Thai Massage

The potential for healing is as great as our consciousness allows.

"I have never felt so comfortable swinging a club in my life!" R. Springer, pro-golfer, after three sessions.

 

Thai massage has its roots in a spiritual tradition, and its purpose is to heal a person physically, emotionally and spiritually. For more information click on one of the headings below:

  1. An ancient art of body therapy for healing, health, and transformation
  2. The History of Thai Massage
  3. Benefits of Thai Massage
  4. FAQ

An ancient art of body therapy for healing, health, and transformation.

Thai Massage is an interactive manipulation of the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines. These movements help to

The effect is uniquely relaxing as well as energizing. Receiving a Thai massage is a bit like doing yoga without putting forth any effort whilst also getting acupressure treatments!

Sessions typically last two hours, and are performed on a floor mat with the client dressed in comfortable loose clothing. Thai Massage uses two primary procedures - applying gentle pressure with the hands and feet, and a wide variety of passive stretching movements.

With these techniques, applied in a quietly meditative atmosphere, space is created in the muscular skeletal structure, the body begins to open and regain flexibility and ease of movement, while the mind gently returns to calm alertness. Tension and toxic material is released from the joints, muscles, and connective tissue. The energy body, as well as the internal organs, are stimulated by pressure on peripheral reflex points.

The work displays an inherent knowledge of the inner workings of the body, a knowledge that developed over centuries of practice. There is something in the essence of this work that appeals to a wide range of people on a core level; something that satisfies their physical and emotional needs, and perhaps even assists in their spiritual needs.

It appeals to people, and is effective, because it treats the client with respect while encouraging them to let go of physical and emotional restrictions and to go beyond their present limitations. Or, as a client once observed, "it's a whole and total approach to wellness" which allows one to "feel in harmony with the rhythms of life".

This ancient therapy is beneficial for young or old, active or inactive, healthy or not so healthy. While each person will respond to this work in terms of their own experience and present state of health, it is well to remember that Thai Massage has been used for countless generations to treat degenerative conditions and promote wellness.

Thai Massage facilitates a sense of unity, wholeness, and balance. It creates a dynamic physical experience which integrates the body, mind, emotions and spirit.

The History of Thai Massage

As to where and when Ancient Massage originated precisely, it is difficult to ascertain for sure. A long time has passed and many historical evidences have disappeared. Most text have been lost during various invasions.

The Traditional Medical Massage of Thailand, more commonly known as Thai Massage, is one of the world's oldest healing modalities. It originated in India during the Buddha's lifetime, over 2500 years ago, and was brought to this world by Chivaka Komarapatr, a contemporary of the Buddha and some say his personal physician and the physician to the King of India.

As Buddhism spread out from India, this healing medicine spread with it. Early in its development it found its way to Southeast Asia where, for centuries, it was performed by monks as one element of indigenous Thai medicine. The Thai people, like many others in the orient, saw illness as an imbalance in the body, mind, and spirit and they would seek help at the local temple. They were treated with the four elements of traditional Thai medicine:

  1. Nutritional counselling (focusing on diet)
  2. Herbs (given both internally and externally)
  3. Spiritual counselling (primarily meditation and the Buddhist principles) and
  4. Thai Massage (which formed the backbone of the physical treatment).

While its evolution is clouded by the passage of time and the lack of written records, one can see that it is greatly influenced by Yoga, Ayurvedic medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine. One can see from the movements (which often mimic the asanas of yoga) and attention to pressure points (similar to the nadis of Ayurveda and meridians of Chinese medicine) that this is the case.

Thailand is situated along the great trade route between India and China. Its history and culture, along with its medicine, is affected by its location. While Thai massage appears to have its roots in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, there has been some research which suggests the terminology used is more closely akin to Ayurveda, possibly indicating a closer alliance with India. However, many scholars believe India to be the root source of Chinese medicine also, so it is possible the Thais simply had a greater familiarity with the Indian language, particularly since this tradition was handed down along with the sacred Buddhist teachings, often inscrolled in the Indian languages of Pali or Sanskrit.

Thai massage has undergone a subtle shift as a result of western influences, which greatly increased in the 1950's and continue to this day. When Western medicine came into vogue, traditional Thai medicine suffered a downturn. It went somewhat underground, only to re-emerge years later after Western medicine was no longer viewed as always superior.

Benefits

Physical Benefits of Thai Massage


Mental Benefits of Thai Massage

Psychological effects of Thai Massage

FAQ

1) Is it done on a table, bed or the floor?
Traditionally Thai Massage is always done on the floor, but elements of the practice are being effectively adapted by practitioners more accustomed to working on tables or beds. However, many of the advanced movements and stretches can only be done safely and effectively on the floor.

2) What should I wear?
Comfortable, loose-fitting Yoga or athletic clothes are best to accommodate the twisting and stretching movements in the session. A pair of loose Thai fishermen's pants and a shirt are also provided for you here.

3) How long are the sessions?
Traditionally, authentic Thai Massage treatments are at least one and a half hours long, sometimes they can last for several hours.

4) Why are the sessions so long?
Since the main objective is energy balancing, the physical moves become part of a deeper, more meditative spiral of healing that feels increasingly good and getting better as time goes by, resulting in a profoundly deep and integrated sense of physical, mental and spiritual well-being for both giver and receiver.

5) What are the benefits to the receiver?
Stress relief, revitalization and a euphoric feeling of overall wellbeing are the words most often used by clients to describe the benefits of their treatment. Physiologically, the body gets re-aligned in a way that increases flexibility and circulation. More subtle harmonising of energies result in the overall integration of body, mind and soul. We get to remember how good it can feel to be in our bodies.

6) Is it safe for old people, children, injured or sick people?
Since the work is tailor made for each individual in each different treatment session, it can be done safely, with certain modifications to accommodate contra-indications as needed with all the above-mentioned types of person with remarkable results.

7) How often should someone receive a session?
Initially, I recommend a 2 hour session every 2 weeks, then monthly once the body becomes more flexible. More than a month apart is too long.

8) Is it OK to eat before/after the session?
In order to have more energy in the body available for the work and since an important part of the treatment may involve pressing points around the abdomen, it is better not to eat for at least 1 hour before the session.
To allow the process to continue, as it does, after the practitioner ends the actual session, it is better not to eat, bathe or do strenuous exercise for at least an hour afterwards. Drinking copious amounts of warm water or hot tea is highly beneficial and necessary to flush out toxins that may have been released during the treatment.

9) Where did it originate?
It is said to have originated in India. Some say it grew out of the ancient healing systems practiced in South India in the region now known as Kerala. Later, after becoming a part of ancient Ayurveda, existed in the North of India (now Nepal) at the time of the Enlightenment of the Buddha. The physician Chivaka Komarapatr, a private doctor of the Buddha is said to have successfully used massage and stretching techniques along with herbal and other remedies to treat ailments and conditions amongst the monks that were traveling with the Buddha, spreading Buddhism and these medicinal techniques all over Southeast Asia. He is also a founder and Father Doctor of Traditional Medicine in Thailand.

10) Ladies, not sure about a male massage therapist?
I understand you may be unsure about meeting someone you don't know for the first time. As a professional therapist, I hope you give me a call for a chat if you are not sure.
My home is tastefully decorated, relaxing and clean. If you book an appointment and on arrival do not feel 100% relaxed, I would not be upset if you change your mind. I feel confident you will feel comfortable and safe.

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