Herbal Thai Massage

Originally derived from ancient Thai traditions, Thai herbal massage is slowly becoming a popular western modality. Thai yoga massage dates back more than 2,500 years with roots in Indian and Chinese healing practices.

The combination of a Thai herbal compress and traditional Thai massage techniques create a treatment designed to soothe almost any food one may experience.

History of Thai yoga massage

Jivaka Kumar Bahaccha, a Buddhist monk and founder of Thai traditional medicine and Thai massage techniques, established Thai massage to relieve pain by improving the flow of 'prana' or life energy within the body.

Prana circulates through the body along pathways called 'sen lines'. Theoretically, when someone experiences pain or illness, there is a disorder in the flow of prana that flows along these sen Thai Massage.

When these blocks are stimulated with the pressure, stretching and kneading techniques, along with modified yoga postures used in Thai massage, it releases the block allowing the prana to move freely again. As the released prana flows effortlessly again, each body system is saturated with vital nutrients that enhance the body's normal functions. As the body begins to return to a balanced state, pain subsides, energy is restored, and the client is filled with a renewed sense of vitality and well-being.

The yoga connection

Thai massage was created based on the philosophies and traditions of yoga, as it helps to balance not only the body but also the mind and spirit. Typically, a Thai therapist meditates before each treatment to clear his mind of distracting thoughts and focus on bringing healing energy to the massage.

As stated above, modified yoga poses are integrated into each massage session creating a multitude of avenues for applying massage techniques. The Thai therapist maintains a calming quality for massage by applying elegant rhythmic movements and focused attention while connecting the postures, similar to practicing yoga.

Herbal compress

Thai herbal massage incorporates the use of a warm compress containing a collection of medicinal aromatic herbs traditionally cultivated in Thailand. This compress is simply a bag filled with ground Thai herbs wrapped tightly in a natural porous cloth, usually unbleached cotton or muslin.

Most of the time it is steamed to stimulate the herbs and then pressed or rolled on the body during, before or after a Thai yoga massage. When used in conjunction with a Thai massage, the heated ball allows the muscles and joints of the body to have greater movement and flexibility.

The herbs themselves are absorbed through the skin and used in the body to facilitate further release of energy blockages, thereby improving energy imbalances within the body. Some of the herbs have drawing properties that eliminate the inflammation and swelling typical of injuries.