Massage Definitions

At Royal Orchid Thai Massage and Spa, we offer a serene and authentic Thai massage experience, as well as a variety of woman spa treatments, Swedish massage, and combination massages. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care and attention. Come escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and indulge in our luxurious spa services. Gift certificates are also available for those special occasions.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is a form of therapeutic touch that differs in many ways from traditional massage. Thai massage is part of traditional Thai medicine. Like Chinese medicine, it works with the body's energetic pathways in Thai called “Sen”. In the Thai language, the name for Thai massage is “Nuad bo-rarn” with Nuad means massage and Bo-rarn means "ancient so in Thailand, it is an ancient massage also translate it as "ancient healing way”. Much of the history of Thai Massage is a mystery and many records destroyed over time so it's possible that the tradition of Thai Massage primarily passed down orally for centuries. Many historians agree that Thai Massage started at least 2,500 years ago.

Thai massage is a form of therapeutic touch that differs in many ways from traditional massage and started at least 2,500 years ago.

In most forms of massage, the practitioner uses their hands and sometimes other objects to relax and manipulate your muscles. You lie on a massage table, switching between face-down and face-up.

However, in Thai Massage, instead of a massage table, you lie on a mat or firm mattress either on the floor or an elevated wooden platform. In addition, Thai Massage uses a “Walking Bar” which are poles or rods over the mattress or mat so that the Thai Masseuse can maintain their balance while “Walking on the Back”.

How Is Thai Massage Different from Other Forms of Massage?

In most forms of massage, the practitioner uses their hands and sometimes other objects to relax and manipulate your muscles. You lie on a massage table, switching between face-down and face-up.

The Benefits of Thai Massage (1)

From WebMD “Benefits of Thai Massage” July 02, 2023’

Increased range of motion. Thai massage combines compression, acupressure, and passive stretching. These increase the range of motion in your joints and muscles. This can also improve your posture.

Helps with back pain. Thai massage tends to focus on areas that can contribute to back pain, like the inner thigh and abdomen. However, if you have constant back pain, it’s best to visit a doctor before getting any type of massage.

Reduces headache intensity. One study showed that nine sessions of traditional Thai massage in a 3-week period can reduce painful headaches in people who have chronic tension headaches or migraines.

Lowers stress. In another study, researchers showed that Thai massage reduced stress, especially when combined with plenty of rest.

Helps stroke patients. A 2012 study suggested that stroke patients who get Thai massage regularly may be better able to recover the ability to do daily activities. They may also have lower pain levels and sleep better.

Other benefits of Thai massage may include:

Better sleep
Better relaxation
Improved digestion
Calm mind or increased mindfulness

Traditional Thai Massage

Traditional Thai Massage (also called Thai Yoga Massage) the recipient remains clothed during treatment and uses no oils or lotions. The recipient wears comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to move in. The traditional Thai massage is different from Western massages as it focuses on circulation and pressure points, which help promote internal health and heal many symptoms caused from cramped muscles. There is constant body contact between the Thai Masseuse and the customer, but rather than rubbing on muscles, the body compressed, pulled, stretched, and rocked. The Thai Masseuse positioned the customer in a variety of yoga-like positions during the massage and combined with deep static and rhythmic pressures. The legs and feet of the Thai Masseuse used to position the body or limbs of the customer. In other positions, hands fix the body, while the feet do the massaging. A full Thai massage session may last two hours and includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body. This may include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking knuckles, walking on the recipient's back, by palm-press, thumb-press, finger-press, and forearm-press in many different positions.

Hot Stone Massage

The Hot Stone Massage, the Massage Therapist places warmed stones on certain areas of the body, such as acupressure points. The stones may be used as massage tools or temporarily left in place. Used along with other massage techniques, hot stones can be quite soothing and relaxing as they transmit heat deep into the body.

Pregnancy Massage

During pregnancy, your body goes through major changes. Pregnancy massage can help with these changes by reducing stress, decreasing arm and leg swelling, and relieving muscle and joint pain. Massage may be particularly helpful during a time when medication and other medical options may be more limited. Using specially designed massage pillows, the massage therapist will help you get into a comfortable position for this type of massage.

Spa Treatment Body Scrub

Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells and built-up dirt from the skin's surface first practiced among the ancient Egyptians and Asia. This is a regular practice within the cosmetic industry, both for its outcome of promoting skin regeneration as well as providing a deep cleanse of the skin barrier. Exfoliants are advertised as treatments that enhance beauty and promote a youthful and healthy appearance. A full body scrub involves getting your body professionally cleaned from the neck down with special exfoliants, oils, and moisturizers. This is an intensely rejuvenating and relaxing experience that polishes your dull and tired skin and reveals the soft new skin that waits underneath. It's especially useful in reaching areas of your body like the middle of your back that may be challenging to scrub and exfoliate on your own. At the end of the treatment, your body is rinsed, moisturized, and you feel great

Couples Massage

A couples massage consists of two people enjoying massage therapy side by side in the same room, with separate beds, and the massages happen at the same time. Both people enjoy the shared experience, making it perfect for fostering connections while supporting mental and physical health. Couples’ massages tend to be transformative experiences that offer a gorgeous array of benefits. Many massage therapists offer more than one type of massage so choose what is best for you, and your partner may do the same. Though the name may fool you, a couples massage isn’t only for romantic partners as best friends, siblings, or any pair can stand to gain from sharing this form of self-care.

Quality Time An appointment helps foster a bond away from distraction, noise, and responsibilities.
Feel-good Hormones Massages can help your body release happy hormones like oxytocin and serotonin.
Pain Relief Firm, consistent pressure can help untangle knots, relieve tension, and increase lymphatic flow.
Increased Heart Health Massages are known to increase circulation, calm the heart, and lower blood pressure.

UNESCO added traditional Thai massage to its Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in December 2019.

“Benefits of Thai Massage” WebMD Editorial Contributors and Medically Reviewed by Gabriela Pichardo, MD on July 02, 2023’