Traditional Thai Massage

Traditional Thai massage is the medicinal massage practiced by the Buddhist monks of Thailand. This massage has been handed down from master to student for the last 2,500 years. Thai massage combines acupressure points from China and assisted yogic stretching from India, which open up the body energetically and physically.

The ultimate goal of traditional Thai massage is for both the giver and the receiver to reach a state of enlightenment. On a mundane level, this massage exists to heal a person not only physically and emotionally but also spiritually.

Before the start of each new session, practitioners of traditional Thai massage do a diagnostic intake to clearly understand their clients’ needs. This form of massage is practiced on a floor mat with the client fully dressed in comfortable clothes. At the start of the session, the massage therapist takes a few moments just kneeling next to the client. Then quietly she places the palm of her right hand below the client’s belly button, which, according to Chinese medicine, is the center of one’s being. The therapist then begins to tap into the rhythm of the client’s breathing to bring both provider and receiver into harmony. The Thai massage practitioner will also feel the client’s pulse and rock him slowly and gently before beginning to apply the stretches and pressure. Checking the pulse centers both client and therapist while the rocking brings the client into a natural rhythm and allows him to sink down and become grounded.

Like other styles of massage, traditional Thai massage increases vascular activity which breaks up and moves trapped toxins. But Thai massage is unique because it directs all the toxins out, both energetically and physiologically. Consequently, people don’t feel sedated after a session. On the contrary, clients feel centered and grounded when the massage is over. Another unique aspect of this massage form is that the stretches and acupressure are administered to the client’s limits, and the therapist’s thumbs, hands, elbows, knees and feet are used.

The typical Thai massage client is the one who has tried it before and had a positive experience. Traditional Thai massage works well for athletes, especially aerobic athletes: in-line skaters, cyclists, runners, soccer and field hockey players, for example. By relying on a large and varied selection of stretching and range-of-motion exercises, Thai massage decreases the athlete’s recovery time and increases their level of recuperation, leaving their bodies loose and rested, and their minds alert. Traditional Thai massage also works well for depressed individuals because it balances them. According to Asian medicinal theories, one doesn’t have a physical problem without having a connected emotional one. Without trying to go after the psychological aspect in her massage work, the therapist still finds that she can assist the client to become centered and break away from depression, at least temporarily.

In summary, traditional Thai massage is characterized by its holistic approach to health. Its goal is to enhance not only one’s physical and emotional state but also to allow one to grow spiritually.