Thai Yoga Massage
Overview:
Thai Yoga massage has been called “lazy man’s yoga”. Thai Yoga massage is an ancient technique where the therapist gently moves the body into a series of yoga poses, while using acupressure techniques to stimulate pressure points. Thai Yoga is often performed in loose clothing on a mat, although hybrid thai-swedish massages may be performed with lotions on a table. Practitioners believe the body is filled with invisible energy called prana, which runs through lines in the body called sen lines. If the lines of energy become blocked, illness and pain can result. Therefore, Thai Yoga massage focuses on unblocking the sen lines and correcting energy imbalances in the body. Supposedly, the first person to ever receive a Thai Yoga massage was the Buddha himself.
Benefits:
Thai yoga massage has physical, emotional and spiritual benefits for the recipient. Physically speaking, the combination of gentle stretching and pressure point massage releases tension and can help people with arthritis, scoliosis, and other musculoskeletal problems. In Thailand, it is also traditionally used to treat asthma, constipation, and to help people recover from heart attacks and stroke. Thai massage can also benefit the client on an emotional and spiritual level because the therapist focuses on the Buddhist principle of “Metta,” which means “giving loving kindness.” This makes this form of massage a soothing, nurturing and healing experience.
How it works:
Thai yoga works by manipulating the energy, or prana, flowing through the client’s body. This is accomplished by guiding the client through a series of yoga poses. The therapist will use feet, arms, and hands to help the client obtain and hold the yoga poses-some people call this “lazy man’s yoga.” Also, the energy lines along the body are manipulated through massage. There are two major massage techniques that are used in Thai Yoga: the “Southern” method uses plucking and strumming techniques; the “Northern method” uses palming and thumbing motions. Thai yoga massage is done without oil. The massage usually lasts anywhere from an hour and a half to 2 hours.
Specialized equipment:
• Padded yoga mat
• Thai massage table
• Ceiling bars
Keywords:
stretching, flexibility, thai yoga, mat, range of motion, poses, clothed
History:
Thai Yoga massage is an ancient type of massage therapy that dates back at least 2,000 years. This type of massage incorporates yoga with Ayurvedic healing techniques and Buddhist philosophy.
Compare styles:
- A) Pressure applied: 4/5
- B) Fluidity of stroke-2/5
- C) % of body massaged: 3/5
Preparing for your visit:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid eating a large meal right before the massage, as doing so can cause discomfort during the massage.
User experience:
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