Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) is a unique and intense form of therapeutic massage, where both the practitioner and client engage in an interactive form of yoga together.
It is a dynamic form of medicine and energetic bodywork, which stimulates the circulation of blood, the drainage of lymph, the flow of Qi energy, the activity of the nervous system, overall joint and ligament mobility, physical flexibility and strength, organ function, body immunity, and the structure and health of tissue, such as fascia.
Various sequences of yoga positions, dynamic stretching, meridian massage and acupressure points are employed in the treatment of different kinds of hip, pelvis, knee, foot, shoulder, neck and back complaints. Range of motion is tested, whole body movement is engaged and release and wellbeing are typical after effects.
The difference between European massage techniques and Traditional Thai Massage is that the client is an active participant, rather than a passive recipient. They are involved in the massage as much as the practitioner. This makes the process an intimate and engaging one.
When the client feels comfortable with the presence, mindfulness, skill and expertise of the practitioner, then this trust assists and plays a role in the mutual goal of recovery.
Traditional Thai Massage in its current form has been in use for about 100 years; however, Thai medicine’s concepts rooted in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine mean that many of the principles behind TTM are much older. Despite drawing inspiration from other lands, Traditional Thai Massage has been adapted and systematised according to the unique medical knowledge of the Thai people.
A short note on Abdominal Massage and Palpation
Abdominal massage is one of the oldest forms of massage still practiced today, and one which forms an essential component in many traditional and classical medicine systems around the world. This is due to the understanding that the digestive system, consisting of the small and large intestines, as well as the stomach and spleen pair, work tirelessly to deliver life in the form of nutrients, water and oxygen to our cells. The digestive system is considered our second brain, and houses not only our Dan Tien (source of Qi/energy) but also the Manipura Chakra - the centre of our intention and will.
In traditional and classical medince, the abdomen is thought of as a miniature reflection of the entire body, with each organ reflected in a different part or quadrant of the abdomen. Palpation of the abdomen to determine temperature, noise, obstruction, tone, and more, is often used as a diagnostic, in conjunction with the taking of the pulse, to determine if an ailment or illness has an external or internal cause, as well as which organ or meridian is affected. This ultimately helps in which form of treatment would be most effective.
Acupuncture, acupressure and massage are often used solely on the abdomen, instead of on other parts of the body, as is seen in auricular acupuncture. The abdomen is an area that mirrors the body and can be effectively treated without needing to access any other part of the body.
I use abdominal palpation, together with pulse reading, as a diagnostic to determine which organ and meridian would most benefit from Traditional Thai massage and/or Cupping Therapy. Abdominal massage is also an integral part of Traditional Thai massage.
A short note on Acupressure
Touch has always been a powerful healing mechanism with a variety of ways available for triggering health and wellbeing through the manipulation of points along the body’s energy, life force, blood, lymph and nerve pathways. Acupressure points are an integral part of every traditional Thai massage and cupping therapy, and more importantly, can be practised at home by the patient on themselves.
A short note on Gua Sha
Gua Sha is sometimes thought of as scraping by those unfamiliar with its practice. The technique of Gua Sha doesn’t actually scrape anything away from the skin. Instead Gua Sha is the technique of stroking the skin using a rounded instrument with adequate pressure applied, to trigger Sha (toxins appearing as redness or dots) to leave the body’s deep or superficial tissue so that it can rise to the skin’s surface in a process of release and exit.
Gua Sha is applied using a particular instrument in a single direction and works on the body’s tissue and fascia, blood and other fluids, and Qi and meridians. Redness and petechiae are the result of toxins, waste, pathogens, etc., being released through the skin’s surface. These can remain until the body’s self healing process is complete.
The right tool and technique, as well as the palpation of the skin feeling for excess, deficiency, stagnation, hot, cold, dampness, dryness, wind, softness, hardness, and other indicators, are all essential in the proper application and success of Gua Sha. The individual constitution and health status also need to be taken into consideration so that the technique is not excessive and depleting but rather soothing and tonifying, if needed.
I offer
- Meridian massage
- Full body massage
- Specific massage based on your needs e.g. shoulders, spine, neck, hips, legs
- Northern and Southern styles of TTM
- Acupressure and Gua Sha where needed
Prices
- 60 minutes AUD$70
- 90 minutes AUD$100
- 120 minutes AUD$135
- Discounts apply for multiple sessions over a long term period.
To prepare for Thai massage
- Please don’t eat 30 minutes (ideally 2 hours) before a massage
- Traditional Thai Massage is performed fully clothed
- Clothing must be loose and lightweight; yoga pants or leggings are ideal
- Massage mat is provided
- Hands and feet should be washed before the massage; alternatively you can wear socks
- Avoid eating, bathing and showering 2 hours after the massage
- Drink enough water afterwards to assist the body in the cleansing process
Any questions, please feel welcome to contact me on +61 (0)448 381 306 or by email.
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