Image Source: wikipedia.org.
If you’ve ever received, practiced or taught Thai massage this might be an oddly complicated question. It might sound like a simple one but there is often much more involved in how we define this practice. There are so many definitions of Thai massage out there, and it largely depends on who you’re talking to! As an interesting project we’ve had people from all over the globe contribute to this discussion by commenting their thoughts below. If you’d like to contribute your own definition, please do! This way you get a really broad picture of what Thai massage is.
We’re asking YOU – What is Thai Massage to you?! (This includes all variations in name such as Thai yoga massage, Thai yoga therapy, Thai yoga and so on). Comment below in 4 sentences or less to share your views of what Thai massage is! Tell us what your “elevator speech” is.
Here’s mine:
Thai massage can be an incredibly comprehensive practice that is much more than a few simple manipulations. We perform it in the spirit of loving kindness (metta) to achieve therapeutic results in multiple different arenas (physical relief of pain and tension to deeper emotional stress). We ensure that it is highly adaptable to suit your needs, preferences and tolerances for pressure, stretch intensity and your ability to relax. From a practitioner perspective, Thai Massage is an art that is mutually beneficial rather than physically taxing for us.
Keep reading below for the input of other teachers and practitioners from all over the world!
Thai massage was in fact ingrained in me; before I knew what it was, I thought I was developing a new system and modality I would share with the world, when in fact, as my friend introduced me, already existed. I decided to take this bodywork on fully as my own art and practice to assist others in their discovery of themselves, be it body, spirit or mind; as well as a package that was already neatly put together to be handed to other practitioners. It was everything for me from front to back, a complete system allowing ones own personal discovery and growth into new avenues of thinking, being and moving. As we have come to discover, our lives are an ever growing awareness and education in how to breath, open our selves, minds, hearts and continue on with lives processes, I am completely grateful and thankful that this has been the practice I have built my life, reputation and community. Sadhu Bhante
Thai massage is an form of bodywork that uses the intention of the body to touch the soul.
I consider Thai much more intimate than other forms of body work.
I believe that I always receive more when I give Thai.
Very simply, I tell people that it’s lazy yoga – yoga I do to them.
It’s the deepest most effective form of massage imaginable.
I love it! I am stealing “lazy yoga”
An excerpt I wrote for a student:
“Being a branch of traditional Thai medicine, Thai bodywork is steeped in traditional Thai medical theory. Like Rolfing® it can restructure our body alignment, and like medical massage it can be used to treat acute traumatic injury. Unlike these western modalities, Thai bodywork integrates a deep spiritual component based on Buddhism as medicine, and the idea that the mental, energetic, emotional and physical bodies are not separate. Thai bodywork can be calming and relaxing, but also holds the potential to be the most physically intensive deep tissue work there is.”
I consider Traditional Thai massage to be a means of balancing the elements, As they are understood in Traditional Thai medicine. This medicine is intrinsically linked to Thai Buddhism and so a practitioner should have a clear understanding of Buddhist precepts and practices.
Thai massage has a rich history directly to the personal physician of the Lord Buddha. Although it has aspects of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese medicine it is a completely unique experience that goes beyond the merely physical. Thai massage is truly a spiritual practice for both the therapist and the client. With an increasing body of research showing the tremendous life-enhancing benefits of this massage, it’s definitely something to be tried at least once!