Thai yoga massage is a dynamic body work therapy based on Yoga, ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine), and traditional medicine from Thailand that can be traced back 2,500 years to the time of the Buddha. Its present form was brought to Thailand by the Buddha’s personal ayurvedic physician Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha where it has developed over time within the environment of the Buddhist temples of Thailand.
Traditional Thai Yoga Massage differs from western style table massage in that it is based on affecting the recipient’s energetic body through the sen lines, whereas modern western or Swedish massage is based on anatomy and physiology- western science. This is not to say that some Swedish practitioners don’t add eastern aspects or theory to their bodywork, just as many Thai Yoga Massage practitioners employ the knowledge of western anatomy and physiology to their work, but we merely point to the foundations on which these two arts are built.
As stated the foundation of Thai Yoga Massage is based in the sen line theory. Sen lines are the energetic lines seen and or felt by traditional practitioners which are similar to the meridians of Chinese medicine. Given the history of Thai Massage the sen lines were most likely developed from the nadis in yoga and ayurveda. Although there are many books and charts which have representations of the sen lines, there is no definitive map because Traditional Thai medicine is not a rigid or codified practice. It is very Yin by nature, and Thailand is the only southeast Asian country that hasn’t been colonized by westerners which has helped keep this aspect of their culture intact. The sen lines must be felt by the practitioner and the direction they run can vary from person to person and change in the same person after trauma, injury, or simply a change in circumstance.
Thai Yoga Massage is performed on a traditional massage mat which rests on the floor. The client is dressed in comfortable clothing allowing ease of movement and flexibility. No oils or creams are necessary but they can be used for therapeutic purposes and there are also many traditional herbal remedies and treatments in Thai medicine that can be utilized. In this unique healing system the practitioner guides the recipient through a series of yoga postures while palming and thumbing pressure points and vital lines of the recipient’s musculature to affect the “sen” energy lines. It also incorporates the use of pressure points known as marma points in yoga and ayurveda, to amplify the healing properties of this ancient practice. Together these actions result in a treatment that seeks to alleviate problematic or chronic conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches, digestive problems, menstrual discomfort, stress-related conditions, pain caused by muscle tension or old injuries, improves circulation, boosts the immune system, and brings balance to the energetic body.
It works by increasing flexibility through appropriate movements, relaxing the muscles and nervous system with various pressure techniques as well as balancing the energy system of the body. We view this type of body work as a form of Yoga Therapy and just as in Yoga Therapy the work seeks to affect the recipient in all five aspects that make up the whole person. The five koshas of classic Yoga- physical, energetic, psycho emotional, core beliefs, and spiritual.
We offer both private sessions, and accredited trainings in Thai Yoga Massage. To schedule a session go to our Sessions page; or if you’re interested in becoming a practitioner in this ancient art go to our Workshops and Trainings page to see our current schedule of classes.