We live in a hectic world, the days go by unnoticed and although, everyone knows that the little things in life are important, they somehow remain in the background. Pushed out because of our daily tasks and lack of free time. People have lost the ability to relax. Even when the workday is over, our minds are still occupied with work, thus the body can not rest properly. For this reason, more and more eastern techniques for relaxation are gaining popularity in the western world. They aim to deeply affect not only the body but the mind too. When the energy does not run properly through the body, it accumulates stress and unlocks many diseases.
What leads to stress:
According to a research in Bulgaria, more than 1 million Bulgarians are being under stress. The most affected are young and active people because of their intense lifestyle. People do not perceive stress seriously and do not take enough time for themselves, they do not engage in hobbies and do not spend enough time outside, playing sports. One of the key indicators of how stressed are Bulgarians is the rising of aggression and nervousness. People are getting annoyed by insignificant things, leading to nervous outbursts in public. The stress affects our bodies and mind in much deeper, biochemical level. It is not a disease, but a defensive reaction of the body to say that something bad is happening - a natural way our body tells us that we should slow down and relax.
Symptoms of the stress are:
- Physiological - headache, indigestion, fatigue, palpitations, susceptibility to allergies, frequent pain in the spine and neck, increased sweating, frequent colds, sudden changes in weight, muscle tightness, shortness of breath, periodontal problems, increased acidity in the stomach, dry mouth, poor sleep, nightmares, skin problems, abnormal heart rhythm and frequency, angina, dizziness, increased blood pressure, numbness of the limbs.
- Cognitive - indecisiveness, memory loss, weakened alertness, loss of initiative, constant negative thoughts, mental disorders, inability to make decisions, decreased concentration, blocking of thoughts, wandering thoughts.
- Emotional - annoyance, anxiety, suspiciousness, pessimistic mood, negative thoughts, depression, pressure, anger attacks, sarcasm, loss of confidence, a sense of alienation and isolation, low self-esteem, a feeling of total dissatisfaction, indifference, irritability, cynicism, insecurity, lack of perspective, mood swings.
- Behavioral - usage of alcohol, medications, and opiates, lack of appetite or increased appetite, impulsive behavior, hypersensitivity to criticism, low labor efficiency, increased smoking, increased conflict situations, bad time management, untidy appearance, antisocial behavior.
If we do not take measures against stress, it can develop into a chronic condition. Experts believe that stress is the most dangerous disease of the 21st century because it leads to a number of serious diseases.
- Heart problems - stress increases heart rate and blood pressure thus causing cholesterol secretion and triglycerides in the blood, which can lead to obesity, and even heart attack.
- Skin problems - stress is the key for many skin diseases such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis.
- Asthma - children of stressed parents are more prone to asthma.
- Diabetes - extreme mood changes lead to a sharp rise in blood sugar, which may trigger diabetes.
- Stomach problems - stress activates the production of gastrointestinal juices, which damages the gastric mucosa and leads to the emergence of ulcers and gastritis.
- Reproductive problems - stress is the key reason for the increasing amount of young adults who can not have children.
- Alzheimer's - though stress is not proven yet to affect the occurrence of the disease, it can cause the faster development of the symptoms. This applies equally to many other diseases.
Stress is everywhere, so we need to know how to step back from it and relax. One of the most effective ways for this is massage.
How does the Thai Massage help?
Thailand is called the "Land of Smiles" because there are some of the most smiling and welcoming people on the planet, something that is rare in the Western culture because stress makes people more absorbed, coldhearted and selfish.
What is Thai Massage?
Thai massage is an ancient healing system from more than 2,500 years ago. In Thailand, it is known as Nuad Bo-rarn - a spiritual practice which treats the body and the soul. A combination of art, movement, and meditation. Therapy for the whole consciousness.
The History of Thai Massage
Thai massage is a mix of massage techniques, yoga, acupressure, meditation and reflexology. The legends say that it was found by a friend and personal physician of the Buddha. Unfortunately, most of the recorded history of Thai massage was lost in 1767 during the Burmese attack in Ayutthia. There were records that survived and were inscribed in the Sala Moh Nuat, a massage pavillion in Bangkok. Thai massage continued to evolve over the years by Buddhist monks. The spiritual aspect is why Thai massage was preserved during the centuries. It is one of four branches of traditional Thai treatments.
Characteristics of Thai massage:
Specific for the Thai medicine is that the meridians of the human body are 10 and not 14 as accepted in Chinese medicine, for example. Like most eastern practices based on Thai massage, the goals is to unlock energy blockages in the body through a series of therapeutic movements. It is assumed that the key points in the human body are 72 000, and are also called "sen" points. 10 of them are major and to them is applied a series of pressure to unlock the flow of energy and restore balance in the body. The result is improving the movement of lymphatic fluid, blood, releases the toxins and helps to fully cleanse the body. Thai practice has two varieties: northern (Chen May) and South (Bangkok). The first is considered lighter and more relaxing, while the second is faster and much more intense. In Thailand, more popular is the southern variant, while the northern is well accepted in the West.
Here are some of the beneficial effects of Thai massage:
- It increases flexibility and mobility of the body
- Removes muscle pain and muscle spasms
- Improves posture
- Calms the nervous system and produces a sense of deep relaxation, while increasing energy levels of body
- Helps the body to recover from emotional tension
- Stimulates circulation and drainage of lymph fluid
- Stimulates proper secretion of internal organs
- Relieves fatigue, swollen limbs, painful joints and headache
Unlike other massage techniques in classical Thai massage, the patient, and Thai therapists are fully dressed. The masseur uses his own body to massage without other supporting things like stones and weights. Only his arms, hands and feet to apply pressure and stretching to the body of the patient. Another typical for Thai massage thing is that the patient lies on a massage table or a special mat / rug on the ground. Thai massage may seem painful, but actually, it is not. Applied by specialists, it brings only a sense of relief, and relaxation, helping to improve concentration and relieve stress.
How does Thai massage work?
- Part 1 body warming - Thai massage always begins with the preparation of the body for the treatment, it start with a warm-up and stretching of the ligaments by acting on the energy points on the hips.
- Part 2 stretching - in that part of Thai massage, the therapist focuses on stretching the spine , one of the places with the most energy blockages in the body.
- Part 3 works on the whole body - The patient lies on his stomach, while the therapist pulls the shoulders back.
- Part 4 relax - The last part of Thai massage is dedicated to reaching new energy blockages and their release, in order to achieve a complete state of relaxation and stress elimination.
What briefly is Thai massage?
- It is an ancient natural therapy that may help to reduce some of your ailments.
- It has been practiced for over 2500 years.
- It is performed on mat or futon mattress.
- It works on the energy lines
- It focuses on muscles, joints and even massages your stomach, head, fingers, toes, and ears.
- It helps promotes circulation, health & Well-being.
- It involves yoga technique.
- It helps to increase muscular flexibility.
- It helps you to become stronger.
- It relaxes your entire body.
- The effect of Thai massage is visible immediately, but regular practice gives long lasting effect on the overall improvement of the body and the mind.
