Thai massage techniques and therapeutic applications

¶ … Massage, sometimes referred to as Thai Yoga Massage is a very active and aggressive form of massage, almost entirely unlike other forms of massage. The practitioner of the massage stands above the receiver and often utilizes his or her own weight and leverage to pull and manipulate the body of the receiver, who is usually lying on the floor. The aggressive nature of the massage style lends itself to the moniker, the "lazy man's yoga" as the practitioner is often seeking positioning that is said to mimic the positions and intentions of yoga, a process done actively by a single individual to reduce stress, increase balance and improve overall health among other benefits.

Hughes 148) the development of Thai massage as a form of massage for the masses is relatively recent, as is pointed out in a short history of Thai massage found online at a practitioners website.

According to practitioner Gordon Waselnuk Thai Yoga Massage can be loosely grouped with other forms of oriental body work, which are based on energy flows and balances, that are said to be intrinsic to the human condition. According to the broad definition of oriental medicine to achieve health and wellness and individual must have freely flowing streams of this energy flow and this flow must be in balance both internally and externally. Thai yoga massage is said then to be akin to Tui Na Chinese massage and manipulation, the Indian-based form of healing known as ayurvedic massage and shiatsu Japanese massage. Waselnuk, as a western practitioner notices the influence of all these forms within the practice of Thai massage and dates the history of all these forms as collaborative across time and space.

Tui Na and ayurvedic massage both date back over 4000 years and it is within these systems where Thai Yoga massage techniques have their roots. The Indian Yogic influence is obvious but less so are the energy channels or lines, known as Sen, based on Tui Na. Aspects of Indian Ayurvedic medicine can still be found in Thailand today along with herbal treatments, steam baths and massage doctors. (Waselnuk (http://www.thai-yoga-massage.ca/history)

Waselnuk also points out, above that there are other hints of the influence of many eastern forms upon Thai massage and other aspects of the Thai culture present in a broader concept of the culture, even today. He then goes on to stress that the recorded history of Thai massage, though younger is equally important to the practice of massage.

Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha supposedly was a friend and physician of the last Buddha about 2500 years ago. He is revered as the father of Thai massage and traditional medicine. Much of the origins of Thai massage and traditional Thai medicine still remain obscure, but it is believed that the teachings of Kumar Bhaccha reached what is now Thailand at the same time as Buddhism.

Waselnuk, sites that the history of the technique is contemporary to Buddhism and that the written history of the technique (or pictorial history) can be found in the Pali language, as venerated canonical texts held in trust in the old capital of Ayuthaya. The texts were subsequently lost, as a result of the Burmese invasion, but oral traditions continued the practice and teachings of the original texts, that is until modern history entered the schene and attempted once again to codify and venerate the history of the practice. "In 1832 King Rama 111 had all surviving texts carved in stone which are still evident at Wat Po, a celebrated temple in Bangkok. There are over sixty stones left each depicting various techniques." Lastly, Waselnuk's short history of the practice notes that the healing art of Thai massage was, until very recently practiced exclusively by monks as an aspect of their traditional healing arts, and in company with meditation and herbal medical interventions. (Waselnuk (http://www.thai-yoga-massage.ca/history)

Overall, western exposure to Thai massage is relatively recent and warrants introduction and teaching, especially prior to an massage session, with any practitioner. The session can be therapeutically helpful in the long and short-term, just like any massage experience but is a fundamentally aggressive form of massage that may strike the receiver as strange and even painful if he or she is unaware of the process and therefore potentially frightened of it, or resistant to it. Additionally, like any form of physical treatment the individual must be a contentious consumer and not receive treatment from an individual who is not fully trained in the processes and procedures of the massage style.

US/Western Expectations

One receiver of Thai traditional massage describes the practice thusly; "You lie on the floor mat and the masseuse is sometimes standing on you, or walking on you. He is pulling you into different positions and you just relax into it,'"

Hughes 148) the practice is essentially, and in western tradition said to increase range of motion, and especially for the sake of athletes and dancers.

Alfaro 32) a reviewer for London's Evening Standard newspaper notes that his or her experience with Thai massage;

did relieve muscle tension, stress and joint pain, all of which I had, though at times the treatment was undeniably painful itself. I like a strong massage, but wouldn't recommend it to anyone who doesn't want their muscles stretched and flexed vigorously. This is an intensive treatment, but no pain, no gain, is one of those ghastly but true quips. Seventy-five minutes went in a flash and when I left the salon I felt totally rejuvenated. It also seemed to have had an affect on my metabolism and appetite. ("FEELGOOD FACTOR; a Thai" NA)

In general the process might seem invasive and even stressful to a western receiver of the practice, especially a novice to massage therapy and manipulation, as the expectations of the western individual are much different than those of the eastern cultures, when it comes to massage. Thai massage is relatively new to the western repituar of available practices and should not be taken lightly, or without some information prior to a session.

Hughes offers a significant list of consumer awareness and safety pointers that will allow him or her to safely benefit from any type of massage, but especially an aggressive type of massage that could, if done incorrectly or with untoward client resistance could harm the individual receiving the treatment.

Make sure you are dealing with a certified, licensed massage therapist operating out of a clean, reputable salon.

Visit your doctor prior to scheduling a massage to make certain that you do not have any pre-existing health conditions that could be aggravated. Also, give your massage therapist accurate information about any injuries or health concerns that may be worsened by stretching or rigorous, rhythmic touching.

Do not eat prior to your session.

Communicate with your therapist before (i.e., letting him / her know your needs), during (i.e., letting him/her know if you feel any discomfort or if the room isn't suitable to your taste) and after your massage. Let your therapist know immediately if you feel there is inappropriate action going on.