foundation and Basic Principles.”
ancient science of life: “Thai traditional massage: Issues causing possible adverse effects.”
Institute of Thai Massage: “BENEFITS OF THAI MASSAGE,” “WHAT IS NUAD BO-RARN?”
Journal of alternative and complementary medicine: “Effects of Thai traditional massage on pressure pain threshold and headache intensity in patients with chronic tension-type and migraine headaches.”
La’James College: “Massage Therapy State-by-State Requirements.”
MEDICAL SCIENCE MONITOR BASIC RESEARCH: “Immediate Effects of Traditional Thai Massage on Psychological Stress as Indicated by Salivary Alpha-Amylase Levels in Healthy Persons.”
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