9/29/09

Thai Yoga Massage


Thai Yoga Massage

What is traditional Thai Massage?

Traditional Thai massage is an ancient form of healing believed to originate from the time of Buddha. Thai massage techniques differ from the scooping strokes of Western massage; it is described by some as a kind of passive yoga. The Thai method uses two primary procedures - applying deep, consistent pressure to specific nerves, tendons and ligaments, and a wide variety of passive stretching movements manipulating the skeleton in order to balance the functions of the body. The theoretical basis of traditional Thai massage lies in the theory of energy lines running through the body. Out of the 72 000 energy lines said to be in existence, the focus is on 10 major lines. Working on important acupressure points along these energy lines helps to remove blockages which allows free flow of energy through the body, balancing the body's energy system. Thai massage techniques display a knowledge of the inner workings of the body which has developed over centuries of practice. In Thai yoga massage it is not just the hands that are used but also the therapist’s feet, forearms, knees and elbows. Traditional Thai massage is applied on a mat on the floor, the work is done fully clothed and no oils are required. The effect of Thai massage is uniquely relaxing as well as energizing. The body regains flexibility and ease of movement, and the quiet meditaive atmosphere gently promotes a calm alertness. Tension and toxic material is released from the joints, muscles and connective tissue. The movements also help to adjust the skeletal structure, relieve muscular and joint tension, and stimulate the internal organs.

Thai massage schools in Thailand

During your visit to Thailand you are sure to receive at least one Thai massage. If you have never experienced one before you will be surprised by the positive effect it has on both your mind and your body. You may wish to learn how to offer the same experience to someone else, in which case you can combine your travels to Thailand with learning Thai massage! There are a number of schools in Thailand for traditional Thai massage. For southern style Wat Po temple in Bangkok is the leader. southern style Thai massage is faster paced and less repetitious than northern styles. For the slower and gentler northern style, Chiang Mai is where you need to be. Northern style Thai massage is like the northern people themselves who are slower-paced and a gentler people than their southern neighbours.
If you are interested in taking a Thai massage course in Thailand you can learn Thai massage at Horizon Thai Boxing Camp. Massage is extremely important to our Muay Thai boxers. We have a highly qualified resident masseuse and plenty of Muay Thai boxers for you to practice your techniques on. Our instructor comes from a family with a long history of Thai massage. It is a joy to watch and learn from him. If you would like to book a place on one of our Thai massage courses or ask questions please use the enquiry form.

History of ancient Thai Massage

Ancient Thai massage has a long history of therapeutic healing in Thailand. It is a unique form of bodywork with origins dating back 2500 years. Its roots can be traced back to India. The founder of the practice was Shivaga Komarpaj, a doctor believed to be friend and contemporary to the Buddha. Thailand is situated along the great trade route between India and China and its history and culture, along with its medicine, has been affected by its location. As Buddhism spread out from India, healing medicine spread with it. Thai massage has been passed down as an oral tradition, with a unique style developing in each area of Thailand. Most of the ancient medical texts were destroyed along with the destruction of Ayutthaya in the 18th Century by the Burmese. As an attempt to preserve the tradition of Thai massage what remained was literally carved in stone and set into the walls at Wat Po temple in Bangkok. Wat Po remains a centre of ancient Thai massage teaching in Thailand today. Originally, the Thai people saw illness as an imbalance in the body, mind and spirit, and they would seek help at the local temple. They were treated by the monks with the three elements of traditional Thai medicine:
  • Herbal medicines: These medicines are readily available over the counter at pharmacies in Thailand today, and many Thai herbs are included in regional cuisine with the intent of enhancing health as well as taste.
  • Psycho-Spiritual healing:  This includes various types of visualization practices by the patient, as well as shamanistic rituals performed by the healer.
  • Thai Massage: This formed the backbone of physical treatments.
Rather than just at the temples or perpetuated within families Thai massage is now practiced throughout Thailand, at massage schools, hospitals, in hotels, on the beaches, and seemingly around every street corner where there is an enterprising Thai! Some of these venues are not legitimate, and many therapists have received only minimal training. Yet other venues offer astounding treatments by masters of this healing art. There is much to be learned from traditional Thai massage practitioners within Thailand.

Benefits of Thai Massage techniques

Thai massage has been used for centuries in Thailand to treat degenerative conditions and promote wellness.This ancient form of therapy is beneficial to the young or old, active or inactive, healthy or not so healthy. Thai massage techniques assist the body to return to optimum performance and optimum health, contributing to a sense of ease and well-being and good health. The benefits of Thai massage are boundless. Thai massage heightens awareness, frees blockages in energy flow, invigorates the nervous system, relieves pain and muscle tension, increases the bodies ability to absorb nutrition by stimulating the organs, strengthens and rejuvenates the body, improves circulation of the blood and lymph, increases flexibility and promotes a general feeling of well-being assisting in balancing body, mind and spirit. Thai massage assists elimination of waste and toxic debris collected from physical and emotional strain. Thai massage techniques can be particularly helpful in relieving headaches, migraines, arthritis, whiplash pain, paralysis, numbness and back pain. Our family has a personal story which demonstrates the benefits of properly executed Thai massage techniques. Several years ago Ex, co-owner of Horizon Thai Boxing Camp, received a faulty injection at a Doctors clinic. The injection should have been administered into the vain, but the Doctor mistakenly jabbed it into his leg muscle. Ex very quickly became gravely ill. Following months of intensive hospital treatment Ex was told that he would never walk again. In fact, it was considered a miracle that he managed to survive at all. Ex believes wholeheartedly that Thai massage treatments received on release from the hospital were partly responsible for his full recovery.
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