thai yoga massage
What is Thai Yoga Massage?
Thai Massage (also known as “Thai Yoga Massage”) is a unique healing form of massage that has been an integral part of traditional Thai medicine for thousands of years. It was founded about 2,500 years ago by the well-known physician Shivago Komarpaj, who came from northern India and was a friend and personal physician of the Buddha. In Thailand he is still referred to as the “father of medicine”. Since then, Thai Massage has been handed down from teacher to pupil.
Thai Massage has influences from the traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, Yoga and Shiatsu. It is a combination of acupressure, slow movements, light joint mobilization, yoga-like stretches and reflexology that provides a relaxing yet revitalizing session of tissue rejuvenation and energy work.
It is not just a massage but an integrated yoga therapy session as well: a complete dynamic body and healing energy work.
Energy lines
According to traditional Thai medicine the energy in our body flows through vital pathways giving us the life force that we need. In Thai these lines are called “sen”. Any blockages of this energy flow can create imbalances (either physical, emotional, mental or spiritual), which can be the cause of disease or discomforts.
Positions
Thai Yoga Massage can be performed in 4 different positions: with client laying on the back (supine), on the belly (prone), on the side and in a sitting position.
Stretching
Thai massage incorporates many movements that are similar to the practice of hatha yoga. The yoga-like stretches are performed in a passive way as a therapist moves the relaxed body of the client into the correct position.
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I always adapt the intensity of the stretching to the client’s ability level, as well as the overall goal of the massage. After a few sessions the client will gain flexibility and joint mobility as I help them achieve deeper and deeper assisted stretches.
When putting a client in a yoga pose or performing a stretching I like to help the clients be aware of their breath and to breathe deeply into the abdomen. Breathing is very important in thai massage, as it helps the muscles to relax and reduce the tension throughout the entire body.
Routine
The thai massage routine follows the principles of energy flow in the body. It is designed to convey a balancing and invigorating experience. The therapist begins by warming up the client's body, starting from the feet, the legs and then move toward the top. A balanced massage is performed by starting with light manipulation of the sen lines, followed by a gentle joint manipulation and only when the body of the client is warm enough (physically and energetically) will the therapist perform the yoga-like stretches, and finish the session with some gentle motions helping the client cool down, in order to relax the muscles and dissipate accumulated energies.
What to expect from a thai yoga massage session?
A thai yoga massage is not just a massage but an integrated yoga therapy session as well: a complete dynamic body and healing energy work.
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The practitioner uses hands, feet, knees, elbows and legs to apply pressure along the “sen lines” of the body and pressure points.
​These techniques help unblock areas of tension, release the blocked energy and restore the overall balance and harmony, thus promoting the natural healing process.
At the same time, the yoga-like stretches and the light mobilization of joints improve the body flexibility, thus releasing both superficial and deep muscular tension.
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The classic thai yoga massage routine lasts about an hour and a half. This is the time needed for the therapist to cover the entire body effectively and for the client to experience true relaxation.
Although booking 1 and a half hour massage would be the best choice, I also offer sessions of 1 hour, especially as a first trial, so that the client can get a feeling for this versatile style of massage.
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During your massage you should wear light and comfortable clothing to facilitate flexible movement and deep stretching.
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Please try to arrive at the studio 10 minutes before the session starts, so that we can start on time. Before the treatment I like to have a short conversation with you regarding your general health conditions and any particular needs or wishes about the treatment (for example: release back pain, stiffness, having a relaxing session or a more energized session, and so on).
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My treatments are not meant to be painful, as I always adapt the pressure and the yoga-like stretches to your needs.
What are the benefits of thai yoga massage?
Thai Massage has several benefits, as it can:
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alleviate common ailments, such as back pain, arthritis, headache, digestive problems, menstrual pain;
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improve blood circulation;
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boost the lymphatic system;
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increase flexibility and range of motion;
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calm down the mind, leaving the recipient in a state of general well-being and inner peace;
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strengthen the immune system.
At the end of the session, the recipient will feel relaxed and restored at the same time.
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Thai Massage is ideal for everyone as I customize the sessions for each individual according to your body type, your age as well as your needs.
It is traditionally performed on a soft mat, but it can also be performed on a massage table. The client remains fully clothed except for the feet. Clothing should be light and comfortable to facilitate flexible movement and deep stretching.
No oil is used during this session.
Why is it called thai yoga massage?
I like to use the term “thai yoga massage” rather than “thai massage” to describe my art of massage, as I combine thai massage techniques with mindfulness, which is an essential aspect of the yoga practice.
Giving a massage is for me a form of meditation, as I focus on both your physical and emotional needs, trying to bring balance between mind and body.
Thai Yoga Massage Treatments
I offer two different types of Thai Yoga Massage in Berlin in the following studios: Tegel, Prenzlauer Berg, Wittenau and Hermsdorf.:
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I also offer thai foot massage, according to the ancient tradition of Thailand.
​Check out my other treatments and if you have any questions please contact me. I would be pleased to get in touch with you!
