If you like the relaxing benefits of yoga but can't pay attention long enough to stay awake, Thai yoga massage could be the therapy for you. Like yoga and traditional massage, Thai massage has been around for thousands of years. They all share a similar goal of helping you relieve stress and achieve balance. The best part of Thai yoga massage is that you get to relax while fully clothed with the help of a massage practitioner.
Thai Massage History
Thai yoga massage dates back 2,500 years, according to Lotus Palm, the school of Thai yoga massage. The father of Thai massage is thought to be Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, a yogi, doctor, and health-care provider to Buddha himself. Bhaccha recognized the value of Thai medicine, yoga and Ayurveda, and combined his knowledge of all three to create Thai yoga massage. The practice developed in Buddhist temples thousands of years ago and is now practiced throughout the world by practitioners in homes, studios and hospitals.
Thai Massage Explained
Thai yoga massage combines hatha yoga and Ayurveda. Hatha yoga is a series of postures or exercises done to calm the mind and balance the body. Ayurveda is an Indian healing tradition that focuses on balancing the body as well. Unlike yoga, Ayurvedic healing techniques include herbs, sweat treatments, oil massage and manipulation of pressure points. During Thai yoga massage, the practitioner guides the patient through a series of yoga postures and stretches while pressing along the body's pressure and energy points.
What to Expect
Unlike traditional massage in which you are expected to shed some clothing, Thai massage is performed with the recipient fully clothed. You are instructed to lie on a padded mat on the floor. During therapy, the practitioner may rock you, perform rhythmic muscle compression, assisted yoga positions, and stretches. Practitioners work along your energy meridians and make use of their knees, forearms, elbows, palms, and thumbs to remove knots and relieve muscle tension. The therapy can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. Search for therapists and pricing in your area by visiting the American Massage Therapy Association.
Benefits
Almost anyone can benefit from Thai massage therapy. Some individuals may need to consult with a physician before receiving massage services. Following a session, you might experience freedom from muscle tension and stress. Your body will feel stretched with an increased energy flow and relief from muscle aches and pains. You might feel more confident with a sense of improved overall well-being. Thai massage is also thought to prevent degenerative diseases, improve athletic performance and breathing.
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