Thai Massage Explained
Demand for Thai massage services is on the rise in America and elsewhere in the world. Not satisfied with standard techniques such as that of Swedish massage, many clients seek the yoga-like methods of Thai massage for both health and relaxation purposes. But just what is Thai massage?
If until now you have been acquainted with only western types of massage such as Swedish massage, the theory and methods of Thai massage may seem quite strange to you. Unlike typical western massage, you are fully dressed in a Thai massage session, which is done on a mat instead of a table. Besides the pressing, circular and sweeping gestures of Swedish massage, a Thai massage therapist also uses yoga-like stretching and pressure-point pinching. He or she guides you into various postures and targets specific points in the body that are thought to be the focus of vital energy or "prana."
Thai massage has been around in Thailand for a thousand years, perhaps more. It shares much in common with Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, but its legendary founder is an Indian doctor named Jivaka who served the Buddha and his community of monks and nuns.
Unlike western massage which is based only on a knowledge of the physical human anatomy, Thai massage utilizes the theory of energy channels or meridians like in TCM. In Thai massage these are known as the Sen lines. Each Sen line has pressure points that are thought to influence and help cure diseases. Thai massage focuses treatment on these points.
In addition to massage, traditional Thai doctors also used herbs and yoga postures to treat illness and keep healthy. The latter are collectively known as Ruesri Datton or Thai yoga. It is thought that Jivaka and the monks and nuns he treated practiced yoga in conjunction with meditation exercises taught by the Buddha.
Because Thai massage is relatively new to the west, there are as yet few schools that teach it. Many people choose to travel to Thailand to study with Thai masters. With time, it is certain that most schools will appear to meet the demands of the public for quality service and education.
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