Thai Massage - What is It?

Thai Massage - What is It?
By Lita Stone

Thai Massage, the traditional form of massage therapy used in Thailand is rapidly becoming a popular form of massage in the United States. A new career direction for many Massage Therapists, it is a deeply relaxing style, done on a mat on the floor, rather than a massage table.

Schools teaching Thai Massage are increasing, especially in California. For someone with an adventurous spirit though, it is interesting to note that it can often prove to be cheaper to fly to Thailand and attend a school, in comparison to taking a training at home. The main cost would be flying there, then the schools there, as well as living expenses can be quite inexpensive! This has become a popular way to learn Thai Massage and get a wonderful vacation and experience at the same time! I would recommend exploring the schools in the more rural Northern Thailand.

Thai Massage, called Nuad Phaen Boran, or Ancient Massage in Thailand originates from the time of Buddha. When Buddhism reached Thailand in the 3rd or 2nd century BC, temples were built with adjacent dispensaries and medical schools as an integral part of the religious system. Massage and other healing arts were taught and applied in the monasteries and within the family, passed down orally from teacher to student.

Generally Thai Massage is done in loose comfortable clothing on a mat or pad on the floor. Techniques similar to Shiatsu and Acupressure Massage are used along with passive stretches. Often given the name Yoga massage because much of the treatment is focused on stretching the entire body, as is yoga. Similarly to Shiatsu, acupressure and yoga, the clients core energy is stimulated and rebalanced, enhancing greater health and well being.

Thai Massage works on the major meridians, or energy flows, which run throughout the human body. It aims to harmonize the body, to loosen and release blocks, and to feed deficiencies along the energy lines. Energy blocks or congested areas are released and the prana, or the core energy of the body can flow freely again, feeding and nourishing the entire body and its organ systems as intended.

An ingenious system of movements allows the therapist to manipulate the client without much effort. Every movement is designed to support the client as well as the therapist, often giving the therapist a comfortable stretch as well. A wonderful feeling of inner connectedness and balance can be felt as client and therapist relax into the stretches together. Done in silence, this form can become a kind of meditation for both the giver and receiver, encouraging a state of calmness and peace.

Additional benefits of Thai Massage include, relief from pain and muscle tension, a general increase of energy, improvement of the circulation of the blood and lymph, an increase in flexibility, a more balanced nervous system and a peaceful relaxation of the body and mind. A must to try for anyone seeking a natural way to increase their overall health and well being. And typical to massage in general, it feels great!

Author Lita Stone
http://www.Massageclips.com Lita Stone has been practicing as a certified massage therapist for over 20 years. She's now sharing her favorite techniques and teaching how to give a deeply relaxing and effective massage on her selection of massage instruction video downloads. Beautiful to watch and easy to follow. Sign up now for her Free Massage Training Video!

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Graduates of a Thai Massage School Know How to Properly Administer a Massage

Graduates of a Thai Massage School Know How to Properly Administer a Massage
By Cheryl Forbes

After a long hard day at the office, we all want to relax and let off steam. Some people resort to social drinking. Some people resort to shopping while there are others who resort to having a massage. Actually, a Thai massage is dedicated to people who worry excessively and those who are stressed out. What it does is it uses rocking motions, pressing techniques and stretching to get rid of the stiffness of the body which promotes flexibility and improves the balance of the person. This type of massage directly affects the muscular, circulatory and nervous systems which stimulates the natural healing ability of the body. That is why it is crucial for somebody who administers the massage to go to an accredited Thai Massage School.

Those who were able to get their training at an accredited place of learning testified that it taught them to focus and be mindful of the person they are doing the massage at, as well as, their surroundings. Aside from that, it taught them to be more compassionate and to have a more caring intention to the client. What the school does is it teaches their students what goes on behind each press and stretch that they do to the client. There is a sensitive energy that flows from the masseuse to the client. That is why it is important that the one who does the massage is always on a positive level. Aside from that, a Thai massage is dangerous for someone to administer it without formal training. It is no longer just a massage but something much more.

Cheryl Forbes owns and operates the website http://www.thai-massage-schools.com

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Thai Massage - For Healing & Wellbeing

Thai Massage - For Healing & Wellbeing
By Kelly Price

Thai Massage is one of the world's oldest healing modalities and originates from the time of the Buddha over 2500 years ago.
Introduced to Thailand by an Indian doctor, ‘Nuad Phaen Boran’ as is it known in Thailand, correctly translates as Ancient Massage or Traditional Massage. Here it is more widely known as Thai Massage.

Thai Massage is considered an ancient art of body therapy for health, healing, and transformation.

The History of Thai Massage

Thai massage has been performed for centuries by monks in Southeast Asia as one element of indigenous Thai medicine.

As with much of traditional oriental medicine, illness is seen as an imbalance of the mind, body and spirit or ‘chi’.

Thai massage is based on the concept of invisible energy lines running through the body. These energy lines known as ‘Prana Nadis’ supply us with vital energy.

‘Prana’ (life energy) is absorbed with the air we breathe and with the food we eat. Disturbances in the flow of energy result in an insufficient supply of Prana, which in turn lead to sickness.

Thai massage selects ten energy mainlines on which there are significantly important acupressure points. Working on these energy mainlines, Thai massage breaks the blockades, stimulates the free flow of Prana, and helps to restore general well-being.

Thai Massage – How Does it Work?

Thai Massage focuses on interactive manipulation and uses two primary procedures.

These include the therapist applying gentle pressure with the hands and feet along the energy lines and a variety of passive stretching movements to manipulate your body into a series of postures.

These movements help to align the energies of the body.

Traditional Thai massage differs greatly from traditional massage where kneading of muscles and strokes of varying lengths and pressure are used to stimulate, calm or relax.

It works more with the energy body rather than with the physical body and is based on a gentle but vigorous pressure, the pressing of energy points and a lot of stretching.

What are the Benefits of Thai Massage?

Although Thai massage is considered more vigorous than traditional massage, the effect is uniquely energizing as well as relaxing.

Sometimes referred to as Thai yoga, because of the ‘assisted stretching’, Thai massage stimulates and energizes the body and releases tension and toxins from joints, muscles and connective tissue.

Thai massage has been used for many years to treat degenerative illness and promote wellness and can be beneficial for the young or old, healthy or not so healthy, the active or not so active.

The key benefits include:

• stimulates internal organs

• balances the body's energy system

• adjusts the skeletal structure

• relieves muscular and joint tension

• increases flexibility

Thai Massage – Is it Safe for Everyone?

Thai massage is relatively safe but is not appropriate for people with certain medical conditions such as serious back or knee injuries, or pregnant women.

If in doubt you should seek advice from your doctor.

What to expect from a Thai Massage?

Applied in a quiet meditative atmosphere, Thai massage creates space in the musculoskeletal structure, opening up the body and allowing it to regain flexibility and ease of movement.

When performed in Thailand, Thai massage is seen as a spiritual practice and in order to perform the massage in the meditative mood that is required, the session will start with a meditative prayer to fully center the masseur on his or her work.

It is believed that only a masseur working in a meditative mood can have intuition for the lines of energy flow in the body.

Traditionally, Thai massage is performed on a padded floor mat instead of a table or couch, no oil is used and you stay fully dressed, so loose comfortable clothing is advised.

Thai Massage – Choosing a Therapist

To get the best from a traditional Thai massage, ensure you seek a therapist that is suitably qualified.
Thai massage is a great way to improve overall wellbeing and is more popular than ever. Try a Thai massage for yourself and you will be glad you did.

More FREE info on the benefits of Thai massage and other forms of massage and their advantages visit http://www.privatelyyours.co.uk

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Discover the Relaxing Thai Massage - Here Are the Top 5 Best Massage Centers in Thailand

Discover the Relaxing Thai Massage - Here Are the Top 5 Best Massage Centers in Thailand
By Pinky Mcbanon

Thai massage is said to have been developed by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, believed to be the, physician to the Buddha, in India more than 2,500 years ago. It has then made its way to Thailand, where its principles and techniques slowly became influenced by the customary Chinese medicine.

It was performed by monks for centuries used as one element for Thai medicine. Thai massage is said to be more stimulating and precise than any other kinds of massage.

It is also being called the "Thai yoga massage", where in the therapists uses their hands, knees, legs, and feet to move people into a sequence of yoga-like positions. Many people say it is like performing yoga without doing any work. Much compression of the muscles in the joint areas and acupressure are used during the massage treatment. Many describe Thai massage as both comforting and refreshing sort of therapy.

Here are the five best massage centers in Thailand:

1. The Garden Chiang Mai - located in Chiang Mai, Thailand offers you the enjoyments of foot massages in the garden. Garden Chiang Mai massage is based on reflexology and acupressure styles, which means that with their qualified staff, massage is always relaxing and stimulates the whole system. They also offer neck and back massage here. With just 150 baht per hour, one can enjoy traditional Thai massage. The massage routines are performed in luxury air-conditioned rooms. This is a Thai massage center designed to awaken and manipulate the body. Thai massage provides full relief from many aches and pains which helps with achieving good posture.

2. Oriental de Phuket - found in Phuket, Thailand a place for one to have a refreshing mind and body. Oriental de Phuket is well recommended for Healthy Massage that will help everyone reduce stress and have a peaceful time.

Here, one will observe warmest welcome and the best services. therapists are well trained and qualified by specialized Thai Massage Association

3. Chiva Som - is everyone's "Haven of Life" located in the the Gulf of Thailand. Chiva-Som is all about learning to live, enjoy life, enjoy life's pleasures and appreciate Thai massages. Here, one enjoys relaxing Thai massage and other different massage techniques. The Chive som massage center has well trained staff that will surely give everyone the comfort they need.

4. Health Land - located in Pattaya Nua Road, Thailand. Offers relaxing Thai massages for as low as 450 Baht per session. The massage will take up to 2 hours, where one can fully relax and enjoy the luxury of the place while having a peaceful time.

5. Friend's Massage - located only 200 meters away from Sukhumvit. It is a clean and good-looking building which has been newly renovated. Friend's massage offers traditional Thai massage and oil massages, beauty treatments such as manicure, pedicure, facial massage, nail painting, and even hairdressing services.

Ms. Pinky is a mom of 3 school children. She is a Systems Engineer, a Technology Researcher and an Independent Medical Billing and Coding Consultant. She and her family is well-traveled all over the world!

Her blogs and websites focuses on stay-at-home moms, dads and students who wants to work at home, build homebased business http://www.mommyisworkingathome.com

Visit her Interesting Site on Asian Travels and Destinations. Discover Asia's Culture and Great Food! at http://www.goingplacesinasia.com

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