Thai Bodywork
What is Thai Bodywork?
THAI BODYWORK IS...
Thai Bodywork, Thai Massage, Thai Yoga Therapy, Thai Yoga Massage... all are western names for a practice that is known as "nuat phaen boran" (tradtional style massage) or "nuat thai" (Thai massage) in its home language. Thai Bodywork shares elements of Indian traditions (like yoga), Chinese massage techniques (like shiatsu and reflexology), and indigenous Thai medicinal and massage traditions with a focus on clearing the energy lines of the body and to promote the body's self regulating and natural healing processes.
A THAI BODYWORK SESSION LOOKS LIKE...
A full Thai Bodywork session is performed on a client/receiver who lies on a mat or pad on the floor, barefoot or socked, but fully clothed, and with no oils, lotions, or special equipment. The therapist/giver is also usually barefoot but fully clothed, and performs three distinct techniques on the receiver: 1) compressions , 2) stretching, and 3) acupressure.
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Compressions include pressure from very gentle to fairly deep on the major tissues to increase blood flow.
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Stretching refers to the yoga-like positions that the giver will guide the passive receiver into and out of. It is like having yoga done to you. Stretching also uses distractions that create space in the joints.
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Acupressure is used along the sen, or energy lines, to promote the flow of lom, or energy/life force.
BENEFITS TO YOUR HEALTH
The list of benefits of Thai Bodywork is long and western medical scientific research is becoming increasingly supportive of the claims of long time practitioners. Benefits may include
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relaxation and stress reduction
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better sleep
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relief of soreness and tiredness in muscles due to overwork or underuse
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increased mobility and range of motion
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reduction in arthritis pain, back pain, and joint stiffness
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improved circulation
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improved strength and muscle tone
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reduced recovery time for athletes
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prevention of bone degeneration
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improved psychological and emotional well-being.
Modern Thai Bodywork is the fastest growing massage modality in the West. Watch the following video for a glimpse of a Thai Bodywork session:

Frequently asked questions
What should I wear for Thai Bodywork?
Comfortable clothes like you might wear to a yoga class: t-shirt, sweat pants or yoga pants, and maybe bring a long sleeved shirt for resting afterwards or for leaving - your body temperature will drop while receving bodywork.
How is Thai Bodywork different from a Swedish massage?
We will not use any oils or lotions, both receiver and giver are fully dressed, and we will not be on a table. We will be on a mat or pad on the floor. Also, Thai Bodywork includes stretching, along with the more familiar compressions and acupressure, so your body will be in different positions and relationships to gravity.
How should I prepare for Thai Bodywork?
It is best for your comfort if you do not eat for 2-3 hours before receiving Thai Bodywork. It is also best for you and your giver if you can wash your hands and feet before the session.
What can I expect during a Thai Bodywork session?
Expect to be touched on most parts of your body. You are always encouraged to speak up if something doesn't feel comfortable (fx, too much or too little pressure, approaching a sensitive area of your body that you would rather not have touched, a feeling of being rushed or pushed beyond your comfort zone, etc.)
What should I do after a Thai Bodywork session?
It is best if you can rest for a few moments after your session and re-enter the external world slowly. Maybe plan a few minutes of sitting quietly, napping, or just hanging out before you must move on to something else.
What's the difference between a private session and a Thai Bodywork exchange class?
We offer both private (one-on-one) sessions and group exchange classes.
Contact
Contact us to discuss pricing and to schedule a private Thai Bodywork session or a group Thai Bodywork exchange class.