During a Thai massage, the whole body is treated to kneading, manipulation, stretching, and very active involvement with the masseuse. The masseuse uses elbows, knees, hands and feet to apply the massage, providing both stimulation and relaxation.

Thai massage shares with other Asian healing practices the concept of energy lines that run throughout the body. These are called ‘meridians’ in Chinese medicine, ‘nadis’ in Indian medicine, and ‘sen’ in Thai. Traditional Thai massage focuses on 10 points along the sen lines that contain important energy points. In the northern style of Thai massage there are a lot of stretching movements, while the southern style emphasizes acupressure.

In Thai massage, the recipient wears loose clothing and lies on a mat on the floor. The massage practitioner leans on the recipient's body using hands and usually straight forearms locked at the elbow to apply firm, rhythmic pressure. The practitioner sometimes uses legs and feet as well. Oil is not used in traditional Thai massage.

A full Thai massage session typically lasts two hours and includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body. This may include pulling fingers, toes and ears; cracking knuckles; walking on the recipient's back; and manipulating the recipient into yoga stretching poses. There is a standard procedure followed in Thai massage that is adjusted according to the length of time requested.

Traditional Thai massage has been used for centuries to treat muscle and joint pain, cramps, numbness, loss of strength and function, allergies and emotional stress and tension. It is used now to help treat a wide variety of ailments that include headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, sciatica, low back pain, diabetes, menstrual pain and more.