Thai Massage

THAI MASSAGE is an ancient healing system that employs a combination of gentle stretches, tissue compression, acupressure, and assisted yoga postures. It is sometimes called the ‘lazy-person’s yoga’, or ‘assisted yoga’, as many of the movements and stretches relate to yoga postures. It is a beautiful rebalancing massage, aimed at opening up energy channels to bring wellbeing to body and mind. Ancient Buddhist texts suggest the seeds of Thai Massage originated in India over 2000 years ago at the time of the Buddha and were brought to Thailand along with Buddhism. Since then it has been practised, developed and handed down through the generations, evolving with local and Chinese influences.

Thai Yoga Massage is another name for the form of Thai Massage that developed in the Northern region of Thailand, with strong influences remaining from Indian Ayurvedic medicine. It has never been seen as just massage but as a spiritual practice, incorporating the practices of mindfulness and loving-kindness (metta). Similar to other non-western healing therapies, the Thai system focuses on circulation of vital energy in major pathways called sen. The 10 major sen lines are manipulated, and important pressure points along these pathways are stimulated to help break down blockages, stimulate energy flow and restore balance and harmony.

In sharp contrast to western massage therapies, Traditional Thai Yoga Massage does not require oils or lotions, and the recipient remains clothed during a treatment. However, we find natural oils make for complete relaxation at the end of the massage for the neck and face and we offer this to our clients at no extra cost. Throughout the massage the practitioner will use thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to create a dance of movement on the body of the recipient. In this process, joints are opened, muscles and tendons are stretched, internal organs are toned, and energy is balanced. The whole body is treated during a full massage, the overall effect being one of deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and physical and mental wellbeing.

Thai Yoga Massage is performed on a soft mat on the floor so it is suitable for people of all shapes and sizes, or a chair may be used to work the upper body and head if required. Age or mobility issues should not hinder participation in this lovely therapy. The principle aim of a traditional Thai massage treatment is to encourage energy flow around the whole body, although treatments can be focussed and adapted to suit the individual, making this form of massage ideal for those with chronic pain syndromes, with increased sensitivity to pressure, or just needing to unwind and experience a genuine state of relaxation.

A full Traditional Thai Yoga Massage takes between 90-minutes and 2-hours, although focused sessions are available over 30-minutes or 1-hour to suit individual needs. Double massages are also available for couples or friends to experience this wonderful therapy at the same time, side-by-side, in the same room.

Prices:

£25 for 30-minutes (chair or mat)

£40 for 1-hour

£60 for 90-minutes

£75 for 2-hours

Double massage £140 (Paul working with his colleague Susanne Thomas)