Thai Yoga Massage
by Lori MacKay, RMT

Thai Yoga Massage is a unique experience in healing and rejuvenation that combines assisted yoga postures and massage. It originated in India in about 1,000 BC and reached Thailand in about 200 BC, which makes it one of the oldest forms of massage in the world.  This unique healing system of Thai Yoga Massage - also called Nuad Boran and is widely known as traditional Thai massage.  Thai Massage has gained worldwide attention for its lasting effects and highly therapeutic benefits with clients.  In the same way that Yoga entered Western culture gradually and has now become very popular, Thai Yoga Massage is also starting to be very popular.

Thai massage is most different from other forms of massage in that there is no oil used, that the practitioner uses a matt on the floor (as opposed to a table), and that the client remains comfortable clothed throughout the massage.

Thai massage blends point pressure and stretching benefiting those who find themselves stiff, sore, and tired from over-exertion in work or sports, or from arthritis or other debilitating diseases.  People who have undergone surgery or who have been hospitalized will find Thai Yoga Massage helps to break up their tight scare tissue and get their circulation moving again.  Thai massage enhances strength and flexibility, relaxes sore or tense muscles, and can help to recapture lost range of motion.  By encouraging lymphatic function, this traditional massage can also detoxify the body, heighten the immune system, and prevent disease and/or injury by promoting flexibility.  The practitioner guides the recipient through a series of assisted yoga postures while palming and thumbing along the body's energy ("Sen") lines and pressures points.  Massaging someone while they are relaxing in a restorative yoga posture deepens the effect of the posture and the massage on their body.   Together these actions result in a comprehensive full body treatment that relieves muscular tension, improves circulation, boosts the immune system and balances the body energetically.

If you are looking for a way to unwind, reduce stress, and relax, Thai Yoga Massage is ideal. Its stretches your whole body and helps to remove deeply held tension in your muscles. No experience of yoga or flexibility is needed to receive it. It’s a perfect gift for someone you care about, including yourself.

© Lori MacKay, 2007