Traditional Thai Yoga Massage
First we apply some acupressure, do some stretching, energize the
sen lines, apply rhythmic compression, more acupressure, more energy
line stimulation, more stretching etc. etc. for two hours or more.
From the tips of your toes to the top of your head, you are mashed,
prodded and stretched. Thai Yoga Massage is about balancing your
whole body so all the parts can work in harmony as their designer
intended. When the whole body is untangled and unblocked, energy
can flow to heal and give vigor and power.
Thai Yoga Massage is very much about being aware of the feedback
coming from the receiver and each person is mashed, prodded and
stretched to their individual limits. Do yourself a favor and give
it a try; you'll thank yourself.
Traditional Thai Yoga Massage is an ancient form
of bodywork practiced in Thailand for over 2500 years and little
known to the west until recently. Its ancient origins are linked
to Yoga, Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, as well as the local indigenous
healing practices of ancient Siam. It is still used in Thailand
today as part of the healing regime for many different ailments
of the body.
Thai Yoga Massage is a combination of gentle rocking, range of motion,
acupressure, reflexology, energy work and stretching, and a form
of passive yoga. Joints are loosened and opened through manipulation
and peripheral stimulation, muscles are stretched, internal organs
are toned, vitality is increased and a deep state of relaxation
can be achieved. The work is very rhythmic and meditative, enabling
both the client and practitioner to voyage together into deeper
realms of consciousness.
The Massage is done on a mat on the floor with the receiver wearing loose,
comfortable clothing. This gives the practitioner a lot of leverage
and the ability to use their body very effectively. It also allows
for movements that are not as effective or impossible on a table.
Therapists are trained to respect everyone’s varied amount
of flexibility and can therefore benefit the limber athlete, as
well as those who are not very limber, by stretching everyone to
their own personal limits.
There are four positions in Thai Massage. The "front"
or prone position, "side" positions, "back"
or supine and "seated" position. The majority of the treatment
is in the front position, with a lot of the treatment on the legs.
Taking the legs through a complete range of motion and working on
the energy lines of the legs has a very beneficial effect on people
with low back problems. The back, neck and shoulders, which seem
to be the area most westerners have problems with, can be worked
in all the positions. Thai Massage is concerned with the whole body;
the stretching movements open the joints, increase flexibility and
release body tension. The Thai’s believe in long sessions;
they say one hour is good, two hours is better and three hours is
best. Time seems to go quickly and even three hour sessions do not
seem to last that long, whether I am the therapist or the client.
The work can be very effective even in short sessions.
Thai Yoga Massage is based on a system of energy lines called ‘Sen’,
which channel energy flow throughout the body. There are 72,000
Sen lines, which cover the entire body, ten of which are the main
ones used in Thai Massage practice. These Sen are closely associated
with the Nadis of Ayurvedic Medicine and the Meridians of Chinese
Acupuncture, all of which can produce internal effects from stimulation
of external points on the body.
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