| What
is Thai Yoga Massage?
Thai Yoga Massage - often called Thai Massage - is an ancient traditional Thai healing technique,
based on the principles of loving kindness and compassion.
It combines acupressure, reflexology, assisted progressive
stretching and yoga.
The
Thai Yoga practitioner uses feet, elbows, palms, thumbs and
knees to apply pressure. The sequences of stretching and pressure
work are given in a smooth, unhurried and harmonious way with
one move dissolving into the next; this generates a feeling
of deep relaxation and balance within the body.
Thai
massage is given through the clothes on a comfortable mat
on the floor. A Thai massage lasts between 2 – 2 1/2
hours. The whole body is treated, starting at the tips of
the toes, ending with a relaxing and thorough face and head
massage.
back
to top
What
does Thai Yoga Massage do?
 Thai
Yoga massage helps to balance the body by releasing blockages
in the free flow of energy. Using acupressure, reflexology
and stretches the Thai Yoga practitioner works on ten invisible
energy lines, similar to meridians. These lines are called
the ten sen (or sib sen) and can be thought of as rivers which
run through the body and are linked to the body's energy centres
called chakras.
Thai
Yoga massage is unique as it helps to deeply relax the body
and at the same time restores energy. The overall effect is
very balancing, releases toxins, supports the immune system
and increases a sense of well-being, as well as helping to
improve posture. The movements assist the restructuring of
the musculo-skeletal framework with great benefits for dancers,
athletes, and yoga enthusiasts and for all people who wish
to have more energy and achieve maximum performance.
The sequence of applied Hatha yoga stretches combined with deep pressure to the energy lines often hugely increases flexibility, balances energy levels, supports the immune system and can improve posture, whilst increasing a sense of wellbeing, with great benefits for dancers, athletes, and yoga enthusiasts and for all people who wish to have more energy and achieve maximum performance.
back
to top
Who
is Thai Yoga Massage for?
Similar to yoga, Thai yoga massage can be of benefit to everyone.
The sequence can be adapted according to the needs of the
individual, no matter what age or how flexible they are. To
give and receive Thai massage is a powerful and unique experience,
in that it aims to balance and relax the body. It helps in
the release of stress and tension, physical, mental and emotional.
back
to top
History
of Thai Massage
 The
founder of Thai massage is known to have been an Ayurvedic
doctor, (originally from Northern India) called Jivaka Kumar
Bhaccha, who was a physician and friend of the Buddha, and
personal physician to the King. It is believed that he brought
this healing art form to Thailand 2500 years ago, and there
it was mixed with indigenous massage and Chinese massage.
Thai
massage was originally a spiritual practice, being taught
and practised in temples, which were health centres where
common people could go for spiritual, physical and emotional
healing. The massage developed in different ways across the
country, over centuries. There were various styles, owing
to the changing traditions within families and temples, and
to the fact that knowledge was passed down orally from generation
to generation or from teacher to student.
back to top
|
