Traditional Thai Massage has been practiced and taught in Thailand
for more than 2,500 years.
Thai Massage is believed to have originated in India,
developed by Jivaki Komarbhacca, known as the “Father Doctor”, a
contemporary of Buddha.
Thai massage draws it’s origins from the Indian Ayurvedic medical
system, and is one of several forms of oriental bodywork based on
energy balancing to facilitate healing and maintain health.
Thai massage is obviously influenced by the Chinese system of
Acupressure and draws heavily from Yoga.
Thai massage is based on the theory that the human body is in itself a field of energy composed of some 72,000 lines or channels of energy (sen lines). Thai massage treatment generally works with the ten primary sen lines, from which all others branch. This energy is referred to as “prana” in the Indian Ayurvedic system of nadis, and “chi” in Chinese meridian theory.
In this system, blockages in the flow of this energy result in discomfort, disease and pain. Therefore most ailments are the result of an imbalance of the energy system, whereas a free flowing energetic system leaves one feeling energised yet relaxed, flexible and free of stiffness. In Thai massage the ten major sen lines are worked by various techniques of rhythmic pressure.
In addition, Thai massage incorporates therapeutic stretching, joint mobilisation, deep tissue compression, acupressure and assisted hatha yoga postures. Due to the degree of stretching and yoga employed, Thai massage is sometimes referred to as “lazy man’s yoga”. Thai massage is practiced on a firm mat on the floor. The effective use of the practitioner’s body weight is instrumental in this modality. The recipient remains clothed except for the feet.
The
Benefits of Thai Massage
A Thai massage session leaves one with a greater sense of well-being and happiness. Thai massage benefits the body by improving circulation of blood and lymph and releasing musculo-skeletal problems.
Thai Massage is an excellent technique for relieving stress and it’s symptoms such as headaches, muscular tension, anxiety and insomnia. Therapeutic Thai massage can release chronic pain and stiffness from the back, neck, shoulders and legs. In the west, stiffness and loss of flexibility are generally regarded as the result of ageing. In the Orient, these conditions are regarded more as an imbalance of the energy system, and as such people in the west will find Thai massage a means of slowing down the effects of the ageing process by maintaining flexibility.
In summary then, Thai massage is beneficial in a variety of ways:
·
Improve and maintain range of motion in joints.
·
Relieve muscle
soreness.
·
Affect efficient
respiration by releasing tension in the diaphragm and related muscle
groups, allowing deeper inhalation.
·
Help to alleviate
unnecessary neuromuscular tension by promoting relaxation and
reducing emotional stress.
·
Stretch and
release the fascia.
·
Increase tissue
temperature through stimulation of the metabolic rate by positive
and progressive stress.
·
Alleviate muscle
and joint stiffness.
·
Alleviate joint
sprains, muscle strains and tears, and re-injury to previously
traumatised muscles and joints.
·
Increase muscular
and tendon extendibility.
·
Improve potential
physical and athletic capacity.
·
Reduce soreness,
relax muscles and improve elimination of toxins by increasing blood
and lymph circulation to fatigued areas.
·
Alleviate
tightness that may cause pain, spasms and cramping.
·
Provide an
important adjunct to recovery during recovery and rehabilitation.
Who can enjoy Thai massage?
Thai Massage is suitable for people of all ages, shapes, fitness and flexibility.
There are some conditions where a full Thai Massage session is not
suitable:
·
Serious heart conditions.
·
High blood pressure.
·
Cancer or osteoporosis.
·
Pregnant women.
·
People with artificial joints.
· Varicose veins should never be deeply massaged.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage, also known as Therapeautic or Traditional massage, is characterised by the use of five stroke techniques. The primary objective of these strokes is to promote blood flow to the heart, by ensuring the direction of strokes is always toward the heart. This form of massage may be used to work on superficial muscles and tissues or deeper muscle groups. A sensitive therapist can also detect areas of tension or blockage and therefore gently work these areas to help the recipient release these and the underlying trauma. The various strokes employed in the technique have various affects on the body including stimulation, sedation, improved circulation and may assist in the breakdown of metabolic wastes in the muscles and soft tissues.
Benefits of Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic
massage has many physiological benefits, the most discernible being
the soothing effect on the nerve endings within the skin.
This effect can assist in alleviating pain associated with
muscular, neurological and arthritic conditions.
Massage is also known to improve circulation and nutrition to
joints and soft tissues.
It also reduces demand on the heart by assisting the movement of
blood through the circulatory system.
Massage also promotes the breakdown and movement of cellular
metabolic wastes, via stimulation of the lymph system, and
stimulates cellular exchange of oxygen and nutrients.
Massage involves alot of touch, which is very nurturing and
gratifying, particularly to those deprived of regular, quality human
contact.
Massage however, is not for everyone. As circulation is enhanced by massage, any conditions that are transferable through the circulatory system should not be massaged. This may include cancer, jaundice, bacterial infections and pain associated with infections and acute inflammation. People with cardiovascular problems are not recommended for massage. Hemorrhages, acute phlebitis, thrombosis and varicose veins should also be avoided. Care should be exercised when massaging persons with abnormal or decreased sensation due to stroke, diabetes, or muscle relaxant medications
I have studied and practiced both Ingham (Eunice Ingham, circa 1930’s) style reflexology and Thai reflexology. While both styles use the same basic principles, Ingham style is more gentle and relaxing and tends to move the recipient into a state of much deeper relaxation, having a potentially greater, complimentary effect during recovery and healing. Thai reflexology is a more physical style the effects of which tend to be more energising and invigorating.
About Reflexology
It is not known precisely where or when the practice of reflexology originated.
Practitioners of Soku shinjutsu, a Japanese form of reflexology claim
their technique was first used in India approximately 5000 years ago.
Furthermore, they believe this technique was taken to China by Buddhist
monks after the third century BC and later to Japan.
It is believed a form of reflexology combining acupuncture and pressure
to the soles of the feet, was practised in the 4th century BC by a
Chinese doctor known as Wang Wei.
The earliest known reference to reflexology being used in a therapeutic sense
comes from ancient Egypt, dating approximately 2500 BC, in the form of a wall
carving in the tomb of renowned doctor Ankhm ‘ahor.
This carving depicts doctors working on their patients’ hands and feet.
A second reference to reflexology from Egypt dating 2350 BC, is a relief
showing attendants massaging the feet and hands of the Pharaoh Ptahhotep 2.
There is evidence that forms of reflexology or therapy of the feet at least, were practised in Europe and other areas of the world as early as the 16th century
In the modern era, the form of reflexology predominantly practiced today is derived from the practice of Zone Therapy. The premise of Zone Therapy being that the body consists of 10 vertical zones, corresponding to the ten fingers and toes, and running the entire length of the body. Working these zones may produce varying effects from analgesia to stimulation along the corresponding zone, affecting all organs and tissues within that zone.
This therapy was first introduced to America in the early 20th
century by Dr. William Fitzgerald, who further refined the practice with the
assistance of Dr. Edwin F. Bowers and published “Zone Therapy or Relieving Pain
at Home”. Zone Therapy was later
developed by Dr. George Starr White and Dr. Joe Shelby Riley.
In the 1930’s Eunice Ingham, a therapist working for Dr. Riley, further
refined the reflex points moving away from the more general zones.
She worked along-side the medical profession to prove her findings and
the value of reflexology as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.
Ingham is therefore credited with being the “Mother of Reflexology”.
Thai reflexology is similar in style to Chinese reflexology, both of which are known for the firmness of treatment and the use of instruments such as sticks and balls. This style is favoured by Asians and generally found to be too aggressive for westerners at first. Most westerners however, adjust to Thai style reflexology after a few sessions and generally find the treatment relaxing, but very invigorating and energising.
Reiki
Reiki is an energetic form of healing whereby the practitioner acts as a channel through which energy may be channeled to the recipient. Typically a treatment of reiki involves placing the hands on or just above the recipient’s body in various areas and/or patterns, or as directed by the recipient’s body. Reiki leaves one feeling deeply relaxed and usually in a heightened state of well being and happiness. It is often very effective in bringing about the release of stress, anxiety and physical conditions. It is often a catalyst in cases where recipients experience release of emotional and/or mental rigidity. This gentle technique can be used in any situation and on any person and for virtually any problem. It is completely non-intrusive. The recipient remains fully clothed throughout.
Pranic Healing
The word “Prana” literally means the flow of life.
Prana is actually two words “pran”, meaning life, and “A”
meaning movement of breath.
But prana is not just about breathing as it alludes to the
energy we derive from solar energy, cosmic rays, ionising radiations
from radio-active gases always present in air, energy in the food we
eat and the water we drink.
In short, prana could be described as taking in energy from
all of the environment,
being driven by the act of breathing. In Pranic Healing, the practitioner may draw energy in from the
surrounding environment and pass it to the recipient.
In addition teaching the recipient to breath correctly, and
additional techniques, enables them to consciously draw energy from
their entire environment, therefore no longer needing an
intermediary. More
advanced techniques exist within this practice some involving the
interaction of the practitioner with the recipient’s various energy
fields to bring about change and healing.
For additional information on this technique please refer to
links for pranic
healing and
consult the work of
Dr L.R. Chowdhry
of New Delhi, India.
Meditation
Email: mail@renascencemassage.com