The Effects of Tok Sen Massage Menu for Relaxation on Muscle Flexibility and Relaxation among Use of Received the Lanna Spa Service for Health Tourism

Abstract

In spas in northern Thailand, Tok Sen massage is one aspect of the wisdom of health care in northern communities; it stimulates better functioning of blood circulation, the lymphatic system, and the nervous system, while helping to relieve pain, stiffness, and fatigue in various body parts, due to muscle flexibility and relaxation. This study aimed to examine the effects of Tok Sen massage for relaxation on muscle flexibility and relaxation. A randomized controlled trial enrolled 80 persons who met the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate in the Lanna Spa Service for Health Tourism between January and March 2022. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=40) who received the Tok Sen massage for relaxation, and a control group (n=40) who were instructed to lie down in a comfortable environment without receiving a massage. Data were collected using a demographic form, a muscle flexibility record form, a relaxation assessment form, an automatic blood pressure and pulse monitor, a ruler, and the sit-and-reach tester. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Differences between groups were compared using Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, and the Mann-Whitney U test. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in the flexibility of the lower back muscles, hamstring muscles, hip muscles, shoulders, scapula, chest, and arm muscles (P < .01), and in relaxation (P < .001). The findings support the effectiveness of the Tok Sen massage menu on promoting muscle flexibility and relaxation. Keywords: Tok Sen massage, Muscle flexibility, Relaxation