Thai Massage
Rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, this unique combination of body and energy work brings body, mind, and spirit in harmony – the optimal state for wellbeing and health.
One of the core tenets of Thai bodywork is that lines (sen lines) circulate prana, the intrinsic life force, throughout the body to maintain vitality. Interruptions or disruptions in the flow of energy along these lines eventually result in sickness. Thai massage combines the application of pressure with manipulation, adjustment, and muscle stretching to restore the optimal flow of energy.
To activate the energy flow along sen lines, the Thai practitioner uses her feet, forearms, knees, and elbows to stretch and compress muscles, all in a flowing, rhythmic movement. Pressure points are also activated.
This combination of physical and energetic work produces highly therapeutic effects at many levels. The endorphins released by the gentle muscle stretching promote immediate relaxation. Thai massage also heightens awareness, improves circulation of blood and lymph, and increases flexibility. More specifically, Thai techniques have been noted to help in the relief of headaches, migraines, arthritis, whiplash pain, numbness, and back pain.
For athletes or active people, the stretching helps make muscles more flexible and less prone to injury, while joints benefit from a greater range of motion.
Each session is a personal and unique experience that takes place in a space of metta (unconditional love and compassion) and vipassana (awareness of the present moment). Thai provides a deep sense of relaxation while allowing body and mind to heal.
Sessions are conducted on a mat on the floor. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing.
The best part of Thai --- Steamed herbal packs!
Luk Pra Kob, or “the pressing of herbal packs”, has been used in Thailand for over 2,500 years. The packs are used to stimulate energy channels (Sen Sib lines in Thai) in a manner similar to acupressure.
In 2002, the Thai Ministry of Public Health, the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine Development, and the Foundation of Thai Traditional Medicine Development stated that the Luk Pra Kob can be used as an anti-inflammatory, local pain reliever, muscle relaxant, and that it improves range of motion and local circulation.
The effects of the heat and the healing properties of the herbs have a deep impact on the body. As the heat penetrates the pores, the skin becomes heated, blood vessels are dilated, and blood flow is stimulated, resulting in more rapid rebuilding and nourishing of the body’s tissues.
The herbs hold the heat from the steam and deeply penetrate and relax the muscles and tendons. This aids in stretching contracted or shortened muscles.
The healing properties of the specific herbs provide added benefits for the sinuses, respiratory system, circulation, and digestion.
Some of the plants used in the packs
Camphor powder (Cinnamomum camphora) Kara Boon in Thai
A strong antiseptic, camphor is extracted by vapor distillation from the camphor tree. It is used to stimulate the heart, treat neuralgia and arthritis, and to draw blood to the surface as well as detoxify. Kara Boon is a diaphoretic (produces perspiration), which is good for treating asthma and rhinitis.
Eucalyptus leaves Anti-inflammatory
Cinnamon leaves
Warming, stimulating. Used to treat general pain, respiratory tract infections, rheumatism and arthritis.
Lemongrass leaves Ta-Krai in Thai
Highly antiseptic and antibiotic and treats pain from indigestion, rheumatism, nerve conditions, and headaches.
Kaffir lime skin (Citrus hystrix, Citrus papedia) Puew Makrut in Thai
Used to treat the flu, colds, congested lymph, irregular heartbeat, and can slightly lower high blood pressure.
Siamese Yellow Ginger Plai in Thai
Siamese ginger treats colds, fevers, lung infections, and reduces inflammation.
Fah talai jone (Andreographis Paniculata)
Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral