At Prana Endura, we offer a range of modalities to promote both the physical and mental well-being of our clients. We offer more traditional massages, such as Swedish and deep tissue massages. We also offer less common modalities, such as reiki and Thai yoga massage. What is a Thai yoga massage, you might be wondering? Well, at the basic level, it is a massage therapy that combines acupressure and assisted yoga postures. However, there’s a lot more to it than that! Let’s review what Thai massage is, including a little background of its history, techniques used, and benefits.
What is Thai yoga massage?
Thai yoga massage, also known as Thai massage, is one of the four branches of traditional Thai medicine and involves deep massage and stretching. It is a therapeutic modality that provides relaxation and has several benefits. The history of Thai massage goes back roughly 2,500 years ago and is said to have been founded by a physician named Shivago Komarpaj. He was from northern India, and it is said he was a friend of the Buddha. Thai massage gained popularity in Thailand after WWII and gained traction in the United States in the 1980s.
What techniques are used?
Similar to other modalities, common techniques used in Thai massage include pressing, leaning, rolling, rocking, squeezing, and circling. The practitioner uses their hands, thumbs, elbows, forearms, and feet to reduce muscle tension. Unlike other modalities, Thai yoga massage is performed on the floor, typically on a mat or massage mattress. During these sessions, clients are also fully clothed.
The massage therapist will also combine stretching and yoga poses during the session. This quality makes Thai massage unique — it is active, where the client moves into different positions, whereas other modalities are typically passive.
However, what makes Thai massage truly unique is the focus on Sen lines, or energy lines. These lines frame the body, and massage techniques are used along these lines to improve energy flow in the body.
What are the benefits?
As with all massage modalities, Thai massage offers many benefits to improve both mental and physical health, including:
- Headache relief
- Reduced back pain
- Relieved joint stiffness
- Improved flexibility
- Reduced anxiety
- Increased energy
It is important to note contraindications for Thai massage may include but are not limited to heart disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and pregnancy. It’s best to consult with your physician before booking a session.
Thai yoga massage at Prana Endura
Thai massage is one of the many services we offer at Prana Endura. We offer sessions ranging from 30 to 90 minutes with our practitioner, Brittany.