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Thai Massage

 

Thai massage looks like a combination of acupressure, yoga, and zen shiatsu and is inspired by Buddhist teachings. The actual massage consists of a technique that uses slow rhythmic compressions and stretches along the body’s energy lines, also called Sen lines in Thai. Over 72,000 Sen lines are said to exist throughout the body. Thai massage concentrates on applying pressure along 10 of the most important Sen lines using the palms of the hands, thumbs, elbows, and feet. The effort from the practitioner works to free tension within the body. Practitioners also position the body into yoga asana-like postures and gently rock the body to more deeply open joints and facilitate limbering.

The massage recipient changes into loose, comfortable clothes and lies on the massage table. The massage practitioner leans on the recipient's body using hands and usually straight forearms locked at the elbow to apply firm rhythmic pressure. The massage generally follows designated lines (Sen) in the body. Legs and feet of the giver can be used to fixate the body or limbs of the recipient. In other positions, hands fixate the body, while the feet do the massaging action. A full Thai massage session typically lasts 90-minutes, and includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body; this may include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking the knuckles, walking on the recipient's back, and manipulating the recipients body into many different positions. There is a standard procedure and rhythm to the massage, which the practitioner will adjust to fit each individual client.

 

 

Thai Massage sometimes referred to as Thai Yoga Massage is an ancient holistic healing modality. It is also known as Nuad bo-Rarn in its traditional medical form translates as “ancient healing” or “sacred medicine.” Thai Massage is a type of Asian bodywork therapy, developed over 2500 years ago, that is based on harmonizing and healing the human body, mind and spirit. The therapy treats the electromagnetic or energetic field which surrounds, infused and bring the body to life through pressure and/or manipulative massage.

 

Benefits:


The benefits of Thai Massage are numerous with the most predominate being the maintenance of good health and its ability to treat a wide spectrum of health concerns. Traditional Thai Massage is know for its ability to clear the energy pathways. The following are some of the benefits of traditional Thai Massage:


• Increases flexibility and range of movement
• Eliminates muscle pain and muscle spasms
• Improves postural alignment
• Calms the nervous system and promotes a deep sense of relaxation with an increased energy level
• Allows for a significant release of deep, emotional distress
• Stimulates blood circulation and lymph drainage
• Stimulates internal organs
• Relieves fatigue, swollen limbs, painful joints and headaches

 

Herbal Poultice

Following the Table Thai Massage is an herbal poultice treatment. The practitioner will leave the room while the client undresses (to their level of comfort, either fully nude or leaving under garments on). The client will get underneath the provided sheet. Then the practitioner will reenter the room and administer the treatment, only uncovering the areas that are being treated. The healing practice of the Thai herbal compress therapy dates back nearly 5,000 years to an ears when the knowledge of plants, including their effects through ingestion or application on the body were painstakingly researched and then passed down from one generation to the next This herbal therapy was designed to relieve pain and inflammation. A selection of therapeutic herbs including: prail root, ginger, turmeric, lemongrass and other herbs are wrapped in a muslin compress, steamed and then applied to the body along the Sen lines with gently pressing, circular and rolling movements. The first pass along the lines is quick because the poultice is very hot, the second pass is still quick as it is cooling down, and the third pass is slower working the compress deeply into the muscle tissue. In Thailand, the herbal compress is called Luk Pra Kob, translated as “herbal pressing sphere.” To make the compress, a combination of healing herbs is bundled together in accordance with ancient recipes, steamed and placed directly on the skin to soothe muscular aches.

 


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Works Cited
(2011). Healing Bodywork East and West Modalities LLC. 4943 E. Grandview Street, Arizona 85205.

 

(Illustration) 10 Major Sen Lines on the front of the body. With Chakra points. Anterior body

(Illustration) 10 Major Sen Lines on the back of the body. Posterior body

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