About Traditional Thai Yoga Massage
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What is Traditional Thai Yoga Massage?

Traditional Thai Yoga Massage or Nuad Thai evolved in Thailand around 2000 years ago alongside Buddhism and has its roots lying in Ayurvedic medicine and yoga philosophy. Traditionally, Thai massage has been passed on through the generations orally from master to student.

Thai Yoga Massage is a flowing, structured combination of acupressure and applied yoga stretches. The whole of the body is treated from the top of the head to the tips of the fingers and toes leaving both mind and body feeling balanced and free.

The massage focuses on the ten energy lines, or Sen lines, through which the life force, or prana, circulates around the body. It is believed that blockages within the flow of this energy will result in pain, illness or disease. The lines are thoroughly worked with slow, rhythmic compressions and stretching. This ensures that the energy flows freely and balance is restored which turn influences health and well-being.

Although the massage often appeals to those who practise yoga, Thai massage can benefit anyone, whatever their level of fitness, state of health or age. A treatment is tailor-made to meet each person's needs and abilities.

Benefits

The treatment is ideal for the relief of stresses and muscular tension but also helps to improve flexibility and strength. By rebalancing the body's energetic system, natural healing is encouraged and internal organs can function better, pain can be relieved and circulation improved.

Many people report an increased awareness of posture, improved flexibility, deeper and more relaxed breathing and a feeling of lightness and looseness.

Thai massage can be effective in treating back pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, asthma, knee pain and stiffness, general fatigue, menstrual difficulties and many other ailments. It has been particularly helpful to those who have MS or have had a stroke by restoring mobility and feeling back to limbs. In Thailand Thai yoga massage is often recommended in preference to conventional treatment of these conditions.

The treatment

The massage is carried out on the floor on a futon-type mat and is never rushed, usually taking around two hours. To receive it you need to wear loose, comfortable clothing so that movement is unrestricted. Occasionally oil or balm may be used on painful areas.

The therapist uses her hands, thumbs, elbows and feet to apply pressure along the lines and then uses her whole body to create stretches, lifts and twists. The rhythmic, flowing manner in which the massage is given encourages the release of tension. Thai yoga massage has even been described as dance-like and, in true Thai tradition, the massage is applied as a meditative practice given with metta or loving kindness.

For those who have severe back problems and are unable to comfortably lie on their backs, an entire massage can be given with the recipient lying on their side.

Pregnancy

Traditional Thai yoga massage can be especially beneficial during pregnancy in relieving the aches and stresses of carrying a baby as well as recovery after the birth.

A complete and intensive massage can be given with the receiver lying on their side during later stages of pregnancy since pressure is then relieved from the abdomen. A range of techniques can be used but as always will be soft or strong according to the client's requirements.

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About Traditional Thai Yoga Massage» This page has been viewed 1405 times