Brief history of Thai Yoga Massage
Thai Yoga Massage is a 2,500 year old dynamic bodywork therapy combining elements of yoga, massage, mindfulness, and metta (loving kindness). The story goes that the renowned yogi and physician to the Buddha himself, Jivaka Kumarbhaccha, travelled to Southeast Asia after the death of the Buddha. He and a group of early Buddhist monks and Ayurvedic doctors began practicing what would become known as nuat phaen boran (‘ancient style massage’) and is commonly known today in the west as Thai Yoga Massage.
What can I expect during a typical Thai Yoga Massage session?
Thai Yoga Massage is performed on a mat on the floor, and less frequently on a massage table. The client is fully clothed in loose fitting, gym, or yoga-style clothes. The session may start with a brief meditation on metta (loving kindness) by both the client and practitioner to set the tone for the rest of the session. The practitioner then uses her hands, feet, and limbs to move the client through a series of assisted yoga-like postures while the client remains passive, focusing on breath awareness. The practitioner will also massage and apply deep pressure to the sen lines (energy lines) throughout the client’s body, administer rapid tapotement to the muscles, and sometimes use essential oils as aromatherapy. Though there is a more or less standard rhythm and method to the massage, the practitioner will adjust it to fit the client’s current needs. A typical session lasts about 90 minutes.
Is Thai Yoga Massage right for me?
Thai Yoga Massage can be suitable for a wide range of people regardless of fitness level or flexibility, as the session will be tailored to meet you where you are. However, it is more physically demanding than other types of massage, and therefore you may want to take a few things into consideration before you book your first session. If any of the following apply, Thai Yoga Massage may not be for you at this time:
- You are currently pregnant (*note: Thai Yoga Massage could be performed in some cases, however a Swedish prenatal massage might be better suited to your needs.)
- You have an artificial joint or spinal fusion
- You have a serious heart condition or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- You have osteoporosis or very brittle bones
What are the benefits of Thai Yoga Massage?
Thai Yoga Massage can help a variety of musculoskeletal issues, including upper/lower back pain, neck and shoulder concerns, sciatica, chronic joint disorders, hamstring, quadriceps, and lower leg pain or tension. It can improve posture and range of motion, and dissolve energy blockages. It’s meditative aspect can also help aid in relaxation.
