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attack on the royal
capital of Ayuthaya in 1767,
the surviving records are now inscribed in
stone and can be found at the Sala Moh Nuat (massage pavilion) within
the temple of Pra Chetuphon in
Bangkok, known as wat Po, the temple of
the reclining Buddha. Its spiritual aspect also
remains as teachers of the therapy begin classes with the
practice of wai-kru, a series of prayers and recitations
dedicated to Shivago Komarpaj, the father of Thai massage
and the Goddess of Healing, and teaches of the tradition
through the centuries.
The benefits of Thai massage are numerous with the most
predominant being the maintenance of good health and its
ability to treat a wide spectrum of health concerns.
Traditional Thai massage is known for its ability to clear
the energy pathways.
- Some of the major
benefits of traditional Thai massage:
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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
- Thai massage looks like a cross between acupressure, yoga,
and zen shiatsu and is inspired by Buddhist teachings.
The actual massage consists
of a technique that
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Thai Massage at Patong
Beach Phuket |
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uses slow, rhythmic
compressions and stretches along the body's energy lines, also called sen in Thai. Over 70,000 sen are said to
exist within the body, and Thai massage concentrates on
applying pressure along 10 of the most important sen 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-like poses
and gently rock the body to more deeply open joints and
facilitate limbering.
- A thorough Thai massage includes the following four basic
positions:
From the front with the client lying supine
From the side with the client alternately lying on either
side
From the back with the client lying prone
In a sitting position |
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One of the most important principles of Thai massage is the
continuous flow of sequential movements that prepares the
client for the next step in the massage. The practitioner is
always aware of his position so that an uninterrupted, slow
rhythm is maintained.
Deep, sustained
massage pressure ensures that
the myofascia, or the muscle's connective tissue, soften and
relax in order to release the flow of energy along the sen,
and to prepare the client for the large-scale stretches that
follow. |
- There are two styles of practice,
Northern (Chiang-mai) and Southern (Bangkok). The former is
considered gentler. The latter is faster and sometimes more
intense but is widespread in Thailand, while the Northern
style has become popular in the United States.
Preparations
The preparation needed before receiving a Thai massage is
minimal. A Thai massage is typically performed on a floor
mat enabling practitioners the ability to use their body
weight and to incorporate the many movements that would not
be possible on a massage table. Normally, the client remains
fully clothed, and lubricant for the skin is rarely used. A
Thai massage usually lasts one to two hours, but may be
three hours or more if needed.
Precautions
While some of the pressure techniques used in Thai massage
may seem too penetrating to many, most can adjust to it
quickly. For those who are frail or stiff, a skilled
practitioner will be able to adjust all of the soft tissue
and manipulation work to their level of comfort.
Research & general acceptance
The practice of Thai massage is multinational. While a
unique modality, Thai massage is slowly spreading into the
western world. Knowledge of therapeutic benefits comes from
anecdotal evidence rather than research in Western
scientific mode.
Training & certification
Thai massage can be strenuous for the practitioner. To
become a Thai master, it is said that the best place to
learn is where the therapy originates. The well known school
at Wat Po in Bangkok and in Chiang Mi, The Institute of Thai
Massage, both in Thailand, are famous for their teachings of
the ancient art. It is also possible to receive instruction
in the United States from teachers who studied in Thailand,
as well as Thai instructors who came over to offer classes
in American massage school. Thai massage certification can
be done via a Thai massage class, courses and other Thai
massage education maybe in a Thai massage institute.
Practitioners of Thai massage are taught the most important
aspects of the meditative spirit--awareness, mindfulness,
and concentration. Correct body positioning and posture
control while giving a massage are of vital importance to
the practitioner in order to avoid injury, especially to the
back.
Lymph
An alkaline fluid found in the lymphatic vessels that is
usually clear, transparent fluid, unless it is draining from
the intestines when it then appears milky.
Author is Beth Kapes
- Thai Foot Massage
Thai foot massage dates back over hundreds of years, and has
been one of the most effective and revered forms of massage
in the Orient, and eventually all over the world. Though
Thai massage can cover the entire body, the art of Thai foot
massage is an art in and of itself. Thai foot massage was
developed over the years by incorporating foot massage
techniques from some places such as China, Japan, and Korea.
Most people who have experienced Thai foot massage can
attest to its benefits. The foot is probably the most abused
part of the body, but not only that, it seems to have a
direct connection to every other part of the body. A good
Thai foot massage not only makes your feet feel wonderful,
it can promote healing and relaxation in many other parts of
the body as well. In the ancient Orient, this was discovered
rather early, and foot massage was used as a method of
healing both the mind and the body. As a holistic treatment,
those in the ancient Orient realized that foot massage could
relieve stress, help promote restful sleep, increase
circulation, and even help promote a better immune system.
In the mental sense, it could increase alertness and enhance
creativity.
Thai foot massage incorporates elements of what we recognize
as reflexology. The foundation of reflexology is that there
are certain points on the foot that can affect other areas
of the body. Thai foot massage and reflexology can extend to
the ankles and legs as well. For this reason, most Thai foot
masseuses will ask for a detailed medical history before
beginning treatment. In this way they can determine what
pressure points can be focused on more than others, and even
help patients discover problems early that they may not have
been aware of. Thai foot massage usually takes about an
hour, and starts not with immediately focusing on pressure
points, but on what the masseuse calls “opening the pathways
of energy”. In Thai foot massage it is believed that the
massage must be done in stages, readying the subject for
each successive step so that each step in turn can be most
effective.
A reputable Thai foot masseuse also knows when massage can
be beneficial and when it can actually be harmful. If there
are any serious injuries or illnesses that the subject needs
to address, the masseuse will require that they be treated
by a physician before trying Thai foot massage. Though Thai
foot massage can help in the healing process tremendously,
it is not a substitution for medical treatment. During
healing, however, and as long as a complete medical history
is known, Thai foot massage can have incredible benefits,
both for those what are in good health and for those who are
suffering several different types of ailments.
Author Annalisa Zisman, a proficient writer, writes for a
few different learn massage techniques sites. The writer
concentrates on articles about massage techniques. Further
articles written by Annalisa Zisman about massage therapist
can be found on the web. http://www.inspiremassageworkshops.co.uk
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