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Thai Yoga: Ancient Massage by Melissa Carey, Massage Therapist Many people have started to see this seemingly new style of massage in their favorite spa or yoga studio, and most wonder what it is. Having recently become more prevalent and more widely practiced you may have wanted to try it but didn't know what to expect. Thai Massage has been described as a lazy man's yoga, fluid dancing, or acupressure. Truth be told it is one in the same. This style of massage was created thousands of years ago, as a way of helping the Buddhist monks to sit for long periods of meditation. The idea is that you balance the body front to back, side to side, and top to bottom, very much like yoga, to gain concentration, insight, flexibility in mind and body, and renewal of spirit. All this may sound vague, so let me clear it up! Thai Massage is a moving meditation and prayer for healing. The Goddess of healing dwells in the heavens high while mankind dwells in the world below. May the heavens be reflected on the earth so that this healing art may encircle the world. This prayer is said before every treatment, but you need not be Buddhist, for every faith is encircled in the world.
Imagine stepping into the treatment room, the mat is spread on the floor with pillows and blankets, welcoming you to relax. Starting with a consultation about your needs, the therapist hands you clothes like pajamas and steps out while you change, asking you to start face up. You are warm and comfortable when the therapist steps back in; they tenderly wash your feet, as in the Thai tradition, with hot towels. Holding her hands in prayer position for a moment, she eases into your feet. With rhythmic patterns quietly rotating your leg up to your hip, you began unwind. The therapist moves your legs and you feel the strength allowing you to trust the weight of your leg in her hands. In the same pleasing pattern she works up into your legs and back down and you sink even deeper. Opening your hips slowly she smoothly moves you into gentle stretches hitting intoxicating pressure points along the way, some are intense but are followed by calming palm pressure allowing you to let go. Using the patterns already established, the therapist works your whole body in this fashion. Unlocking the joints in your spine, opening your shoulders and low back, lengthening your neck, arms and legs. After a good scalp rub, she covers your eyes and ears, allowing you to go inside yourself. The chimes ring and you are feeling renewed and refreshed, the therapist steps out and you lay there for a minute coming back to reality. The treatment is a fluid dance of stretching and acupressure that allows the nervous system to relax and do its own healing. It encourages circulation and correct joint movement, can decrease headaches, helps digestion, depression, and is great for athletes and desk dwellers alike! You can expect to leave feeling relaxed and energized. Not only is Thai good for the client but is also good for the practitioner. It teaches the body to move properly and fluidly with enough practice. Thai has the capacity to build strength, grace and sensitivity. Thai is the art of loving the world unconditionally. Find out more about Melissa here. |
Should you have questions about Sensorielle Spa or wish to purchase any of our spa treatments or pure botanical products, please feel free to contact us at:
Sensorielle Spa
1801 13th St, Ste 150 (One Boulder Plaza)
Boulder, CO 80302
phone 303.247.9932
fax 303.247.0062
email: experience@sensoriellespa.com
online: send us your questions or comments online!
Hours: Mon-Sat 9 am to 7 pm (7-8 by appointment), Sun 12-5
Monday - family day 9-2 (pediatric oriental medicine)
Tuesday/Thursday - "Pay-What-You-Can" days (view faq for info)
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