Article Index - Oriental Medicine
 
Traditional Thai massage
 
The ancient form of traditional Thai massage is performed on the floor on a mat, and the client remains fully clothed. The therapist will move the client into various positions that are very similar to some of the asanas of yoga. Pressure is also applied to the body by various parts of the therapist's anatomy, sometimes the thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, feet, or buttocks are used, and sometimes a combination. The intention is always to work the sen (energy) lines of the body to harmonise the flow of energy around the body, rather than to simply stretch muscle and soft tissue as you may traditionally do in a massage. The sen lines are similar to, and derived from, the prana nadis of yoga. The gentle rocking of the therapist helps to regulate the pace of the massage and create a very meditative and relaxing experience, but it also allows the therapist to vary the pressure they apply by rocking with more or less of their bodyweight rather than by using muscular force.
 
Traditionally a Thai Massage usually lasts for about 2.5 hours, however shorter versions are becoming popular with Westerners. A session will begin with the client lying on their back and it will start from the feet, working the sen up through the body. Quite a long time is spent on the legs, before moving up the body to the abdominals, arms and hands. The therapist will then move the client onto their side and start again from the feet working up to the head. This side lying position is particularly good for pregnant women or people with back problems who would be uncomfortable laying flat. The next position is prone, so the client lies on their front and the therapist works the back, again starting from the feet. This section can involve a lot of hyper extension of the spine that feels great and helps mobility. The therapist will then turn the client over and sit them up, but there is a whole massage involved in sitting the client up that also flexes the spine, again great for mobility. And finally the seated position, which is great for the upper body and especially the upper back, neck and head. The therapist will usually finish with a face massage in either the seated or supine position. It may sound like a lot of moving around, but as long the client relaxes the therapist will do all of this for them. The immediate effect of the massage on the client will be a feeling of harmony and tranquility.
 
© Simon Gall BA (Hons) ATL, is principal of the London School of Traditional Massage and has been promoting traditional Thai Massage in the UK for the past three years. He has now expanded the curriculum, with the help of other tutors who are experts in their fields, to offer training in a range of traditional massage techniques from around the world, such as Swedish Body Massage (VTCT), Reflexology (VTCT/AOR), Sports Massage (APNT), Indian Head Massage, Tui Na (Chinese Massage), Seated Acupressure Massage, and Chavutti Thirumal (Indian Massage). For more information please call 020 8460 1213 or email info@lstm.com or visit www.lstm.com
 
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