Traditional Thai Massage

Current Thai massage practice is a combination of Thai Folk Massage and Royal Thai Massage. The practitioner uses hands, heels of hands, thumbs, fingers, lower palm, knees, elbow, arms, and feet to perform a massage. The practitioner will also at times use specific massage tools (foot massage stick, mallet and stick, herbal ball) depending on the type of massage the recipient requires. The practitioner utilizes many positions in order to maintain an appropriate distance to maximize comfort, effectiveness, and safety. The only time oil is used is when the recipient gives approval. The recipient is always clothed in comfortable top and pants/shorts. Usually oil is used when massaging the face and neck from a supine position. 

Thai massage is traditionally performed on a mat on the floor. Thai massage may also be applied to a chair or massage table. The recipient (unless in a chair) may be sitting, supine face up or face down, side lying, and/or any combination of these positions. Thai massage is a holistic treatment that benefit the body, mind, and spirit. Thai massage is applied using direct pressure (sometimes with a rocking motion) on muscles combined with stretching to stimulate the musculoskeletal system which includes myofascia, joints, bones, nerves, ligaments and the lymphatic system which benefits several physiological body systems. 

Thai massage induces a sense of total relaxation, thus reducing stress and calming the mind. This is achieved by the tensing and relaxing motion of the practitioner’s pressure and release on the body. This process activates red blood cells to direct a tremendous supply of oxygen filled with Prana (life force-a subtle energy) to all the major muscles and organs of the body. The effect of Thai massage on the cells can bring about a change to the mind. 

Thai massage is based on the elements of life and the Sen Sib (10 lines of energy that run through the body, similar to the Chinese meridian lines in acupuncture and focal meditation points called Chakras ). If one believes in the cosmic energy and the elements of life that we are composed of, then the healing can reach a spiritual level. The practitioner concentrates on the energy flow while applying pressure to each point to awaken Prana through the Sen Sib, coupled with a gentle, smooth movement during the transition of each sequence, combined with coordinated breath brings about a meditative state. The healing lies in employing the proper flow of the subtle life force to the life force channels and to free flow them to heal the body, mind and spirit. 

 Source: Ancient Thai Massage Healing With Prana, 4th Ed. Chaithavuthi, Muangsiri