What is Thai massage?
Thai Massage is performed with the client fully dressed in loose comfortable clothing and uses compression, gentle traction, rocking, stretches and therapist assisted movement to achieve deep relaxation as well as improved flexibility, circulation, and energy flow for total mind-body balance.
Thai Massage is one of the three branches of Traditional Thai Medicine and has roots in Theravada Buddhism, indigenous Thai healing practices, Chinese Medicine, and Ayurveda. It combines rocking, compression, passive stretching, traction and movement of the joints to remove blockages along energy lines called sen in Thai. At the heart of each session is a foundation of loving-kindness or goodwill (metta in Pali). The whole treatment is a graceful, nurturing, moving meditation.
Who can benefit from Thai massage?
Thai massage is deeply relaxing. It can relieve muscular tension, improve flexibility, and promote the free flow of energy for an overall feeling of well being. Sessions can be focused on achieving a relaxed state of mind-body balance or address a specific physical concern. Many clients report feeling greater ease when breathing and a general sense of openness after a treatment. Thai massage is great for clients who prefer not to undress or have sensitivities to oils and creams.
What can I expect from a treatment or a series of sessions? What do I need to do to
prepare for it?
Your session will begin with a thorough intake to assess your current needs and any precautions or modifications that might be appropriate. The session is performed with the client fully clothed in loose or stretchy clothing which allows for movement (e.g. sweats or leggings and a t-shirt). No oil or lotion is applied to the skin. Traditionally Thai massage is performed on the floor on a mat with the support of pillows and bolsters as needed. Bodywork might be done with the client laying face-down, face-up or on their side. If getting down on the floor presents an access barrier, sessions can be modified to be performed on a massage table. The therapist uses hands, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to apply pressure and at times uses their body as a fulcrum or support for the client’s body in different positions.
Rebeca Torres-Rose offers therapeutic massage, chair massage, and Thai massage at CLINIC Wednesdays noon- 6pm and Thursdays 10am- 7pm.