Pros And Cons Of Thai Massage...

[CharlieH]

Do you even know where the femoral artery is and what is does ? it would appear not as your explanation is utter nonsense, you dont lower someones blood pressure by applying pressure to a main artery !!!

To save you looking it up, its feeds the lower extremeties of the body from approx the waist down. and the "fresh blood" comment is absurd unless they happen to be in the middle of a blood transfusion.

Sure I do and that's exactly where they are stopping your blood supply, what artery do you think it is?

I was just giving their supposed rationale for the practice, specifically stated that I wasn't taking any position about its validity, and finally, also went to the trouble of pointing out a possible danger for those with contraindications.

Please read more carefully before you post so indignantly.

I dont need to "think" anything which is why I specifically stated where it was and what it did.You should read more carefully.

[BigJohnnyBKK]

I dont need to "think" anything which is why I specifically stated where it was and what it did.You should read more carefully.

I've known for many decades exactly where that artery is located and what it does, thanks.

However if you're the one claiming I'm mistaken, which I'm entirely willing to entertain as possible, I would appreciate your sharing your superior knowledge with me if that's the case.

I understood your statement to mean that you were disputing that the artery which Thai masseurs press down on to halt your blood supply is the femoral artery.

Was that understanding wrong?

If not, then I'm asking you which artery do you claim it to be?

[yourauntbob]

I live for Thai massage. There is a shop not far from me that is only 100/hr and they have a really good staff. Dont know how I lived without them before I came here. It helps me, but its not a cure all or a wave of a wand.

Some shops are a bit rough and I dont hessitate to let them know when they are pushing on my spine.

[simon43]

I injured my lower back many years ago, (horse riding accident), and I find a Thai massage very beneficial. The greatest benefit is when the masseuse walks up and down my spine. (Clearly that's not a good idea if Khun Bessie Chang is the only masseuse on offer....). This back relief remedy is also why both wife and ex-wife weigh less than 40 Kg.

The only thing I don't like is when they try to twist my head off (I mean the masseuse, not my wife). Now that is scary!

Simon

[BigJohnnyBKK]

I injured my lower back many years ago, (horse riding accident), and I find a Thai massage very beneficial. The greatest benefit is when the masseuse walks up and down my spine. (Clearly that's not a good idea if Khun Bessie Chang is the only masseuse on offer....). This back relief remedy is also why both wife and ex-wife weigh less than 40 Kg.

The only thing I don't like is when they try to twist my head off (I mean the masseuse, not my wife). Now that is scary!

yes I agree on both counts

my kids have been trained to walk my back, I have to teach them to take turns and be gently otherwise they'd treat it like a trampoline 8-)

[McMagus]

There are some aspects of Thai massage which can be beneficial. Its closest relative in western style massage would probably be 'myofacial release' and Rolfing where deep pressure tends to roll the fascia (binding sheath in and around muscles) off the skeletal muscles. This is usually quite painful but can be beneficial and in trained hands, would be one of many modalities a professional masseur might use. My problem with the average Thai massage is the 'one size fits all' approach. As CharlieH has said I would never recommend a traditional Thai massage for sports injury especially if there is recent inflammation or swelling. My worry is for those people who might have varicose veins and the masseur (whether oil or Thai) then runs their hands away from the heart... as this is then putting excessive pressure on the valves in the veins. I will sometimes ask for a 1 hour strong oil massage followed by a 1 hour gentle Thai. But if I need a properly trained professional there is a Thai lady in Suk 20, trained in Australia who is good. Ha... I have a metal plate in my foot and when having a foot massage once, in my best Thai I told her ... 'Doctor put metal in foot, do not bend'... I showed her the scar etc etc... and then with a toothy grin she started bending my toe ... I'm sure I could feel the screws and little bolts popping.