WHAT IS THAI YOGA MASSAGE?

Thai yoga massage is one of the many names used when referring to this traditional healing art. More commonly and well known by name as Thai massage, this ancient treatment has many benefits and is given over longer periods of time to incorporate the unique style and healing system used.

At the heart of Thai massage lies the energy system of Sen Lines. These Sen Lines, which hold many health indications, are constantly engaged to help balance the body’s energy and return to a natural equilibrium.

Various yoga based postures and gentle stretching is applied to help re-align the body, increase flexibility, aid good posture and alleviate pain or discomfort.

Stress and tension is relieved through deep pressure which is applied to the muscles and nerves by the practitioner’s hands, feet, knees and elbows.

Along the Sen Lines lie many important pressure points (Marmas) which are engaged through acupressure. Thai massage is given in a rhythmical manner with each movement gently flowing into the next creating a deep state of relaxation, allowing our body and mind to become calm and peaceful.

Traditionally no oils are used in Thai yoga massage, however, the use of aromatic oils are often used when massaging the face and head. Thai yoga massage is given though clothing and is carried out on a comfortable padded floor mat.

The roots of Thai yoga massage lie in the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda which originated in India over 2500 years ago during the Buddha’s lifetime. This form of healing was originally brought to the East by an Ayurvedic Doctor and celebrated yogi called Jivaka Kumar Baccha (Know to the Thai people as Dr Shivago, the Father Doctor).

During the spread of Buddhism from India to South East Asia, Thai yoga massage made its way to the Temples of Thailand where it was, and still is, practised by Monks as an element of Traditional Thai medicine and is seen as an extension of spiritual practise. Due to this spiritual nature, one of the most important values of Thai yoga massage is Meta – unconditional loving kindness to all living beings.

Throughout Dr Shivago’s lifetime, he became Maghada King Bimbisara’s personal physician and attended to many people including Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha). In Thailand today, Dr Shivago is still honoured through prayer and iconic statues as the Father Doctor who founded Traditional Thai yoga massage and Ayurvedic practises within Thailand.

Thai yoga massage is a wonderful treatment during pregnancy and is an excellent way to help alleviate pain and tension such as back ache, sciatica and leg tension.

Very gentle stretching and massage will help relax the body and quieten the mind allowing mother and baby to connect and share the wonderful flow of energy leaving both feeling calm, peaceful and rejuvenated.

The treatment is mostly practised with the receiver lying on their side with the whole body treated from head to toe.

There are many benefits of Thai massage which can be enjoyed by all. This ancient therapy is not only for people who are suffering from certain ailments or conditions, but is also used to maintain general wellbeing, balance the body and mind, encourage the free flow of Prana (energy) and promote relaxation.