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Sensational Thailand
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sitting in a seaside restaurant recently, I overheard a conversation between a young couple who were apparently visitors to Thailand. The lady was trying to convince her partner to indulge in a Thai massage for couples. "If for no other reason it will make you feel good!" |
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Her case had won me, but her companion was not convinced. "I don't see how having some stranger prodding my joints and cracking my knuckles could ever feel good!" She then read from the blurb, "the traditional physical medicine of Thailand, is practiced very slowly, with an emphasis on both the practitioner and client being in a heightened or meditative state of consciousness." The blurb spoke of sen energy lines, meditation, essential oils, yoga and physical, mental and spiritual relaxation. Sounds great, I thought. "Sounds like a lot of new age mumbo-jumbo to me. Let's go to the beach" was his reply. New age mumbo-jumbo it certainly is not. Throughout the ages, Eastern cultures have used the magic of touch to heal and soothe all ailments of the body and spirit. It was employed more than 4000 years ago by Indian Ayurvedic practitioners and over 3,000 years ago by the Chinese. Later, the Greek physician Hippocrates used friction in the treatment of sprains and dislocations and kneading to treat constipation. Early in the 19th century, Per Henrik Ling, a doctor in Stockholm, devised a system of massage to treat problems involving joints and muscles. Others later extended the treatment to relieve deformities of arthritis and re-educate muscles following paralysis. Despite the experimental approaches to medicine adopted by these pioneers, it has taken the Western world a long time to catch on to the unique benefits of hands-on healing. The Touch Research Institute has conducted experiments, which have proven that regular massage therapy can relieve muscle tension and stiffness, improve joint flexibility, range of motion and circulation of both blood and lymph fluids, reduce blood pressure and improve posture.
Traditional Thai Massage dates back some 2500 years. It is concerned with the whole body and is a blend of Ayurvedic Medicine, Buddhist spiritual practice, Chinese Medicine and Yoga. The combination of gentle rocking, rhythmic acupressure, reflexology, energy work and stretching, with a form of passive yoga, leave recipients with more than a relaxed state of mind. The work is very rhythmical and meditative, enabling both the client and practitioner to reach deeper levels of consciousness. Throughout the massage, peripheral stimulation and manipulation opens and loosens joints, stretches muscles and tones internal organs whilst inducing a state of deep relaxation. The industry of natural healing therapies in Thailand has prospered and consequently the list of venues offering traditional Thai massage is impressive. Most of these spas and massage centres also practice techniques from other schools of massage, such as the Hawaiian lomi-lomi, shiatsu, ayurvedic massage, deep tissue work or reflexology massage. With all this choice, it is sometimes difficult to know which massage is most suitable for you. Consultation with the spa manager or your masseuse is probably the best way to ensure a successful therapy session. The following descriptions below may also help with decision making. Acupressure is a traditional massage that has its origins in Asia. The fundamental principle of acupressure is that the body's energy flow can be disrupted by trauma, injury and illness, this in turn may create isolated areas of muscle tension, which block important nerve pathways. The application of pressure to these points, releases tension and the energies can flow freely and naturally throughout the body. Some scientific studies have shown that the application of this pressure releases natural endorphins into the system, promoting relaxation and healing. Aromatherapy massage combines the traditional kneading-style of massage with a wealth of goodness contained in essential oils. The pressure tends to be lighter than with the Swedish massage, allowing the oils to do much of the work. Essential oils are known to have various positive effects on the body and the mind through absorption by the skin and inhalation. Generally, the client may select the oil to suit their needs.
Ayurvedic massage originated in India and dates back over 4000 years. Ayurveda is an ancient holistic medicine that promotes the unity of body, mind and spirit to create a healthy balance within. Ayurvedic massage unblocks invisible points of energy flow, enabling the body to heal itself more effectively. These massages are often performed by two therapists simultaneously, using special scented oils. Reflexology is similar in principal to shiatsu and acupressure but is focused on the points of the hands and feet believed to correspond to each organ, gland and structure of the body. This form of healing which originated from Chinese medicine has become very popular in recent years. As the therapist applies pressure to the point, tension is released, energylines recommence flowing and harmony is achieved; this in turn promotes natural healing. In Thailand, reflexology is also usually a small component of a manicure or pedicure, or may be experienced as an entire treatment. Shiatsu originated in Japan and is a hand healing method effective for relieving stress as well as muscular and internal disorders. It is based on the same principles as acupressure. Images of therapists walking on the backs of their clients stem from shiatsu. Strong pressure is applied to the body to unblock nerve pathways and restore energy systems. Traditionally, the massage takes place on the floor while you remain fully clothed although the treatment may also be performed on a massage table. Stone massage is a relatively new trend in hands-on treatments. Various types of stone are believed to have unique effects and are laid on 'chakras'; life-force points on the body. The stones are also used to knead the muscles and may be warmed to penetrate deep into the muscles.
Deep Tissue massage works through muscle tension layer by layer, reaching the deeper muscles where chronic pain and tension may be released. The process is generally slower than regular massage, allowing the soft tissues to open at deeper levels and thus your massage will not always treat all areas of your body in one session. The deep tissue massage may be intense and painful for newcomers but the affected area will heal more rapidly for the effort. Swedish massage is the most common type in the west. It is an oil massage employing five types of manipulation: effleurage (long strokes), petrissage (kneading), friction (deep circular movement), tapotement (percussion) and vibration to induce relaxation, promote circulation, relieve tension and improve the range of motion. A Swedish massage is immediately pleasant and relaxing. Sports massage is a highly specialized form of massage therapy that requires a study of the clients' specific sporting biomechanics. The technique includes deep tissue strokes, kneading of muscles, release points and joint movement. It is designed to correct harmful movement patterns and prevent tissue damage during exercise. Hawaiian Lomi-lomi massage is a deep, revitalizing experience, which is performed with the graceful motion of a Hawaiian dance. Therapists use long rhythmic strokes employing thumbs, palms and elbows. The massage is said to loosen the muscles, which reduces tension and eases stress, thus guiding the recipient into peaceful relaxation. Balinese massage therapy is an extension of the Ayurverdic
massage. The technique combines stretching, palm and thumb pressure,
long strokes and skin rolling to relieve tension, improve circulation
and ease stress.
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Tropical Living: September 2004, Volume 4 Issue 4 |
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