gentle spinal traction moveThai massage is part of a family of Asian healing arts – Japanese Shiatsu, Chinese Tui Na, Indian Yoga Therapy. They all share common elements which distinguish them from Western Swedish massage.

  • They are performed fully clothed, generally no oil is used. Therefore the technique has to be different from oil massage. Instead of long massaging strokes, pressure is applied by thumbs, hands, knees, forearms, or feet.
  • Asian healing arts all incorporate the principle of  ‘energy’ – “Ki” in Japan, “Lom” in Thailand, “Prana” in India, “Chi” in China. The idea is that the physical manipulation affects a subtle energy flow which in turn aids the healing process. Western massage is more focused on anatomical principles like structure, muscles, and tissue.
  • Asian massage techniques incorporate much more physical manipulation than Western Swedish massage.  There is stretching , bending, twisting, and traction. Thai massage is often quite similar to yoga poses.
  • Unlike Western style massage which is done on a massage table, Asian massage is mostly done on floor mats. Read the rest of this entry