How often are you feeling that you have a “tight” muscle that has been aching, and you just can’t seem to find the right stretch? Are you going to the gym regularly but not finding the time to stretch? Or have you been practicing yoga but not getting the results you want? Regardless of the type of exercise, most people nowadays do not incorporate regular stretching into their fitness routine. This can lead to muscle imbalances, poor posture, tight muscles, muscle strains, decreased ranges of motion, and overall decreased performance.
Thai Massage, an ancient healing technique, is a great and effective way to increase flexibility while gaining the benefits of massage all at the same time! Let’s first take a look at how regular stretching can benefit your body and mind.
Benefits of Stretching
- increased flexibility and range of motion at joints
- decreased muscle tension/diminishment of tight overused muscles and “knots”
- combats poor posture (ex. shoulders hunched forward & tight chest due to office job posture)
- pre-exercise –> helps warm up the body & reduces the risk of injury, in combination with a light cardio warm-up
- post-exercise –> helps lengthen and relax fatigued muscles & can prevent muscle soreness
So, what really is Thai Massage?
Also commonly known as “Thai Yoga Massage”, it is a practice stemmed 2000 years ago from Thailand, drawing influences from other bodywork modalities such as yoga, shiatsu, reiki, and reflexology.
No oils or lotions are involved, and the patient is dressed in comfortable, stretchy clothing. Traditionally done on a mat on the floor, Thai Massage can be adjusted for the standard massage table.
No oils or lotions are involved, and the patient is dressed in comfortable, stretchy clothing. Traditionally done on a mat on the floor, Thai Massage can be adjusted for the standard massage table.
During the course of a Thai Massage, a practitioner will use a combination of techniques such as acupressure, shiatsu, reflexology, stretching, deep breathing, and meditation, in order to achieve whatever the patient’s goal may be. Using various parts of the body (hands, arms, elbows, shins, and feet), pressure is applied throughout the body’s natural energy lines, also known as “Sen” lines, similar to meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The patient will be in conventional positions (face up, face down, side-lying) as well as various yoga poses (child’s pose, cat-cow, tree pose) to achieve maximum release.
The patient will be in conventional positions (face up, face down, side-lying) as well as various yoga poses (child’s pose, cat-cow, tree pose) to achieve maximum release.
If you ever have trouble finding the right stretch, a Thai Massage practitioner will effectively guide you through the proper stretch for the right muscles, facilitating your posture and movement so you receive the maximal benefit of the stretch and won’t injure yourself!
Alongside your regular fitness routine, Thai Massage is a great form of bodywork to help loosen up those joints and muscles, and clear your energy!
Now that you know what it is and what benefits does Thai Massage brings you, don’t wait any longer. Book an appointment with me (Gavin Law, RMT) and try it for yourself. Oh, and btw, we offer direct insurance billing so bring your insurance card and we’ll take care of it.
