Notes

A Full Body Massage: The Benefits
Traditional Burmese Massage (also known as Myanmar Massage or Burmese Touch) is heavily influenced by Indian, Thai, Chinese and Tibetan techniques and concepts that are designed to improve general health. Traditionally, no oils, creams, lotions or pastes are employed during a Burmese massage therapy session, but it is important to note that it does depend on the particular region in Myanmar in which the massage is administered and the way in which the massage is delivered. The usual Burmese massage is warm, short focused, and designed for relaxation. Any massage should help clients calm down, relieve tension increasing flexibility and range as well as lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. It can also improve mental performance, rejuvenate and restore the body, ease stress and alleviate muscular spasms and muscle discomfort. It is the main goal of massage to bring the state of relaxation and calm that helps clients recover faster from the effects of stress.

We have learned to adapt traditional Myrtle or chamomile massage techniques to various cultures and needs in western countries such as the USA, Japan, Canada and Australia. Massage is not than a sacred activity in countries of the east like Myanmar. My experience with Burmese massage, Thailand massage or any other type of massage has been regular over the course of practicing Thai massage. It was developed by a group students from the Far East, who come from the lineage of traditional massage professionals who were called the "Druk Yai." This practice is not as diverse as the other types of massages that are used across Thailand. It does have its own healing methods and benefits.


As an Asian massage practitioner who spent 6 years (and nights) in northern Thailand I did not experience the widespread use of the "Myrrh" that I have observed in much of the rest of Thailand. It is possible that the Thai language isn't equipped with the ability to accurately translate the word into English. I was a resident for two years in northern Myanmar so I have a wealth of knowledge about the practices of myrrh there. I have seen some changes over the years which I believe are connected to the shift away from myrrh-based healing to "herbal medical."

I believe that the deficiency of myrrh within the rest of Thailand is related to the wide acceptance of herbal or natural treatments. Most massages in Thailand are still focused on the use of gels, oils, creams and waxes. I believe this is because of the huge number of messages (masseurs) that are hired for massages. Many Thai massage spas still utilize oil-based treatments because they are considered "luxurious".

Many massaging spas in Thailand, including those located in northern Thailand have also embraced the concept of aromatherapy as well as oriental herbal medicine. These methods are being used throughout Europe as well as the United States and Canada. These traditional healing arts are not utilized in many Thai massaging spas. It is my opinion that this is due to the fact that these kinds of practices do not conform with the practices of larger, more conservatively run massage spas that are located in northern Thailand.

Traditional Burmese massages were a totally different experience from the western massages I'd been studying. This type, which I would call "Myanma" or "Myrobalan", involves gentle pressure applied to specific acupoints inside the body. It is typically done through Kneading. This technique makes use of lengthy strokes, which aren't common in Thai massage, in which the practitioner only uses one hand. I discovered that following the massage, my skin felt relaxed and I was able to rest the best way possible.

My research also led me to learn that the classic Burmese massage is usually accompanied with the consumption of a particular herbal concoction. Mistletoe, Brahmi, and Lavan are some of the most commonly used ingredients. While the herbology may differ in different locations however the intention is to create a sense of well-being. In addition to the traditional Burmese massage techniques, my research also revealed that in northern Thailand many massage therapists employ Ostrich feathers as well as ginseng to aid their clients who are having difficulties with muscle spasms caused by arthritis.

A full body massage is popular for its numerous advantages. It has a soothing affect on the body and mind. This was evident as soon as I received it. While the Thais would not call these techniques of full body massage as such, I can say that following the massage, I noticed a greater sense of energy and alertness. I experienced a feeling of peace that reached my whole body. I was able to accomplish my daily tasks with minimal stress and anxiety because of the simple techniques that my Myanmar massage therapist instructed me.

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