While the Western world has only realized the benefits of massage in the last few decades, Asian countries have been developing and practicing numerous forms of body massage for centuries upon centuries. Most of the world’s best-known massage techniques come from the continent, and it’s still the best place to go if you want to experience a truly rejuvenating massage. That being said, thanks to a number of luxury spa hotels and start-ups, it is now possible to enjoy various types of Asian massage all over the world.

Thai massage

Known as ‘nuat phaen boran’ (meaning the old-fashioned massage), Thai massage is probably the most frequently administered massage in the world. A simple but invigorating set of practices, it usually involves the client lying on the floor while a masseuse works on the client’s limbs and joints. Thai massage does not use oil; his philosophy is almost yogic, believing that the body retains air along special pathways that need to be facilitated to improve flexibility and general well-being.

ayurvedic massage

Ayurvedic massage also uses yogic theory, although, unlike Thai massage, it uses oils – Ayurvedic oils. Ayurvedic oils are organic substances that have been used efficiently in India for centuries to treat various bodily ailments. The massage is based on a series of manual movements, each designed to relax muscle fibers while Ayurvedic oils eradicate toxins. It is particularly common in luxury spa hotels in South India.

Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu massage originates from Japan, where it has been widely practiced for more than two thousand years. Unlike Thai and Ayurvedic massage, it contains little friction and instead concentrates more on targeted pressure points. The fingers and especially the thumbs are applied to points on the body that are related to the central nervous system, with the general objective of allowing the body to correct its own inharmonies of energy flow. Acupuncture and Shiatsu are closely related practices.

Tui Na Massage

This Chinese massage technique is a practical treatment that, like Shiatsu, tries to manipulate the flow of energy in the body. Through brushes, knees, pressure and rubbing, the masseuse opens the client’s joints, so that the body moves more easily. The exercises can be rigorous: clients typically wear loose-fitting clothing to prevent skin from chafing from friction. Tui Na is considered an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine.