When people ask me what I do, I normally respond that I am a private yoga teacher, a pilates instructor and a Thai massage therapist. And then I often get a follow up question: “What is Thai massage?”
I’ll give you my own definition of Thai massage and what it means to me.
It is a meditative practice that requires concentration and attention from both parties, the giver and the receiver.. We oftentimes even breathe together! It is a practice of loving kindness and energy exchange through touch and breath. While giving/receiving Thai massage, two bodies unite in one in a non-sexual way thus manifesting the principle “We are all one”.
Speaking about technicalities, the massage is done on the floor (no table necessary) with the receiver positioned on their back, side, or belly. The giver is using it’s own body to stretch and massage the receiver. I use my hands, feet, elbows, knees and other body parts to give pressure on the receiver’s body. Finding the right pace and the perfect fit between different body parts is one of the challenges of giving Thai massage. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of human body, of course, is very helpful in releasing tension in specific muscles, however, in my opinion, there is no “wrong” way of giving Thai massage, as long as the intention of loving kindness stays with the receiver.
I have been giving Thai massages for over 2 years now and it is one of my favorite practices that enables me to connect with my clients and my own body. With some clients, I do solely Thai massage sessions, with others I incorporate 5-15 min Thai massage towards the end of their yoga/pilates sessions.
I’d be happy to share this wonderful practice with you – contact me if you have questions and/or would like to schedule your free trial Thai massage session 😉
