What Is Thai Massage?

Stretch, Breathe, and Open Your Body

Thai massage is an ancient healing practice that blends assisted stretching, rhythmic pressure, and mindful movement to release tension and restore balance in the body. Sometimes called “lazy person’s yoga,” it’s an active and energizing experience that leaves you feeling more open, aligned, and deeply relaxed.

Thai Massage stretch

 

🕉️ Where Thai Massage Comes From

Ancient History

Thai massage has roots in both Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, with influences that date back over 2,500 years. It was originally practiced by monks as part of a holistic system of healing, and it continues to be a deeply respected form of bodywork in Thailand today. Unlike Western massage styles that are often focused on muscle tissue alone, Thai massage also works with energy lines (called “sen”) to help the body heal on multiple levels—physical, energetic, and emotional.

Modern Popularity

Thai massage is growing in popularity as more people turn to stretch therapy and holistic recovery. The modern person is looking for more solutions to tension and pain, and seeking natural, grounded solutions. Thai massage offers more than just relaxation—it helps improve mobility, posture, and body awareness. With guided stretching and breathwork, it supports the whole body in a natural, effective way.

💪 Who Thai Massage Is Good For

Thai massage is great for:

Because it involves assisted stretching and gentle compression, Thai massage is especially effective for people who want a more dynamic experience than traditional table massage offers.

🧘 What to Expect in a Thai Massage Session

Thai massage is performed fully clothed, on a comfortable mat on the floor. The therapist will use their hands, feet, knees, and body weight to move you through a series of stretches and apply rhythmic pressure to different areas of the body. There’s no oil or lotion involved.

You might start lying face up or down, but throughout the session you’ll move through different positions—similar to yoga poses—while your therapist supports and guides your body. It’s relaxing, but also energizing, as your whole body is gently opened and lengthened.

🌿 Looking for Thai Massage in Austin, TX?

At Neu Release Massage, we integrate Thai massage techniques into our signature Neu Release™ service—combining it with deep tissue, myofascial work, barefoot Ashiatsu style massage, and assisted stretching for a powerful full-body reset. If you’re looking for a modern, intuitive take on Thai massage in Austin, this is a great place to start.

🌟 What Makes Neu Release™ Even Better

At Neu Release Massage, we build on the best of Thai massage—and take it further. Our signature technique blends the stretching, flow, and breath of Thai massage with deep, barefoot pressure using the therapist’s feet, creating an experience that is both powerful and soothing.

Using aerial silks for balance instead of bars, our therapists can apply broad, even pressure in a way that hands and elbows can’t match. The result is deep release without the sharp or pokey feeling often associated with deep tissue work. It feels grounding, fluid, and incredibly effective—especially for clients who like strong, intentional touch.

Neu Release™ is perfect for you if:

Maia Spertus LMT

Maia Spertus is a Licensed Massage Therapist in Austin Texas, with a background of experience in Medical Massage, Sports Recovery, Trigger Point release, as well as the traditional practices of Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage. Through her experience working with people suffering from chronic pain, active athletes, as well as desk jockeys, she is an expert in helping people feel the best in their bodies. She is also a trained yoga teacher, and avid fitness enthusiast herself.