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The History
Traditional
Thai Massage has been in practice for over 2500 years. Contrary to the name, Thai Massage was
first practiced in India by a physician to the Buddha. As Buddhism spread, so did the technique
and for centuries it was primarily practiced in temples as this was the
centre of healthcare for the people.
Thailand eventually became the principle place where this technique
was learned and practiced and is still practiced in temples there today. The techniques have evolved but the principles are the same and as Thai yoga massage
spreads across the western world, it continues to evolve for the differing
body types and problems.
What’s
different about Thai Massage?
I often
refer to it as a yoga workout without the work! It is conducted while the
receiver is fully dressed in comfortable clothing with no oils. We use a mat on the floor and move through
a series poses and stretches designed to elongate and relax the muscles and
enhance the flow of energy through the body.
Each massage is tailored to the individuals needs and, while some of
the poses may look a little beyond what you think you’re capable of, most
people are amazed by just what their body can do when given the chance. You do not need to have practiced yoga or
be very flexible to receive maximum benefits.
In fact, over time, with regular massage you can become much more
flexible and limber than you imagined and you will be amazed at how much
better your body feels.
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How it Works
The therapeutic basis of
Thai Yoga Massage is rooted in the Ayruvedic principles of balancing
one's energy. The idea of maintaining balance in the body is the key to
good mental and physical health in all forms of medicine. Thai massage is based in the belief that there are energy lines, Sen, which run through the body. These
Sen are the passage for energy - and it is now known that the lines correspond
with blood vessels in the body. When these Sen lines become blocked, the energy
becomes stagnant and the body loses its balance. In the original Indian philosophy there are
72,000 of these lines running through the body.
In Thai massage we focus on 10 of those – the Sip Sen.
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Working along the energy lines using rhythmic rocking,
compression with thumbs, palms and elbows, while elongating the muscles with
yoga-like stretches, serves to relax tight muscles and open stiff joints. This enhances energy flow which helps
alleviate common problems such as, back pain, headaches, digestive problems,
arthritis and stress. It also improves
circulation, relieves muscle tension and boosts the immune system.
Along these Sen are Marmas which are points in which energy is
concentrated. Often it is at these
points that our energy is blocked. There
are 108 in the body but only a few are of significance to Thai massage. Applying pressure to certain Marmas
stimulates the energy flow and helps to relieve pain and stiffness in those
specific areas.
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Primary Benefits of Thai Massage
- Stress Relief
- Boosts Immunity
- Pain Relief
- Rejeuvenation
- Increased flexibility
- Increased circulation
- Better breathing
- Meditation and taking time for yourself
- Free flowing energy
- Increased awareness of your body
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Conditions which can be helped by Thai Massage include:
- Asthama
- Back Ache
- Arthritis
- Digestive issues
- Anxiety and stress
- Constipation
- Migraine
- Insomnia
- Tendonitis
- Sciatica
- Pregnancy related discomfort
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