Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Thai yoga massage.
What to expect during your Thai massage session?
Thai massage is a mat based bodywork. It is done on the floor on a comfortable futon. Unlike other massages, Thai massage is much like assisted yoga. It uses passive stretches, deep tissue mobilisation, deep compressions and fascial release. Some of the stretches will involve going through movements with the practitioner holding or pulling you to maintain a pose. A lot of the moves help relax the nervous system and also open up areas in the body that are stuck, joints that are locked up. The practitioner may use their thumbs and hands and can also employ their forearms, elbows, knees and feet. The moves are never jerky or abrupt. There is no intentional cracking of joints – it might happen sometimes as joints tend to crack with movement (you can check out this blog post if you want to know more about this).
What is the difference between Thai massage and Thai yoga massage?
None, these are basically two names for the same thing.
Will you pay more attention to areas of concern in my body?
Thai massage is a full body approach. We will definitely focus on areas of concern to address current issues that you might be experiencing. At the same time, we will always work the whole body in a single treatment. Similar to most Eastern healing modalities and understandings of the human form, Thai massage views the body as a single unit not as a collection of parts that become problematic on their own. Western medicine increasingly understands that most of the time where you feel the pain is not the problem. Furthermore, science nowadays views the body as a tensegrity whole. The pain shows up in what happens to be the weakest link in the system. You can learn more about tensegrity from the author of Anatomy trains, Tom Myers.
Do you use oil in Thai yoga massage?
Unlike other massages, oil isn’t required in Thai massage and your muscles typically aren’t heavily kneaded. This makes Thai yoga massage especially suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies. If you wish, a special add-on treatment with oil for the back neck and shoulders can be incorporated in most massages .
Oil is always used in Thai foot massage.
I usually use food grade grape oil with a few drops of organic essential oil.
Do get in touch if you have any specific requirements.
What clothes to wear for Thai yoga massage?
With Thai massage you will be the most comfortable in loose-fitting light weight clothes. Choose garments without zips and buttons that can be uncomfortable during the treatment. Yoga type of clothes also work very well. You can have your socks on and even a jumper if you feel you could be cold in a longer session.
If you are interested in finding out more about how Thai massage can help you or if you want to book a treatment, do get in touch.
