Thai Massage

The bodywork modality commonly referred to as Thai Massage, or 'Nuad Bo'Rarn', is an important component of an entire medical system. The word 'Nuad' means to touch with intention of imparting healing. The word 'Bo'Rarn' derived from the Sanskrit language means something that is ancient, sacred and revered. Clearly, the intention is to describe something that encompasses a Western idea of massage but extends beyond a description of techniques applied to the surface of the body. Traditional Thai massage is based on an energetic paradigm of the body/mind. This bio-energy travels along pathways in the body called 'Sen' lines.

The practice of Thai Massage is understood to be a practical application of Metta.  Metta is translated as 'loving kindness' and it is a core component of Thai bodywork.

There are aspects of Thai massage that make it markedly different from what is typically considered to be massage. Thai massage is performed on a mat on the floor, with the recipient wearing loose fitting clothing. No oil or lotion is used. The session typically lasts 90 minutes to 2 hours.

The techniques of Thai massage are applied very, very slowly. The slowness of the practice encourages a tendency for mindfulness for the recipient and the practitioner. Additionally, the slowness significantly diminishes the chance for injury, as the therapist becomes acutely aware of resistance and any discomfort for the client immediately and is able to stop or amend before injury occurs.

Thai Massage is a deeply healing and powerful combination of rhythmic massage, acupressure, deep stretching, gentle twisting, energy work and meditation all rolled into one experience. By using all the parts of the body as a tool the therapist is able to stretch muscles further than one can accomplish on their own.

Thai massage has been utilized for 2,500 years as an important tool in the treatment of a wide variety of problems. These can include, but are not limited to:

• musculo-skeletal problems
• internal medical problems
• neurological complaints ( headaches)
• emotional distress

Therapeutic effects can include:

• release of stress and tension
• increase flexibility and suppleness
• increase vital energy
• deeply relaxing
• relieve pain and soreness
• brings body into connected balance
• deepens the connection of body, mind and spirit

There are three types of traditional Thai massage.

Royal Thai Massage is a Thai healing art and was only practiced in the past with the king and the royal family. The technique uses strong pressure along the energy lines in the body. This can often feel quite intense, but it provides the most therapeutic benefit. Few schools teach this form and it is a powerful element to the session.

Thai Folk Massage is a system used by the Thai people for centuries and involves bending and stretching the body using hands, palms, knees and feet.

At AIIM, therapists have been extensively trained in both styles with a strong foundation of Royal Thai from the Wat Po Temple School in Bangkok. We blend the best of Royal Thai and Folk Thai Massage in our sessions for maximum benefit.

Royal Thai Herbal Massage (“Luk Pra Kob”) is a wonderful natural body treatment, Royal Thai Herbal Compress Massage, is now offered at the Alliance Institute.  It has been used for many years in Thailand as a medicinal hot herbal therapy.

Royal Thai Herbal massage utilizes traditional Thai herbs compressed into a herbal bundle ('Samunphrai') that is steamed and then used on the body during massage.  The warm compresses are pressed, rolled and gently worked into tired, sore and overworked muscles.  The ingredients in the bundles are Thai herbs that are formulated from some of the oldest medicinal recipes in Thailand.  They can be used for detoxification, the treatment of pain and inflammation, as well as improving skin complexion. 
 
The benefits of Royal Thai Herbal Massage include:

• Moist heat which penetrates and lasts longer Increased threshold of sensory nerve endings, in effect reducing pain
• Increased blood low in localized areas, hastens elimination in  overworked muscles
• Decreased stiffness, increased range of motion
• Relieves muscle tension and spasms
• Herbs contain various medicinal qualities, antifungals, anti-bacterials, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory’s
• Aromatherapy helps aid in relaxation

We recommend not showering for 2-4 hours after treatment to maximize benefits of the treatment.

Thai herbal compress can also be added to any Traditional Thai Massage appointment.

 

Thai Foot Reflexology (“Nuad Tawe”)

 

In traditional Thai Medicine, the body is comprised of numerous energy lines called 'Sen'. Working the Sen encourages blood and lymph circulation in the body, stimulates internal organs, helps diminish pain associated with headaches and other chronic/acute pain conditions. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety and promotes a calm state of mind.

 

Thai Foot Reflexology is unique to Thailand and is inclusive of the Thai Sen Line Theory used in Traditional Thai massage.

 

Thai Reflexology is a specific type of hands on bodywork that uses pressure to specific areas of the feet, hands or ears to affect other parts of the body and the energetics as a whole.

 

In Thai Foot Reflexology, pressure is applied with hands and fingers to the feet, ankles and lower legs. At times in the appointment, the use of a traditional Thai wooden stick called a Jap Sen stick is used to stimulate reflex points on the feet. These points correspond to specific internal organs or structures in the body.

 

Some benefits of Thai Foot Reflexology include:

• improved circulation in the feet and legs
• improved mood and clarity
• better and deeper sleep
• increased flexibility in feet and joints
• reduced pain and stiffness
• boost for the immune system

A Thai Foot Reflexology session lasts 60 minutes. Please wear clothing that permits the lower leg to be worked on comfortably.

Contraindications include: pregnancy (unless directed by physician), unregulated high blood pressure, skin infection, or fever.