Massage Therapy & Bodywork	Aromatherapy & Essential Oils	A-Z of Sports Injuries	Massage Article Archive

Thai Massage

Thai massage, although ancient in it's past and history, is increasingly gaining popularity in the west.

Thai Massage has its roots in the ancient medicine of Indian Ayurvedic practice. The stretching movements of Thai massage can be seen to be closely related to yoga. The influence of yoga is also apparent from the positions and stretching movements.

Unlike the scooping and continuous strokes of western style massage, Thai Massage is performed in gentle rhythmic movements and gives you an invigorating and balancing experience for the body and soul. Thai Massage improves circulation, flexibility, muscle tone and leaves you in a state of splendid relaxation.

Thai massage has been called Lazy Man's Yoga, or Yoga For Two because of the passive range of motion on the part of the receiver.

History

Thai massage or commonly known as Nuad Bo-Rarn (derived from the Sanskrit root word 'Purana' which means 'ancient or sacred body work") is an ancient healing art incorporating, acupressure, reflexology and yoga-like stretching. Its origins reach back to the second millenia b.c. and the indian physician "shivago komarpaj"(known as father doctor) who was a contemporary of buddha.

It originated in India during the Buddha's lifetime, over 2500 years ago,but with the spread of buddhism it found its way to Southeast Asia where, for centuries, it was performed by monks as one element of indigenous Thai medicine.

It is unfortunate that the only known texts recorded in history of Thai Massage have been lost and destroyed in 1776 by the Burmese. Rama III had the surviving traditional knowledge carved into stone inscriptions in 1832 which were set into walls of the temple in Bangkok called Wat Poh(a major monastery in bangkok). Prior to modern times in Thailand, the Wats (Buddhist temples) served as Thailand's predominant centers of education, healing and social life.

Thai Massage is probably the newest form of healing work yet it is one of the traditional healing modality which has been practiced in Thailand for centuries.

How is it done?

Be assured, Thai massage is never painful. Thai massage is quite different from from many Western forms of massage as the practitioner uses a mattress on the floor (as opposed to the massage table) with the recipient in loose fitting clothes. No oils are used in a traditional Thai Massage session

The practitioner uses her hands, feet, arms and legs to press and stretch the body which helps in coaxing the body to release areas of tightness ,only to the limit of the receiver.guide the recipient into various yoga postures. Thais believe that good health and freedom from pain result from the unhindered flow of vital energies through the body's tissues. It incorporates t'ai chi moves, rhythmic motion, palming and thumbing along energy lines (sen lines), gentle stretching and the conscious use of breath.

The main 'channels' for distributing these energies are called 'Sen'. There is no general agreement as to the exact number of Sen but those who know something of Chinese Medicine quickly recognise that the Thai practitioner is effectively working along the Chinese Qi meridians. Pressing is the mechanical process used to stimulate energy flow in the Sen, and to release blockages or stagnation which result in pain. This part of the massage is very thorough.

Each Sen channel is pressed repeatedly from every direction, with the relative positions of the limbs and trunk being constantly changed. The process is very thorough. When the practitioner is satisfied that all soft tissues have been adequately pressed, stretching begins.

This will be subtle at first but gradually progresses to the elegant, large scale stretches for which Thai massage is renowned. Every muscle and joint is treated.

Who Needs It?

Thai Massage has been used for countless generations to promote wellness and to alleviate distress from illness and aging. It is deeply relaxing and is an antidote for muscular tension, spasm, and stress. It increases range of motion and flexibility which facilitates postural integrity. It also increases energy. Anyone who is faced with the stress and anxiety of daily life in the world we now live can benefit from Thai Massage.

Thai Massage is a must for athletes that need flexibility, balance and timing. From race car drivers and golfers to dancers, Thai Massage delivers a combination of mind and body therapy. Incorporating Hatha yoga and and acupressure, joints and muscles can perform at peak efficiency and through the meditative effect, clarity of the mind is achieved. Thus creating what some would consider an advantage over the competition.

"Thai Massage"The blend of point pressure and stretching is the perfect complement to any exercise routine and designed to relax and open the body's natural energy flow.

Thai massage is ideal for those desiring deep relaxation, release from stress, and maximum flexibility as well as those seeking to increase their level of health, well-being, and vitality. Its many therapeutic benefits are appropriate for both the young and the elderly.

The benefits of Thai Massage are overwhelming

Deepens Relaxation

opens the musculo-skeletal structure of the body and thereby Increases Flexibility and Range of Motion

Relieves Pain

Assists Postural Alignment

Strengthens Internal Organs

Releases Points of Blocked Energy

Improves Neurological Functioning

Promotes Inner Peace and a Quiet Mind

It also improves blood and lymph circulation, releases toxins from body tissues, decreased stress and increases energy levels and promotes inner peace!