Thai massage is a unique style of massage therapy whose origins are rooted in Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine. A session consists of a therapist providing hands-on physical manipulations while moving a client's limbs through a gentle range of motion blended with passive yoga postures. Because Thai massage offers clients many of the same benefits as practicing yoga poses--increased flexibility, breath awareness and overall relaxation--it is often called "yoga for the lazy."
History
Ancient Buddhist texts attribute the origins of Thai massage to renowned sixth century Indian physician Jivaka Komarabhacca. Jivaka was an innovative healer who utilized his knowledge of nature and spirituality in his treatments. It is said he treated the Buddha and many other monks and passed his knowledge of the healing powers of medicinal herbs and massage techniques to the monks. Over time, this information was taught in monastic universities as part of Buddhist religious doctrine and spread throughout Asia and into Thailand, where the techniques of Thai massage as a spiritual healing practice set down roots.
Techniques
Unlike most modern day massage styles, Thai massage clients lie fully clothed on a mat placed on the ground, rather than on a specialized massage table. This arrangement allows the therapist significant freedom of movement and the ability to use gravity, as well as a full complement of body parts, including elbows, knees, hands and feet, to manipulate the client without over taxing his own energy.
Therapists begin at the client's feet and work toward the head, kneading and stretching the body to loosen muscular tensions and increase joint range and mobility. Other alternative healing methods such as reflexology, craniosacral massage and Shiatsu techniques are often blended into a session. A complete Thai massage session can last between 90 minutes and three hours.
Energetic Benefits
Thai massage is said to work on the major energy meridians within the body. The hands-on techniques are designed to release blocked tensions with gentle pressure, similar to acupuncture, only without the trauma of the needle stick. As the energy channels become more relaxed, a person's Prana, or life energy, flows more freely.
Physical Benefits
Like yoga asana practice, the movement patterns of Thai massage give clients increased muscular flexibility, joint lubrication and organ massage. Because the therapist supports the limbs as they are moved, the client's muscles tend to be more relaxed. This, coupled with focused breathing, engages the client's parasympathetic nervous system, allowing her to relax deeper as the therapist manipulates her body.
Cautions
Thai massage therapists sometimes use a technique called the "blood stop maneuver," where the therapist presses into the major arteries supplying blood to the arms or legs with enough pressure to stop or slow blood flow for up to 30 seconds. When they release pressure, blood rushes back into the limbs, creating an invigorating, warm feeling in the limbs. However, this technique should never be practiced when pregnant, on those with varicose veins or those with high blood pressure or other circulatory issues. Also, because Thai massage physically manipulates the joints and spine, it is important for those with spinal injuries to relay this information to the therapist to prevent injury.
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