What is Thai massage?
Thai massage mainly consists of compression and stretching techniques to improve flexibility and poor posture. It is traditionally performed on a mat on the floor, but can be adapted to a table as well. “Table Thai” as it’s called, is a great way to get acquainted with the modality to see if it’s something you would like to explore further. The floor mat offers a wider range of positioning and techniques for the practitioner to draw from. Don’t worry, the mat is well padded and has a heating element as well, so you’ll still be comfy and cozy.
In traditional Thai massage, there are thought to be “sen” lines down the front and back of the body - sen meaning energy. It is along these lines that a practitioner uses their palms or thumbs to rhythmically press and free any stagnant energy. As with acupressure points, these lines correlate to certain organs or bodily systems. Whether or not you believe in energetics… Thai massage still feels amazing!
Okay, so it improves flexibility… but is it still relaxing?
Yes! The compressions are rhythmic and progressive, meaning I will start with light-medium pressure and get deeper gradually, so you’re never caught off guard. The same goes for stretching, I will always gradually move you into a deep stretch and be sure to check in with you to make sure nothing feels like it’s too much. Most folks report feeling simultaneously more awake and calm than when they came in.
Do you undress like a normal massage, or what’s the deal with that?
No! Thai massage is performed completely clothed. This allows us as practitioners to stretch and move you in ways that would otherwise be too difficult or risky with regular draping. I recommend wearing an outfit you might wear to a yoga class, and if possible try to avoid wearing an underwire bra when receiving Thai massage.
Thai massage is slowly, but surely creeping into the western massage market.
This “new” modality is actually over 2,500 years old!
How do I know if Thai massage is right for me?
If you don’t already have a regular stretching practice, Thai massage is definitely for you! Even those who stretch or do yoga regularly can still enjoy its benefits, however more emphasis may be on compression style massage instead of big expansive stretches for those folks. If you sit at a desk all day, or even if you have a job that is active but tends to be only select repetitive movements, Thai massage will feel great. You do not need to be flexible to receive Thai massage.
Will I be up and moving around? Also, I’ve heard some Eastern bodywork can hurt…
Receiving Thai massage is a lot like going to a yoga class… without any of the work on your part. You will either lay on the table or a mat and passively receive a massage as you normally would. As for the second question, it is true that some forms of Eastern bodywork can be rather abrupt and intense, however that is not the case with the service I provide. Generally speaking there are two styles of Thai massage practiced in Thailand, northern and southern style. The northern style is more forgiving, gradual, and focused on stretching, while the southern style uses more high velocity movements and has more of a focus on deep compressions.
The best way to find out if you like something is to try it!
Most people find that they really enjoy Thai massage, and some never go back to “regular” massage.
What else do I need to know?
One other notable difference between Thai massage and Therapeutic massage is the difference in positioning. While most massage is performed prone (face-down) and supine (face-up), Thai massage is also commonly performed in side-lying and seated positions. I do sometimes utilize side-lying in the Therapeutic massages (and always in my prenatal massages), however seated work is exclusive to Thai sessions.
Thai massage is considered safe for pregnant women, however at this time I do not offer prenatal Thai massage. Contraindications for Thai massage is similar to those for western massage styles - acute injury, illness, skin conditions, etc. - are not recommended for receiving Thai massage.
What does the science say?
Studies have shown that Thai massage can have an immediate effect on stress-related parameters including heart rate variability, anxiety, muscle tension, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and body flexibility in patients with back pain. Thai massage has also been found to be at least as effective as Swedish massage for treating chronic low back pain.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21147414/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23059437/
