Thai Massage Image Gallery
Thai massage, a dynamic form of therapeutic massage, is also known in the West as "Thai Yoga Massage" or, a bit more facetiously, as "Yoga For the Lazy."
Thai Massage Image Gallery |
The origins of Thai massage can be traced back 2500 years to India, the spread of Buddhism, and the Indian healing art of Ayurveda. It is traditionally practiced in a Buddhist temple, or "wat" in Thailand, which also operates as a centre for the health care of the common people.
As with Shiatsu and Tui Na, Thai massage is based on the philosophy that all life is animated by an essential life force. In the Ayurvedic tradition this life force is called Prana, and may be thought of as equivalent to the Chinese "Qi". Prana, like Qi, is extracted from the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It is said to circulate along energy pathways in and around the body forming a network of vital life force, nourishing all aspects of our being. These networks are called "sen" in Thai massage and are similar to the Chinese meridian. This energy pathway theory forms the basis of Thai Massage.
Thai massage is a more dynamic and interactive form of therapeutic massage than Shiatsu or Tui Na. It is sometimes compared to a dance, or tango, in which the principal dancer (the practitioner), and the partner (the client) perform a series of yoga-like positions. The practitioner uses her/his hands, feet, arms and legs to guide the client into various passive stretches that often resemble yoga postures. A rhythmic, rocking motion is used to gently increase the stretch, moving the client to their maximum stretch. The more skillful the practitioner and the more relaxed the client, the more harmonious, beautiful, healing and beneficial the dance becomes.
Preceding the movement into the stretches, the practitioner palms, thumbs, rotates, or stretches the sen lines. This relaxes the muscles, opens the joints, encourages the flow of Prana, and allows the client to more easily move into the stretches.
Thai massage is appropriate for a variety of musculoskeletal concerns, including upper and lower back problems, neck and shoulder concerns, sciatica and hip joint disorders, hamstrings, quadriceps, and lower leg soreness, pain or tension.
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Although Thai massage is very effective for the above-mentioned pain, its strength lies its ability to encourage flexibility and health. In the West, stiffness and loss of flexibility are regarded as the inevitable result of aging. The yoga-like stretches in Thai massage encourage muscle lengthening and flexibility, joint movement, and increased blood and energy circulation, contributing to a more balanced physical, mental and emotional body and promoting youthfulness.
As Thai massage does not apply oils or use mechanical devices, it is not necessary to undress during a session. You will be asked to wear loose slacks such as gym pants/slacks and a light, natural fiber T-shirt or blouse, or you may bring the above clothing and change when you arrive.
The practitioner will also request that the client arrive neither too hungry nor too full (ie: if one is hungry, they should eat; if one is full, they should digest). If you are coming immediately after work, it would be appropriate to have a small snack mid-afternoon, or a hour before arriving.
Thai massage is performed on a padded mat on the floor.
This varies greatly, depending primarily on the concern and condition of the client. If the concern is acute, one to three treatments, as soon as possible, are often sufficient to resolve the pain and improve flexibility. If the problem is chronic, treatment on a weekly, twice monthly, or monthly schedule may be advised.
If the client's primary concern is maintenance of health and prevention of illness, I will usually suggest treatment on a monthly basis. Over 50% of my Shiatsu/Tui Na/Thai massage clientele come every 3, 4, or 6 weeks for maintenance and preventative treatment.
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Cost: $80 Please note: As a courtesy, please allow 48 hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment; this allows us to reschedule the time for another client. A cancellation or rescheduling of less than 24 hours may result in the full rate being charged. |
Calvin Dale Smith, BA, MSc, DOM
Doctor of Oriental Medicine (USA)
Riverside Acupuncture and Wellness Centre
2211 Riverside Dr., Suite 106
Ottawa, ON K1H 7X5
613-232-5888
cdalesmith at calvindale.com