Traditional Thai Massage
‘Nuat Phaen Boran’ – the ancient manner massage
Traditional Thai Massage is based on the concept of vital life force energy that flows along channels in the body called ‘Sen’ to specific energy points. Ten of them are very important in Traditional Thai Massage. In this sense, it is similar to Reflexology. Unlike other massage therapies, stretching is an important part of Traditional Thai Massage.
What should I expect?
The treatment is usually performed on a massage mat on the floor. You should wear loose, comfortable clothes that allow for movement. No oils are used. I’ll lean on your body using my hands and forearms, locked at the elbow, to apply firm, rhythmic pressure following the sen lines of the body. I may use my legs and feet to move your body into position. Sometimes, the hands move the body into position while the feet do the massaging. Pressure is applied both directly, as in other massage types, and indirectly through lifting, stretching and twisting.
Benefits of Traditional Thai Massage
It affects the body directly, emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically.
It improves the circulatory system, relaxes the muscles, loosens the joints, reduces pain, releases stress and increases energy. Specifically, it is good for:
- Pre- and post- sporting activities
- Osteo-tendinitis pain, lumbago, spinal and articular diseases
- Nervous problems, insomnia, anxiety and depression
- Bowel and digestive problems, allergies, respiratory problems
- Psychological and psychomotor problems
More about Traditional Thai Massage
According to Thai Massage theory, the human body remains healthy when it maintains its balance of energy in relation to the energy of the universe. Any imbalance in the energies will result in sickness. Working on energy points can relieve blockages and imbalances in the energy channels, helping to restore balance and generating a feeling of wellbeing. Traditional Thai Massage can be applied very lightly for relaxation or it can be applied very deeply for therapeutic purposes.
Did you know?
A doctor believed to have been from Northern India, Dr Jivaka Jumara Phaccha, is the legendary father of Traditional Thai Massage. He is known to have lived over 2,500 years ago at the same time as the Buddha.
Other therapies such as chiropractic and physiotherapy are similar to traditional Thai Massage, but they do not focus on the energy channels and energy points in the body.
A full Thai massage session typically lasts two to three hours (or more) and involves the slow, rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body and the arching of the patient into the cobra position (Bhujangasana). At Healing Hands Clinic a one-hour session can be structured to suit your needs.
In Thailand, Traditional Thai Massage is one of the branches of Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM), now recognised and regulated by the Thai government, and is considered to be a medical discipline used for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments.
My Studies in Traditional Thai Massage
I have studied at Loi Kroh Traditional Thai Massage and Yoga School (Chiang Mai, Thailand), where northern style (Naud Chaleuysak) is taught and practised. Loi Kroh School specialises in one-to-one, private lessons. In addition I completed a Herbal Compress Massage course. Herbal Compress Massage can be used to complement Traditional Thai Massage.
If you think that Traditional Thai Massage could help you or you’d like to know more, don’t hesitate to contact me on 086 3893413