Thai Traditional Massage Thai massage works with pressure points, energy lines and stretching movements which produce a highly therapeutic effect. The massage is both energizing and relaxing as it increases body flexibility and releases body tension on all levels. The massage is done in a meditative and concentrated state of mind. There is a Buddhist chant that is recited prior to beginning each massage as well as at the end of each massage. The chant allows the Masseur to summon the personal energy and focus to concentrate on the health of the individual client. |
Who Can Get a Thai Massage? Due to the energetic nature of the Thai Massage, there are a few conditions where the massage is not appropriate. Clients with a fever, diabetes (with insulin), early stages of cancer, HIV, very high blood pressure and other general injuries (i.e. recent surgery, broken bones, inflammation) should not receive a Thai Massage. Pregnant and menstruating women should also avoid Thai Massage. The massage recipient changes into loose, comfortable clothes and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. The receiver is put into many yoga-like positions during the course of the massage. A full Thai Massage session typically lasts two hours and includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body. |
History of Thai Massage The founder of Thai massage and medicine was Shivago Komarpaj, who according to the Pāli Buddhist Canon was the Buddha's physician over 2500 years ago. The original precepts of Thai Massage were recorded in early Buddhist texts. The first practitioners were Buddhist monks in northern India in the 1st and 2nd centuries B.C. Prior to modern times in Thailand, the Buddhist temples served as the predominant centers of Thai Massage education and practice. These sacred origins have helped to preserve and protect this healing modality. Thai Traditional Massage has its roots in ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine. The influence of yoga is also present in the body positions and the stretching movements. These are largely the same roots from which Chinese medicine also emerged and one can see similarities in the acupressure points and wind gates, the sen lines and meridians. While there are some superficial similarities to Chinese and Indian medicine, the Thai system is markedly different as the Thai energy lines are unconnected from the internal organs. |
About Wakeshi Wakeshi, member of the International Network of Esoteric Healers, has been studying and facilitating Esoteric Healings since 1998. Wakeshi successfully completed the Thai Traditional Medicine Society's Thai Massage and Thai Foot Reflexology Courses in 2005 and has started a practice for thai massage, foot reflexology and Esoteric Healing. As a 500-hour certified yoga instructor, Wakeshi taught vinyasa, power and slow flow styles at Hilltop Yoga in Lansing, MI and the Center for Yoga in East Lansing, MI. Wakeshi has lectured on and faciitated Esoteric healings in Hawaii, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Thailand and the USA. Wakeshi also has two degrees in Natural Science and is working on a Masters in Holistic Nutrition until the college closed. |