An Eastern Approach to Stretch Therapy
What is Thai Massage?
Thai Massage or Thai Yoga Massage, also known as Nuad Bo-Rarn in Thailand, is a style of massage developed centuries ago and said to have origins in India. Traditionally performed on a clothed recipient on a floor mat, modern variations incorporate massage tables to accommodate a wider audience and allow the style to be practiced in a traditional massage atmosphere where floor-based massage mats are not available. Table-based Thai Massage allows accommodations for working with clients with tight hips who might not be able to sit cross-legged on the floor or get up and down easily due to knee issues.
With the use of repetitive rhythmic pressure and a series of increasingly deep assisted stretches that are evocative of yoga poses, Thai Massage blends eastern philosophies of flow of the body’s energy called sen lines, with wisdom of how the body moves when in optimal condition. The outcome is a deeply relaxing and opening massage that is like no other. For athletes and those wishing to increase flexibility and prevent injuries, it is a great compliment to a stretch therapy program.
A full session focuses first on the legs, with multiple stretches addressing the hips and low back, articulation of the spine, and release of shoulders, arms, and neck muscles. Massage is received lying face down, face up, but also seated and side-lying. The Thai practitioner uses their hands, feet and knees to apply deep releasing pressure between stretches. Recipients often report feeling taller, having increased range of motion, decreased pain and an overall feeling of openness throughout the body after a session.
What is Thai massage good for?
Active people
Posture imbalances
Sore muscles
Stiff joints
How does it help?
Reduces tightness and pain
Improves blood & energy flow
Releases tightness in fascia
Unlocks tightness in joints
Improves the natural range of motion.
Traditionally a session is 90 to 120 minutes, focusing on overall opening of the entire body or a specific area based on the client's needs.
Co-written by Wendy & Siobhan