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This all-encompassing, ancient art dates back over 2500 years to
the temples and traditions of Buddhism and even Buddha himself.
Thai
Massage is considered by some to be the mother (or father) of
all bodyworks but to describe it simply in these terms does it a
grave injustice. Unlike most therapies which focus in on a
certain aspect of the body or mind, Thai Massage encompasses our
whole being by working on our muscles, skeleton and the internal
energy within our body, considered so important in Eastern
philosophies. With deep stretches (often assisted with yoga-like
postures), compression of muscles by palm pressure, joint
mobilisation and acupressure along sen (energy) lines and on
acupressure points, Thai Massage is the total workout and
reconnection our body, mind and soul are so often seeking.
The
unhurried gentle rocking and rhythmical style of Thai Massage,
together with the moves and postures designed to open up the
energy channels, can often induce a meditative state, where all
sense of time is lost (it is not unusual for this state to be
reached within just 10 minutes!). This 'state' enhances our
body's ability to heal itself and restore inner balance by
instilling complete relaxation and calm.
What
does it do
Traditionally,
a Thai Massage can take up to 4 hours but here in the West a
massage is normally 1½ - 2 hours long, with the longer
massage always being recommended if time and money allow.
During a
massage, the practitioner works systematically through the
entire body, literally from the tips of the toes to the crown of
the head. The effect is to increase energy levels, melt away
stress and tension, improve flexibility and bring balance to the
body, mind and spirit. Not surprisingly for a therapy that
originates from the 'Land of Smiles', this wonderful art also
brings a great happiness within and a big smile without.
People
who have experienced Thai Massage express feelings of absolute
calm, a lightness of being, feeling taller or ironed out, more
energised, alive and carefree.
What
to expect
Thai
Massage is practiced on the floor on a mat or blanket and you
remain dressed in loose and comfortable clothing throughout the
session (great news for the more inhibited among us!).
As you
lie on your back, the practitioner starts working on your feet
with a gentle rocking motion from one to the other using palm
pressure. The massage continues up your body, working on the
entire musculo-skeletal system to release tension and opening
the energy channels as it goes. The practitioner may use their
elbows, forearms, feet, knees etc. as they work on your body
too.
You may
be asked to lie on your side or front, to give the practitioner
the best possible access to the area of your body being worked
on. The massage nears its conclusion with a mini head massage
(similar to an Indian Head Massage). Then, as you adopt a
sitting position, further work into your upper body is carried
out followed by a gentle 'chopping' to your shoulders to bring
your focus back to the here and now.
Thai
Massage is used as a remedial and preventative therapy. It is
excellent for backache, neck ache, shoulder pain, numbness in
limbs, tired legs, headaches, stress, emotional upset and mental
fatigue. It also encourages healthier sleep patterns, which
gives our nervous system the fighting chance it needs to promote
self healing and restore balance.
There is
no age limit for a Thai Massage but it is not recommended for
those who have had recent surgery, are pregnant, or suffer from
heart disease.
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What is homoeopathy ?
Thai
Massage -
Practiced in Thailand for over 2,000 years, Thai massage -- also
known as yoga massage, Thai yoga massage and ancient massage --
works to clear energy blockages and restore balance and harmony
to the body. The practice combines typical Westernized massage
therapy practices, including 
