Thai Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissue through kneading massage, stretching, twisting, and joint manipulations. No lotion is used during the treatment. And loose clothing is to be worn to allow for movement during the stretches. Thai massage promotes flexibility, relaxation, and energy balance. Thai massage is not for everyone. A thorough consultation with the Massage Therapist will determine whether you are a candidate for Thai Massage or not.
Thai Massage is generally based on the combination of the Energy Meridians used in traditional Indian and Chinese Medicine. The Thai call these energy channels Sen, the Chinese call them Qi, and the Indian call them Prana. Thai tradition recognizes 72,000 Sen. There are however 10 main Sen that are focused on in a treatment. It is believed that the remaining Sen branches will indirectly benefit from the main ones being manipulated and released. During a Thai massage pressure is applied along these channels to help release any blockages of blood and lymph allowing energy to flow freely along the channels. The goal is for Energy Demand to equal Energy Supply. It is believed that any blockage or imbalance in the flow of the energy can cause pain and disease. The combination of three main techniques: pressing, stretching and twisting manipulations, aims at improving and ensuring good energy flow. Thai massage is performed in a relaxed manner, with smooth flow in order to distract the client from focusing on the deep pressure and the lengthy stretches, and rather focus on the relaxation effect, the flexibility, and the positive energy that is often experienced.
The general goal for every muscle and its antagonist (i.e biceps and triceps) is to be in an optimal relaxed state at rest. Any imbalance between these two muscles or excessive tension in one or both leads to pain, stiffness, repetitive strain injuries, and reduced performance. What happens when the muscles are tense from overuse, and/or stress, is they become shorter, and the myofascia contracts becoming thicker and fibrotic resulting in the restriction of ones movement. The pressing of the muscles during a Thai treatment aims at stretching the myofascia sideways helping to break down the fibrotic tissue and stimulate elasticity. Blood flow through the myofascia is then increased and energy flow through the Sen is improved. This is followed by stretching of the muscles encouraging balance within and between the muscle groups resulting in decreased pain, increased flexibility and improved posture.
Thai massage always involves the full body. The massage is performed on the floor, with the client wearing loose clothing to allow for movement and range of motion. No lotion is used during this form of therapy. The treatment is started at the feet and progresses along the Sen up the body. The treatment follows a specific routine starting on their back, moving to the stomach, and then followed by seated work. Thai massage incorporates three forms of therapy including yoga, acupressure, and reflexology. Some refer to Thai massage as mans lazy way of doing Yoga. I prefer to refer to it as a “full-body contact massage”. Thai Massage is not for everyone. A detailed Health History with the Massage Therapist will determine whether you are a candidate for this form of therapy.