THE ORIGINS OF MASSAGE
The earliest known text in Chinese dates from 2700 BC. C. and was entitled “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic Book of Internal Medicine.” It was first published in English in 1949 and remained a staple of massage therapy training. Massage became widespread in Europe during the Renaissance, and the original techniques considered by Per Henrik Ling developed the basis of Swedish massage in the early 19th century. His work was refined by a Dutchman named Johan Georg Mezger, who created today’s basic hand movements associated with Swedish massage. Swedish massage was introduced to the United States in the 1850s by two American medical gymnasts who had spent time in Sweden and completed a two-year program at the Royal Central Institute.
Although massage fell out of favor in the 1930s and 1940s due to scientific and technological advances, people’s interest in the practice revived in the 1970s, particularly among athletes.
Health Benefits of Massage
Massage has many health benefits, some of which can be felt after just one treatment. Pain relief from musculoskeletal injuries is one of its main benefits and why massage has become so popular among athletes. It is usually felt after the first session, and regular treatments can help with chronic injuries, particularly in the lower back, neck, and shoulders. There are several theories about the causes of the positive effects of massage. And it was remodeling, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, preventing fibrosis or scar tissue, and stimulating the release of endorphins.
Studies are still being conducted to confirm some of these theories, but the fact is that massage is more relaxing.
WHERE TO GET A MASSAGE ON KOH TAO
After hours of traveling and sitting on planes, buses, and boats, arriving on the tiny island of Koh Tao is a time to treat yourself and get a massage. Koh Toa has many massage spots to choose from, and each site has different offerings, but all have Thai massages. Something to remember is that Thai massages are a little different than what you’re probably used to at home, and I’m not just talking about the happy endings. The first thing you should know about Thai massage is that it is an ancient practice that began as a Buddhist tradition over 2,500 years ago and is considered an essential part of health, just like proper diet and exercise. Thai people take their massage very seriously.
The second thing you should know is that a Thai massage differs from the typical Swedish massage you are used to. Most likely, you are in a large room with other people, have a mat on the floor, keep your clothes on, or the masseuse is giving you loose clothing to wear. The actual massage is also much more intense than a normal one. It’s a combination of yoga and massage and will train you. Sometimes it can be awkward and uncomfortable, but if you stick with it, you’ll feel great afterward.
Royal Thai Massage
Royal Thai Massage is consistently rated as one of the best places on Koh Tao to get a massage, and for a good reason; it’s conveniently located up the road from the pier, offers a variety of services, its prices are excellent, and its massage rooms are air-conditioned, which is a big plus. Their massage therapists are contractors, so you may have to wait a few minutes for the receptionist to call someone to pick you up, but I’ve only delayed 5 minutes. You don’t have to worry about making an appointment, and I always walk there.
Paradise Massage – Sairee Beach
Paradise Massage is located on Brick Road in Sairee, and you can walk right past it if you need to be more careful. The building is right on the beach, and you can listen to the sound of the waves crashing on the sand while you relax and exercise. I also got the best Thai massage here! It was amazing. The masseuse was friendly and always ensured I was okay with the pressure.
They are also fully staffed, so a masseuse will be waiting for you as soon as you enter.
