Even though Thai Massage has been gaining significant attention and popularity in the western world due to its proven effectiveness, you still may be wondering: So, what exactly is a Thai massage?
The short answer: It is a modality performed fully clothed on a mat on the floor and without the use of creams or lotions. It involves assisted stretching, compressions, reflexology, and deep pressure along the energy lines of the body. Especially effective for joint mobilization, flexibility, increased circulation, and as a therapeutic addition to one’s health routine.
The long answer: It’s an ancient and beautiful practice of healing passed down in Thai culture and graciously shared with the western world. Also called Thai yoga massage, or Thai yoga therapy, here’s a little history and introduction to this amazing healing practice:
A Little History of Thai Massage..
Thai massage is both art and medicine–a vibrant and long-standing component of Thai culture. Traditional Thai Massage has a rich heritage with influences from Buddhism, Ayurveda, Yoga, Chinese Medicine, and Indigenous Thai medicine, which included similar practices to modern day chiropractic. In Thailand, it is practiced by common folk and high doctors alike. It is an integral part of the Thai medical system, and a formalized, medical practice is taught and incorporated in the treatment of all diseases, injuries, and medical conditions. Localized variations have also been passed down through generations of villagers who incorporate it into the daily wellness practice of most Thai people.
Jivaka kumarabhacca, the Father of Thai Medicine, and the doctor honored with the title as the founder of Thai massage, was also a private physician to the Buddha. He studied as an apprentice for seven years with the famous Indian physician, Atreya, who declared him a true physician after his famous final test. This is my favorite part of the story– He sent him off with the assignment to return with all plants that were not medicine. After much searching, he returned empty-handed, believing he had failed his teacher. Instead, his finding that all plants have medicinal value, gained him the highest reverence and blessings from his teacher to go forth and heal the world.
I would also like to honor the Reu-see, the Thai Buddhist spiritual ascetics, often described as a combination between a monk and a shaman. They were very influential in the development of Thai massage, credited with the development of self massage, assisted stretching techniques, and much of the science and protocol behind the practice. Unlike the monks who denounced worldly pleasures in lieu of the pursuit of enlightenment, the Reu-see are more like our conception of a shaman, a medicine man, a magician or wizard. The Reu-see live in harmony with nature and study science, mathematics, healing arts, and music. They are considered the holders of the natural laws and sciences. Often dwelling in the shadow of the woods and devoting their lives to healing others, to me the Reu-see symbolize the real magic of Thai Massage.
The Four Pillars of Thai Massage..
Metta –Loving Kindness
Karuna –Compassion
Mudita –Sympathetic Joy
Upekkha –Equanimity
What to Expect from a Thai Massage..
A Thai massage session can be both relaxing and invigorating, a combination of soothing movements, and deep, potentially even painful work (that “good kind of hurt”). The intensity of the session can be moderated based on your preference, needs, and goals. Like yoga, we can do a yang power session or a more yin, relaxing session.
During a Thai massage you can expect to have your body mobilized, stretched, moved, and compressed. As the therapist, I use hands, arms, knees, elbows, feet, sometimes even my head and yes, even my butt– (with your permission of course!), to maximize my effectiveness, pressure, and body weight. You may be assisted into positions that are unfamiliar to you.
Unlike many other massage modalities that focus on the muscles, Thai massage focuses on the connective tissue. We tend to work heavily on the spaces between the bones, tendons, and muscles– working the energy lines, the nervous system, and the fascia.
In a Thai massage session, therapeutic work follows the flow of energy, lom, along specific lines in the body called sen, (related to the Chinese meridians). Similar to Acupuncture and Shiatsu, when treating an injury or complaint, the therapist will work acupressure points and lines throughout the body. When an injury or blockage occurs along a given sen line, work along the entirety of that line yields the greatest therapeutic effects, even when it may sometimes seem unrelated.
What to Expect from a Massage with Me..
My massages are tailored to you and your needs. Every massage is a little different. I encourage feedback throughout the massage, especially if we are working through a specific injury or condition. I like for my sessions to be a dance between practitioner and client, with a bit of experimentation to find what works best for your particular body. What I love about Massage, and Thai massage in particular is the continued opportunity for learning, expansion and creativity. It’s a mutual exploration of your body and every body is different. I learn so much from every client, it’s such a joy to be a part of the healing journey. I do my very best to be fully present and listen to your needs both verbally and intuitively.
Let’s explore together and figure out what works best for you.
The Benefits of Thai Massage..
Research has shown that Thai massage can help:
- prevent bone degredation
- decrease stress levels
- treat back pain
- contribute to psychology well-being
In addition, Thai yoga massage helps to:
- increase flexibility
- increase mobility and range of motion at the joints
- accelerate and maintain sports recovery
- bolster the immune system
- improve circulation
- balance the nervous system and decrease tension
- improve the functioning of the heart, respiratory system, skin, and sinuses
Overall, the art of Thai massage balances the flow of energy in the body, helping to restore homeostasis and ignite the body’s ability to relax, rejuvenate, and heal.