Thai Yoga Massage
You lie in a softly lit room, on a padded mat on the floor. Soft music plays in the background. A therapist moves around you, stretching and compressing muscles while manipulating you into forms resembling yoga postures. The effect when the session is completed is deep relaxation, and an increased feeling of energy.
The Tradition of Thai Bodywork
The development of Thai bodywork is traditionally attributed to Dr. Jivaka Kumar Bhacca who is believed to have lived ca 500 BC and been the personal physician of the Buddha. As Buddhism spread from India, monks took bodywork with them and practiced in temples or “Wats” in Thailand. The monks used these techniques as a form of meditation, involving the Buddhist tenets of moment-to-moment mindfulness and loving-kindness.
Because it springs from the same Ayurvedic roots as yoga, indeed Thai bodywork is often referred to as “yoga for the lazy,” some of the positions assumed by the client resemble yoga postures. Both systems also include 72,000 life-force channels, called nadis in yoga or Sen in Thai bodywork.
Differences from Western Massage
In Thai bodywork, the work is performed with the client fully clothed on a mat on the floor. Using pressure provided using a whole hand or foot or forearm, the therapist manipulates the client's body, balancing the Sen. No oil is applied to the client's skin, and all work is performed through the clothes.
Whereas Western massage techniques often leave the receiver feeling ready for a nap, a feeling of increased energy is often the result of a Thai session.
The regular pressing and stretching of the muscles can also help restore flexibility by allowing the muscle tone to reset to a more natural level. As we age, we tend to settle into routines of movement that can unbalance muscle tone in favor of one of an opposing pair of muscles. For example, sitting hunched over a desk can lead to the chest muscles being shortened, straining the muscles of the upper back. By stretching the muscles of the chest, balance and proper posture can be restored. The stretching and pressing of muscles in Thai bodywork can aid restoring this balance throughout the body, helping to stave off the aches and pains that are often believed to be an unavoidable effect of the aging process.
These same effects can be used to improve athletic performance. A muscle's ability to move the body depends on the difference between its resting and contracted lengths. Regular stretching, such as experienced in Thai bodywork can increase that range of motion, resulting in better performance.
Experience the benefits of Thai bodywork for yourself! Call or email now to set up an appointment for this traditional healing work.