What is Thai Massage?
Thai Massage, or Thai Yoga Massage as it is sometimes called, is part of an ancient healing system which operates on the principle belief that invisible lines of energy call meridians run through the body supporting life and well-being. Further, the belief is that when the energy along these lines becomes blocked or trapped, disease and dysfunction arise. When the trapped energy is released health and balance are restored.
Specifically, Thai Massage an ancient healing system combining acupressure, energy balancing techniques, Indian Ayurvedic principles, Traditional Chinese medicine, and assisted yoga postures.
Honestly… It’s the best stretch out you will ever have!!
What Can I Expect from a Thai Massage Session
Thai massage is traditionally done on a large floor mat. The client is fully clothed and lying or sitting down. The practitioner will place the client in various poses while applying slow deep compression and stretching according to the client’s ability. This action on the body produces a calming and relaxing effect on muscles, tendons, and joints.
A few tips to know for your first Thai Massage session are:
• Don’t eat heavily before the session
• Dress in comfortable clothing that won’t pinch or bind
• Always communicate any discomfort to the therapist.
Benefits:
The systematic compression and stretching of tissues in Thai Massage encourages circulation of blood and lymph. As old blood is squeezed out, fresh nutrient and oxygen rich blood takes its place nourishing muscles and nerves. Lymph is pushed through the lymphatic system clearing toxins from the interstitial fluid surrounding cells. Thai Massage helps to:
• Decrease Anxiety
• Promote relaxation
• Increase energy levels
• Improve concentration
• Prevent illness
• Boost immune function
Is Thai Massage for Me?
Thai Massage is not painful. In fact, it can be intensely relaxing. That said, it is not for everyone. Those who are pregnant, have osteoporosis, or disk herniations should avoid this type of massage. If you have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or have had recent surgery, you should check with your doctor first before scheduling a Thai Massage.
History
The founder of Thai massage, Jivaka Kumar Bhacca was born in India within the same era as Buddha (approx. 6th century B.C.). He was educated as an Ayurvedic doctor and may have treated Buddha himself. His medical skills and knowledge of herbal medicine earned him the title Father of Medicine in Thailand. While most Traditional Thai medicine treatments were handed down generationally by word of mouth, ancient texts may have been kept by the royal families. Unfortunately, many of these were lost. Those that were able to be preserved are now displayed as epigraphs at the Wat Po temple complex in Bangkok.
Traditional Thai massage has evolved in modern Thailand over thousands of years from the ancient form Nuad Boran (ancient massage). Only over the last few decades has Thai massage made its way to the West. Here is has been used in its traditional form as well as in conjunction with other massage techniques. Thai Massage is most powerful in its traditional form.
Melissa Jarufe
August 2015
Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thai_massage
http://www.thaihealingalliance.com/art0003.htm
http://www.biography.com/people/buddha-9230587
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20001837
