Thai Yoga Massage

Thai Yoga Massage is a very ancient therapeutic bodywork combining acupressure, gentle stretching and applied Yoga.  It can bring relief from pain, relieve stress and anxiety, and help with such diverse conditions as stroke recovery, asthma, back pain and frozen shoulder.  It brings about a deeply relaxing spaciousness in body and mind,  so it is perfect for any nervous system disorders that can lead to pain and inflammation such as fibromyalgia and polymyalgia – these are often difficult to treat with conventional medicine.

It was first practiced over 2500 years ago in northern India, and almost certainly has it’s origins in the traditional Indian systems of Ayurveda and Yoga.  It shares similarities with the meridian pathways of Chinese Medicine and Shiatsu – although the 10 Sen lines used in Thai Massage are  different from those used in those systems. It reached Thailand with Buddhism around 2000 years ago and is now on every street and corner of Thailand where it remains the principle system of medicine today. 

How does it work?

It works on many levels…. Thai Yoga Massage is based on the belief that a life-force energy called prana circulates around our body. We absorb this prana from the air we breathe and the food we eat.  If you’ve ever been to my Yoga class you will be well aware of cultivating prana as a means of well-being. 

In Thai Massage these prana pathways make up an energy line system called ten sen. The system is said to be made up of 72,000 energy lines which make up the energy body or pranamaya kosha.  If there is a blockage along any of these lines which prevents the free flow of prana, this can lead to dis-ease on a physical, emotional or spiritual level.

So we focus on working on these 10 important energy lines, and by working thoroughly we can treat the whole body including the internal organs.  This will ensure that blocked energy is released, restoring health, harmony and balance.  When your prana is flowing freely, your health and well-being is greatly improved!  We can be imaginative and creative in Thai Yoga Massage, making it a meditative rhythmic dance, and introduce many techniques for healing the subtle energy body.   

 A Spritual Practice  

Thai Yoga Massage was traditionally practiced in Buddhist temples and it was an extension of Buddhist practice – particularly meditation. 

When we give a massage we are working with full awareness, being present in each moment and working mindfully through each part of the receivers body.  Secondly we practice metta, or loving kindness meditation – in this way Thai Yoga Massage is said to be “the physical application of loving kindness”  This is such a beautiful way of describing this way of working and is a huge part of the felt experience.

A massage given with care, awareness and presence will feel totally different from one given in a mechanical, technical way.  Being in meditation allows a deep listening and an intuitive aspect that will allow prana to flow freely, and the whole experience will feel wonderful, calm and peaceful for both giver and receiver.

Effects and Benefits

Initially there could be extreme tiredness which is a sign of old and negative energy leaving the body, or a feeling of having lots of energy which indicates that new energy is flowing into the body.  Whatever your initial response, you can be sure that after a few days you will feel re-charged and full of energy!

You may experience greater flexibility in the joints, better circulation, better alignment in the body, improved posture and a better functioning of your organs.  You will also feel more peaceful, relaxed and tranquil which is such a gift in our stressful world.

How long is a treatment?

A really good Thai Yoga Massage covers all the bases and is a slow and meditative process of unwinding and relaxation.  I like to allow at least 90 mins, and 2 – 2.5 hours is a really good length of time. 

A treatment every month is a great way to stay on top of your well-being in a holistic way.  There are huge benefits to regular therapy and Yoga for overall health and longevity!

Please arrive 5 mins before your appointment time, and please wear joggers/leggings and a T shirt.  The treatment if given through clothing and we work from a futon on the floor.

90 mins  £60         2hrs  £70      2.5 hrs  £90