What is Thai massage? Thai massage. Balance for the soul, healing for the body

About 2000 years ago, an Indian king had a doctor. History has not preserved the name of the ruler, but people still remember the healer. It was Jivaka Kumarbhashi - he was one of the first to create the technique of Thai massage. Today, the procedure is performed not only in Thailand - it has conquered the whole world.

This technique is based on the principle of activating energy points and channels of the human body.

Thanks to this, vital energy is activated:

• blood circulation is stimulated;
• the body becomes flexible, plastic;
• muscles relax.

Important! The philosophy of this technique implies not only the restoration of bodily energy, but also spiritual one.

There are two types of massage:

Types of impact

There are two types of impact:

1. Pressure. With their help, you can regulate the depth of influence on the underlying tissues. If you use the wide surface of the palm or foot, the impact will not be as deep as with the elbow joint or thumb. It is usually customary to start the impact with a light intensity, gradually increasing it to a stronger one.
2. Manipulation. They are used to tone muscles, warm up joints, get rid of osteochondrosis, and ease the symptoms of arthrosis. The essence of the effect is that the specialist moves the limbs, cervical region and areas of the patient’s back, stretching them according to the Thai massage technique.

Pressure in Thai massage is applied to different parts of the body.

Thematic material:

Thumb

It is held strictly horizontal to the patient's body line. By applying pressure to the tissues, they can be stretched, thereby improving lymph flow and blood circulation.

Important! Pressing can be done with two fingers with a “step-by-step” movement of one finger relative to the other - this movement is carried out along the lines of the energy channels of the human body

Palm

During pressing, the main emphasis is on the area that is located closer to the wrist; the pressure itself is very deep. This method is used on large muscles:

• back;
• buttocks;
• hips.

You can work with one palm, or with two at once, placing them overlapping one on top of the other or wrist to wrist.

Elbow joint

In this case, the pressure exerted on the body increases due to an increase in the pressure force. In order not to cause the patient any unpleasant pain during this type of massage, the specialist works on the densest muscles of the body - the gluteal and thigh muscles. If a person feels pain, the forearm area is used instead of the elbow.

Knee

This type of massage is used when the master needs to use his hands to stretch the joints. In this case, the specialist presses his knee on the desired area, placing emphasis on stretching. With proper manipulation, the patient experiences complete relaxation of the body, improved functioning of the circulatory system, and the outflow of excess fluid.

Feet

The area of ​​influence of the leg is quite large, so the hips are worked out using only the middle part of the foot, and the buttocks are worked out using the heel area, or the area where the phalanges of the fingers are located. The pressure is deep enough, suitable for thick broad muscles.

In certain cases, pressure from the massage therapist’s two feet occurs while standing on the person being massaged. This is the most profound effect, so it must be used carefully.

Buttocks

The master sits on certain areas of the patient’s body and the impact occurs over a large area and with the entire weight of the massage therapist. At this time, the master’s hands can perform stretching techniques.

Types of various manipulation actions:

Traditional types of massage

Thai massage is very diverse. The following types are distinguished.

Classical

The technique consists of a standard set of movements: twisting, rubbing, kneading, stroking. The duration of the session depends on its characteristics and type, taking into account the patient’s main health problems.

In his work, the massage therapist uses fingers and palms, forearms, elbows, knees, and feet. There is practically no clear description of the session - the masters improvise in the use of various techniques, based on the state of the patient’s muscle tension.

Important! The main feature is that in order to effectively work out the muscles, the person being massaged needs to relax them as much as possible, then point pressure will not cause discomfort.

The entire session takes place over clothing that is comfortable for the patient. This could be cotton pants and a loose-fitting T-shirt. The entire procedure is performed on the floor, where a dense floor mat is previously laid. A person who has undergone such therapy feels cheerful, rested, energy flows move freely throughout the body, muscle and joint pain goes away.

Foot massage

This type of influence can be of two options. A light relaxing foot massage is performed with your hands, warming up the muscles. The full impact begins with the use of a special device - bamboo sticks.

Thematic material:

Using your hands, you mainly apply point pressure. And not every person is ready for this massage, because some find it painful. But subsequently the body will obey you, many problems, illnesses and bad thoughts will simply disappear.

The muscles are worked from the feet to the knee. Before the session, you need to undergo a hygienic washing procedure - any type of massage should be carried out only on a clean body. After all the necessary manipulations, an aromatic foot scrub bath is offered. This procedure not only has a cleansing effect, but also improves the appearance of the feet.

Using oil

A relaxing aromatherapy type of oil massage does not involve stretching or pressing. The specifics of the massage are as follows: aromatic oil is applied to a bare, clean body; its quantity should be such that the master does not cause noticeable physical pain during the manipulations. On the contrary, the process should relax due to sliding and smooth movements.

Most often, aroma massage is done on the back. Excessive amount of oil that has not had time to be absorbed is removed with a towel at the end of the procedure.

Patients who have undergone oil massage claim that inner peace and a feeling of relaxation occurs almost instantly. Everything is so smooth that you can easily fall asleep during the process.

Collar area and head, neck

Sometimes the master can also include the shoulders in the work. Massaging is carried out carefully so as not to harm the patient, since the vital vasomotor center is located in the neck area.

The benefits of the technique become noticeable immediately after the session: the amplitude of neck mobility increases, muscle blocks that impede the free flow of blood are removed, headaches, facial swelling, and blue circles in the infraorbital region go away.

Slim massage

The set of actions in this case is aimed at losing weight and fighting cellulite. Basically, this type of massage is used by women who want to have a flat tummy and clear contours of the hips, without the “orange peel”.

The procedure involves the use of special anti-cellulite warming creams, which include hot pepper extract and various herbs.

During the therapy, the abdomen, hips, back, lower back, and buttocks are worked out. The movements are performed on the naked body, patting and kneading, without elements of yoga.

The effect of the procedure is improvement of blood and lymph circulation, breakdown of fat deposits, swelling goes away, tone and elasticity of muscles and skin tissue increase.

Tok Sen

The main goal of Tok Sen therapy is manual treatment of the spine and back muscles, aimed at eliminating tension. After all, if there are no obstacles in the spinal column, then energy flows smoothly and smoothly throughout the body. The type of impact can be called therapeutic; for it, the master uses special tools - hammers and sticks.

Light tapping along the spinal column creates subtle energy vibrations in the body that awaken the strength of spirit and calm a person’s psychological state.

Tok Sen massage has well-deserved popularity, as the results of the procedure are much superior to other techniques. And even yoga massage is inferior to it in effectiveness. It helps to recover from long-term illnesses, activates the immune system, and accelerates metabolic processes.

Bags of herbs

The effect occurs on the floor, the patient is placed on a special mat, and light pressure is applied with fabric bags containing steamed medicinal and aromatic herbs.

One session combines massage and aromatherapy, and the skin is under the influence of a herbal compress.

For now, the pressure is applied with light, short movements; as it cools, they become stronger. As a result, good muscle tone appears and the skin becomes soft as silk.

Indications and contraindications

This massage is recommended in the following cases:

• state of fatigue, stress, decreased overall body tone;
• rehabilitation after injuries;
• preparation for sporting events;
• poor posture;
• spasms and tension in muscles and nerve endings;
• prolonged, persistent headache caused by poor circulation in the collar area;
• osteochondrosis;
• cellulite, figure correction, maintaining skin tone.

It is undesirable to use massage movements according to the Thai system in such situations.

Why do they go to a Thai SPA and massage?

It is recommended to visit a Thai SPA not only to keep yourself in good shape, but also for:
- Stress, emotional stress
- Poor health, apathy, depression
- Headaches and back pain
- Sleep disorders and general nervousness
- Overwork, including at work
- Lack of appetite

In addition, Thai massage is indispensable for:

Figure correction
- Increasing flexibility of the spine and joint mobility, safe stretching of muscles and development of flexibility, relieving muscle tension
- Increased tactile sensitivity
- Removing energy blocks and muscle tension
- Deep relaxation
- Obtaining an extraordinary feeling of lightness, flight, joy, which persists for a long time after the end of the procedures
-Improves blood circulation and improves skin condition
- Normalization of metabolism and elimination of toxins

Contraindications to the use of Thai massage

Despite all the magic, mystery and almost perfection of Thai massage, there are still contraindications to its use, common with other forms of massage therapy.

For serious cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure (hypertension)
- after recent operations, injuries
- for oncological diseases
- for osteoporosis
- if you have endoprostheses (for example, a hip or knee joint)
- for skin diseases: eczema, psoriasis, herpes zoster;
- for thrombophlebitis
- for varicose veins (relative contraindication)

If you are in doubt about whether a Thai massage session is possible, we recommend that you exercise caution and consult a doctor.

Why Thai massage is right for you

Our appearance is a complete reflection of our inner beauty and our emotional well-being. The pleasure our body receives also affects our state of mind. A Thai massage therapist does his work not mechanically, but with a sincere desire to help a person. The training system for Thai massage therapists includes instilling the “meta” state. This is one of the divine states of consciousness in Buddhism. His goal is to tune himself to a sincere desire to make people around him happy, to acquire the ability to sympathize and help people. But not only in words, but in action. Traditional Thai yoga massage is a real balm for the soul and body.

About Thai massage

Thai massage performed by a Thai specialist is a philosophy. It’s not for nothing that we value a French chef in a French restaurant, and an Italian one in an Italian one. Therefore, the most correct Thai massage performed by a Thai master. Russian specialists can also learn Thai massage, but not many people strive to comprehend the philosophy of Thai massage. Thai massage is not a body massage, as many Europeans believe. This is a subtle effect on special acupressure points and meridians. Yogis call them “nadi”, and Thai massage specialists call them “sen”. The Thais believe that the vital energy “prana” flows through these invisible channels. By influencing them, you can improve the energy of the body, thanks to which all organs stabilize and recover.

Thais consider an Indian doctor named Jiva Kumar Bhikku to be the founder of massage. He is known as the Buddha's friend and personal doctor. As a sign of respect for the founder, today every Thai massage therapist, before starting work, reads a mantra dedicated to the “Doctor-Father,” as if asking for his blessing. The origins of Thai massage lie in the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda and in Chinese medicine, the oldest in the world. The history of Thai massage goes back more than 2,500 years and today, like thousands of years ago, it is popular in Thailand, gaining increasing popularity throughout the world.

A person who has once felt the true bliss of professional body care will experience deep relaxation and true delight.

Description of procedures:

1 . Traditional Thai massage

Thai massage uses deep muscle stretches, gentle twisting of joints, and many elements of “passive yoga.” Unlike many techniques, Thai massage is performed softly, smoothly, allowing the body to feel every movement. During twisting, similar to the practice of yoga, it is possible to influence deep-lying muscles that are inaccessible to ordinary classical massage. Also at the core of Thai massage is the stimulation of vital energy through pressure on the Sen Sip, or ten main lines, consisting of several thousand channels of vital energy that flow through the entire body. Proper impact on these lines helps maintain the balance of vital energy of the body and mind, improves the mobility and flexibility of the body, and the sensitivity of nerve endings. The result is physical and emotional relaxation, lightness appears throughout the body, restoration of internal balance, harmonization of the nervous system.

2 . OIL massage.
Acupressure relaxing and toning massage of the whole body using mixed techniques, using aroma oils from Thailand. Combines massage and aromatherapy. With this type of massage there is almost no pain.

3 . Reflexive foot massage
The master carefully works on all the vital points of the foot from the heel to the toes and activates all energy channels. The feet are the projection of all our organs. This massage is an excellent tool for relieving stress, relaxation, as well as activating protective functions and mobilizing the body's reserve forces. As a result, blood circulation and mobility of the joints of the foot and knee improves, and the flow of energy is aligned. The lymphatic system is stimulated, oxygen supply to the extremities improves, the feeling of heaviness in the legs and muscle tension are relieved.

4 . Massage of the cervical-collar area
The master will massage the muscles of the back of the head and neck, starting from the shoulders to the base of the skull. Despite the fact that massage may seem very painful, after the first procedures there is significant relief and improvement. Massage of the neck-collar area allows you to get rid of excess salt deposits. Adhesions in the area of ​​the shoulder blades and shoulders. Massage of the neck and shoulders, as well as the area of ​​the upper spine, allows you to get rid of headaches and back pain, relieve puffiness and swelling, and with each subsequent procedure, vigor appears. And also gives more flexibility to the neck, arms, shoulders and back.

5. Head and face massage
The main techniques are alternating gentle circular movements of the fingers and strong pressure with the thumbs, stroking the forehead, nose, eyebrows. Facial massage brings relief from colds, runny nose, and reduces headaches. Don’t be surprised if during the session they start pulling your hair, this will improve blood circulation and your hair will grow faster. A facial and head massage will revitalize and give energy.

6. Vibro-shock yoga massage (slim massage)
The secret to the effectiveness of Thai slim massage is a special technique and a special cream, which the massage therapist will intensively rub into areas with excess subcutaneous fat. Each problem area will be dealt with in detail. There will be no severe pain, but just like after a good workout, the next day you will feel pleasant “muscular joy.”

With slim massage the following are achieved:

• - figure correction
• - regulation of fat metabolism, breakdown and removal of existing fats
• - improvement of lymphatic drainage
• - strengthening the venous wall
• - relief from swelling
• - removal of toxins and wastes
• - anti-cellulite effect
• - counteract excess fat accumulation in the future
• - there is a significant decrease in appetite

Slim massage for figure correction is done at three to four day intervals. During breaks. To consolidate the result, you can do a traditional Thai massage, especially if the goal is to lose weight quickly. The number of slim massage procedures depends on the individual characteristics of the body, usually from 5 to 12. Due to the intense load during slim massage, after reducing body volume, the skin will not sag, but will gain elasticity. It is recommended to use slim cream for home care.

Slim massage is contraindicated:

• pregnant women
• nursing women
• persons under 17 years of age
• persons who have previously undergone surgery in problem areas to be worked on
• persons suffering from serious kidney or heart disease
• women during menstruation.

SPA services:

Description

1. SPA treatment with Thai herbal bags.
Program stages:

• infrared sauna, shower
• massage with herbal bags
• ginger tea

Description :
Massage with hot bags is a relaxing symphony rich in sensations: the skin is simultaneously affected by the magic hands of the massage therapist, warmth and aromas of herbs, and gentle pressure, tapping and vibration of the bags gently activates acupuncture points. These are fragrant hot bags steamed in a water bath, inside of which are herbs, mineral salts and essential oils. Their divine aroma drives away fatigue and apathy even before the procedure begins. When the master begins the procedure lightly but powerfully, you find yourself in a completely different dimension. The aromatic warmth is almost imperceptible, so the technique allows you to work on all parts of the body: arms and legs, back and neck, even the stomach, which, as you know, is usually ignored by traditional massage. This is not just an incredibly pleasant exotic procedure, but also deep relaxation, gentle cleansing of the skin and deep heating of the tissues.

2. SPA – treatment with heated oil.
Program stages:

• infrared sauna, shower
• OIL massage with aromatic oils from Thai flowers and fruits
• ginger tea

Description:
An excellent Thai treatment for cleansing and moisturizing the skin using hot oil. Heated oil in the sensitive hands of a master will fill your body with warm energy.

3. SPA facial treatment
Program stages:

• light facial scrub
• facial massage with cream
• ginger tea

Only natural Thai cosmetics are used for the procedure. Thanks to cleansing, the skin begins to breathe better, nourishing oils fill it with moisture and give elasticity, and when massaging the head, hair growth improves.

4. SPA body care
Program stages:

• infrared sauna, shower
• mineral salt body scrub with essential oils or your choice
• aroma massage
• foot massage
• ginger tea

Effects of the procedure: activation of microcirculation, cleansing and detoxification of the skin, long-term hydration, improved elasticity, skin toning, deep emotional calm

The myth of the talisman “Music of the Wind”

Once upon a time, a long time ago, one sage called the spirit of the Wind and asked: “Could he sing at least one of his songs to people?”

The spirit did not understand why the sage needed him to sing to people and demanded an explanation from the sage.

The sage explained to the spirit of the Wind that of all the five elements, people love air more. The spirit was amused by these explanations and he demanded that the sage prove what he was saying.

The sage said that without water, fire, food and metal people can live for some time, but without air a person can live only for a few minutes. In order for the spirit to believe him, the sage said that he would prove it from his own experience.

The spirit checked this and realized that the person was not lying to him. Then he began to sing one of his beautiful songs, and so that every person could hear this song, he breathed it into a bamboo stalk. The sage made talismans from this wonderful and magical gift and distributed them to people.

Since then, a person who values ​​air and keeps a piece of it at home is always under the protection and patronage of this powerful element and will never experience the deadly influence of the unfavorable energy of Sha.

Out of everything, I chose Thai classic (traditional) massage for one simple reason - I don’t know what it is.

I wanted to try it. Because diving, wind tunnel, extreme driving and other pleasures are already a past stage for me.

I arrived at the salon that was offered to me. The salon has a pleasant, warm, inviting atmosphere. I filled out a form (some information about me and my wishes for the strength of the massage).

The questionnaire also indicates contraindications for which it is strictly forbidden to do such a massage.

After filling out the form, I was taken to the massage room. The room turned out to be very cozy. Gentle, quiet, soothing music was playing. Warm diffused light. Flowers on the massage table, massage mat and on the windowsill.

Candles. The shower cabin, which is apparently used after an oil massage, is considered more gentle.

But in classic Thai massage oil is not used.

To carry it out, special clothes for massage were laid on the massage table. Loose-fitting shirt and wide trousers.

There was a container of water next to the chair.

As I changed into clothes for the massage, there was a knock on the door. A slender, short girl massage therapist from Thailand entered the room. She spoke absolutely no Russian and we communicated in English. This did not interfere with the massage at all.

The girl gestured to me at the chair, I sat down in it and put my feet in a container of water. The water was hot enough. The girl washed my feet with a scrub with light movements, dried them lightly with a towel and asked me to lie down on the massage mat.

After all these preparatory procedures, the Thai classic massage began.

I must say that I had heard so much about him that I was even a little afraid...

The massage was "strong". I felt every part of my body. The main effect is the development of joints. I didn’t even think that my joints could be so mobile.

There were slight pain sensations at the very beginning. The back of a person who spends most of his time working at a computer cannot help but cause problems. But, miracle! A few minutes of professional action from a masseuse, and no discomfort in the back! It's like wings have grown.

The massage completely kneads the entire body and works all the joints from the fingertips. They become very mobile and flexible in a way you wouldn't even expect. The spine is stretched,

You lie on this massage mat and think how such a small girl manages to bend and unbend you all and crush your muscles with such force in her hands?

10 minutes before the end of the massage, the girl leaves to wash her hands, and then proceeds to massage her head. The jaw joints are also included in this massage.

The hour of massage passed very quickly. I shouldn't have been afraid. There is a feeling of lightness in the body, and delight in the soul.

I can describe Thai classic massage in two words - relaxation and vigor..

After the massage, you feel like you just left the gym after an intense workout.

I really liked the massage and the professionalism of the massage therapist. If she felt a problem somewhere, she would work on that place again.

(I had this massage for the first time and I have nothing to compare it with).

For the unprepared - sensitive massage. Sports people will immediately find it easy to perceive. But this is my subjective opinion.

I chose a wonderful gift for myself from the gift certificate! I implemented it in a wonderful and very cozy Thai SPA salon, which is located in the center very close to the metro.

Try it, you will like it too. And I'm going to take a course of such a massage.

Thai massage is very popular among tourists from all over the world. Moreover, they are happy to teach it to everyone. This type of massage includes a therapeutic effect on a person, but is based on a fusion of various cultural traditions and philosophies.

What is Thai massage?

This type of massage is also known as yoga massage. This is a whole health complex that includes opening and stretching of joints, deep effects on muscles, yoga exercises, acupuncture and acupressure, reflexology and activation of the flow of human vital energy. This entire range of effects on humans is aimed at restoring energy balance. Indeed, in Eastern philosophy it is believed that a person’s health depends on his energy and mental balance. This energy spreads through special channels, which in Thai healing are called “sei”, in Chinese - “qi”, and in India - “nadi”. One way or another, in different countries and at different times people came to understand that the human body is something more than the musculoskeletal system.

Imbalance, disruption of energy flows causes illness, blues, and therefore mental and physical suffering. And massage can cure a person, as it will direct his vitality in the right direction.

For many, turning to Eastern wisdom became a way out of surgery. In Thai massage, the effect is on 10 main energy channels. Those who do not believe in energy, but believe in the power of conservative medicine, should remember that massage has an effect on blood and lymph circulation, muscles and spine. It turns out that from any point of view (esoteric or pragmatic), Thai massage is a way of healing the human body.

History of Thai massage

The mystery of Thai massage originated under the influence of the cultures of India and China and is associated with the history of Thailand itself. At that time, about 2500 years ago, Thailand was called Siam, and Buddhism penetrated into this ancient state from India. Yoga masters and Ayurveda doctors also came to Siam along with the Buddhist monks.

Siamese medicine merged with the skill of Ayurveda and the philosophy of Buddhism. This complex, multifaceted fusion of cultural heritage formed the basic principles of modern Thai massage. The name of the man who is considered the father of this type of massage has even survived to this day - Doctor Jivaka, who lived more than 2 thousand years ago. He was the personal physician of the Indian king and even, according to legend, the doctor of Buddha, and began to use massage techniques along with medicine. In this case, herbal compresses, yoga, treatment with herbal preparations and herbs were used. Thai doctors still use the “tok sen” method - tapping energy channels with a hammer and wooden sticks and foot massage. In this case, the massage therapist wets the feet in a herbal decoction and then warms them up by touching a hot metal sheet.

The technique of Thai massage came to us orally: massage teachers only told their students about special ways to influence a person, so some methods, unfortunately, have disappeared forever. The few texts describing massage therapy were lost in 1776, when the capital of Siam was attacked by the Burmese. The city was sacked and little survived. Apparently, in order not to repeat the mistakes of the past, in 1832, Rama III ordered the remaining texts to be carved into stones and stored in the Wat Pho monastery. Since then, 60 marble slabs and 80 statues depicting people in various asanas have decorated the monastery. Thanks to this, we can still see ancient texts with diagrams, diagrams of energy channels and acupuncture points.

General Thai massage

Today, Wat Pho monastery is considered the main southern school of Thai massage. There is also a northern school, it is located in the city of Chiang Mai. This is where everyone who wants to learn the mystery of Thai massage is taught. Numerous students come here for knowledge from all over the world. Modern Thai massage is developing precisely through the efforts of the southern school: new teachers enrich the technique with a unique vision and new techniques. There are other differences between schools. The southern school emphasizes harsh, rather painful finger pressure, while the northern school emphasizes stretching and twisting, borrowed from yoga asanas. Hence the more famous name in Europe – “yoga massage”. The techniques of the northern and southern schools are combined and called general Thai massage. It uses the thumbs, wrists, palms, elbows, feet and knees, and forearms. The contact between the massage therapist and the client is quite close.

Royal Thai massage

This type of massage is distinguished, first of all, by the distance of half a meter between the massage therapist and the client. The practice uses only the thumbs, the outer part of the wrist. The session begins with impact on the knees, continues on the hips, and then the feet. In this case, the massage therapist moves on his knees, and the client never lies on his stomach. Royal massage does not use yoga poses.

How does a Thai massage session work?

First of all, both the massage therapist and the client tune in to the massage session. It is very important that both participants in the process are in a good, calm mood. Therefore, the mattress and floor covering should be made of natural, high-quality materials, and clothing should be comfortable and loose—usually shorts and a T-shirt. There may be music playing in the room, lights on, the light is usually soft and dim. At the same time, it is very important that trust and sympathy arise between the client and the massage therapist.

The session itself lasts from one to three hours. The beginning of the massage is reminiscent of passive yoga: the client’s body prepares for deep impact. During the session, the massage therapist sits on the buttocks, squats or heels, and stands on one or both knees.

Massage practice uses pressure, stretching and twisting. Moreover, not only fingers and palms are used for this, but also the massage therapist’s elbows, wrists, feet and knees.

The master begins his work with the client’s feet, gently stroking them, pressing on the acupuncture points responsible for relaxing the body. The rhythm of movements is adjusted to the client’s breathing. From the outside, the movements of a professional Thai massage therapist are similar to a ritual dance, and the transition from one movement to another is almost imperceptible, one method smoothly transitions into the next.

Basic methods of manual influence

• Thumb pressure
• Pressure with two thumbs
• Crossed thumb pressure
• Whole palm, thumbs in front
• Touching or open thumbs
• Elbow pressure
• Forearm pressure

Due to these influences, the human brain changes electrical activity, gradually slowing down its work. Due to the impact on the energy points of the feet, a gradual change in consciousness begins. As a result, during a massage, many people suddenly reconsider their views on life, unexpectedly find the sources of their problems, and tune in to a creative and positive mood.

The twists used in the Thai technique allow you to reach deep-lying skeletal muscles. Such a deep impact is simply impossible for a classic massage. The entire body is worked out - from the top to the heels, and the massage therapist lingers on tense areas, and the impact on these areas transmits signals to the brain, as well as the impact on reflex points. This is how the hidden power of the human body is “launched,” which is responsible for the functioning of internal organs and systems.

Activation of energy channels and redirection of vital force improves the functioning of the circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems. Moreover, collaterals begin to work - branches of blood vessels, usually passive. Thus, blood and lymph flow is restored and enhanced. Increasing blood circulation, firstly, removes excess water, toxins and waste from the body, secondly, enhances nutrition of the skin and internal organs, thirdly, relaxes the muscles even more, literally opening them for deep effects.

The massage starts from the feet and carefully works every part of the body, rising first to the hips, stomach, shoulders and finally to the head. Moreover, when the massage therapist begins to work with the upper body, it is already relaxed due to increased blood circulation, and receives the greatest benefit from the massage therapist’s touches.

The massage session ends with an impact on the face: the massage therapist’s movements “wash away” facial wrinkles, tense grimaces, nervous tics and swelling.

Thai massage: effect on the body

• Stress relief, deep relaxation.
• Relieving muscle tension, including chronic tension.
• Removing or reducing pain of various origins.
• Removing swelling, puffiness, reducing fat deposits.
• Reduction of expression wrinkles.
• Opening and strengthening mobility, flexibility of joints and spine.
• Improving the functioning of the nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive systems.
• Improving lymph and blood circulation.

A person leaves a therapeutic massage session not only relaxed, but also a couple of years younger, in a good mood and with a positive outlook on life. Regular sessions will help improve mental and physical health, correct the silhouette and provide a noticeable cosmetic effect.

Thai massage: precautions and contraindications

Do not try to do this to yourself or your loved ones by reading about the technique on the Internet. Anyone can learn massage technique, but only from a real specialist. And only people with secondary medical education can practice massage, who, using the knowledge they have acquired in anatomy and physiology, will not harm a person.

If there are injuries and inflammations of the muscles, you must first apply a hot compress and only then very carefully begin to apply pressure to the muscles. For varicose veins, fractures and joint damage, the affected area is not massaged. The massage therapist has the right to refuse work if the client has an unknown rash or skin disease. If the rash or illness is not contagious, the specialist will most likely massage, avoiding the damaged area of ​​skin.

Massages are not given to hungry people - you may be offered a light snack, especially if you have diabetes or heart disease. But there is also no need to overeat before a massage session, otherwise you will have to give up some positions and methods of influence.

Thai massage has a number of medical contraindications:

• Pregnancy,
• recent fractures and injuries,
• oncological diseases,
• all chronic diseases in the acute stage,
• intoxication with alcohol or drugs.

Did you know that...

• In Europe and America there is still a stereotype that traditional Thai massage is a sexual adventure. This rumor began during the Vietnam War due to American soldiers coming to Thailand to take a break from the war. But the Thai priestesses of love were not at a loss and began to offer services consisting of oil massage and intimate actions. Of course, Thai massage has nothing to do with sex. During the massage, both the client and the massage therapist are fully clothed, the exposed parts of the body are the feet, and sometimes the arms and legs. In addition, according to the centuries-old tradition, the massage room is fenced off only with a loose screen.

Thai massage, or “yoga massage” is a holistic healing system that includes a number of methods of influence, such as deep pressure on muscle tissue, passive exercises reminiscent of yoga poses, reflexology, stretching, opening joints, activating the flow of energy in the human body, acupressure. Thai massage has its roots in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian healing system, and Chinese medicine, the oldest in the world. The history of Thai massage goes back about 2500 years, and today, like centuries ago, it enjoys wide popularity in Thailand.

Like many other healing systems of the East, Thai massage uses the concept of restoring energy balance. According to Thai healers, energy circulates in the human body through numerous energy channels “sen”. Chinese medicine uses a similar idea about the circulation of energy “qi” along energy meridians; in Indian Ayurveda, the art of healthy living, they talk about channels called “nadis” and the movement of life-giving energy, prana, through them. In all these systems, it is believed that the underlying cause of all physical and mental illnesses is disturbances that occur in the channels during the circulation of energy. When the energy imbalance is eliminated, the cause of the disease also disappears. Pressing on special points lying on the projections of energy channels and deep work with muscle tissue removes obstacles to the movement of energy and activates its movement. Thanks to this, a full energy balance is restored, which means all the conditions are created for gaining health and well-being. Of the numerous channels passing through the human body, 10 main ones are used in Thai massage.

History of Thai massage

One of the events that determined the life of Siam (the ancient name of Thailand) was the spread of Buddhism, which penetrated there from India through the countries of Southeast Asia. This happened about 2500 years ago. Along with Buddhist monks, Ayurveda practitioners also came from India, bringing the knowledge of yoga. The practice, formed as a result of the fusion of endemic Thai medicine and Ayurveda, formed the basis of the modern Thai health system, including herbal and herbal treatments, traditional Thai massage, Thai yoga, aromatic saunas and the use of hot herbal compresses. To this day, Thai medicine has preserved such exotic practices as “tok sen” - tapping energy channels with a hammer using a wooden stick and foot massage (before which the massage therapist, holding a rope, dips the feet in a special herbal infusion and then warms them by touching hot sheet of metal).

The Thais consider the founder of massage to be an Indian doctor named Jiva Kumar Bhikku, also known as Jiva Komarpaj, or, as the Thais affectionately call him, “Doctor Shivaka,” “Doctor-Father.” He is known as the Buddha's friend and personal doctor. And today, before starting work, every Thai massage therapist reads a mantra dedicated to the “Doctor-Father.”

In early times, virtually no records were kept describing Thai massage techniques; all information was passed down orally from generation to generation. Rare works describing energy lines and methods of therapy, along with sacred Buddhist texts, were kept in the ancient capital of Siam, Ayuthaya. In 1776, Siam was attacked by the Burmese. The capital was plundered, most of the texts were lost. In 1832, King Rama III ordered the surviving texts to be carved into stone and placed in Bangkok's Wat Pho monastery. You can still see stone slabs with diagrams of energy lines and special therapeutic points carved on them today. The Wat Pho School of Massage is therefore considered the most famous and authoritative school of Thai massage today. The massage taught at Wat Pho and other schools in the region is commonly called the “Southern School” of Thai massage.

It usually takes the average person at least a month or two of training and many months of practice to master basic massage skills. All this time, people receiving a massage from a beginner are forced to suffer from his awkward movements and correct him (this is how the “finishing” of a novice massage therapist usually happens). Those who give up practice at this stage do not acquire the ability to perform a massage session that is truly useful and enjoyable for the recipient.

Learning complex massage practices, such as Thai massage, can be especially embarrassing. If in classical massage it is enough to learn five techniques and then apply them on the whole body, in Thai there are many (more than a hundred) exercises, each of which contains its own secrets of implementation. A poorly performed classic massage is quite unpleasant, a poorly performed Thai massage (TM), consisting of a lot of powerful pressure and twisting, can be a disaster for the body. After such a massage, long-term rehabilitation and even a visit to a doctor may be required.

Another feature of traditional TM is ritualism and a clear sequence of exercises. A regular session is a routine set of actions that the master performs almost without thinking, smoothly moving from one exercise to another. There is slight variability depending on the client’s requests; some exercises may be excluded, but in general there are few options. Therefore, the student must immediately master a large amount of knowledge in order to be able to learn this sequence and work without looking at the manual.

The exercises themselves in modern Thai massage schools are usually given without options, “just like in a book.” This often does not correspond well to actual human anatomy and limitations. Attempts to stretch an already stretched body or put pressure on a problem area can lead to dire consequences (although they help the practitioner gain experience from his mistakes).

Another obstacle when teaching traditional TM in the West in general and in the former USSR in particular is the difference in worldviews between a modern European (and post-Soviet person) and a Thai. The Buddhist worldview, an uncritical approach to the basic postulates of practice, deep religiosity and magical consciousness are the characteristic attributes of Thai practitioners. According to one of the oldest texts on Thai massage available to us, TM is not practiced for profit, but for the purpose of training the four highest qualities of consciousness - brahmavihara: metta (loving kindness), karuna (compassion), mudita (unconditional joy for another) and upekkha (equal relationship). Most European TM practitioners are unfamiliar with these words and the concepts behind them.

Finally, with all the variety of techniques of traditional Thai massage, it, like any other method of bodily work, has its limitations: for example, the residents of Siam did not practice hatha yoga and did not have problems with overstretched muscles, so Thai massage practically does not work with this problem , which means it is not always suitable for yoga practitioners. Secondly, psychological stress in modern society is unprecedented, while the Thais have always led a calm, measured rural life, worked in the rice fields and had stress not of a psychosomatic, but of a very physical nature: tension in the legs and back, therefore in traditional TM there is a large a number of exercises are devoted specifically to working with the legs, and there are not many practices for fine balancing of mental processes. And of course, it should be added that in recent years a large number of effective methods of working with the body have appeared in the West, including work with joints, psychodynamic work, releasing muscle blocks and much, much more. In addition, many techniques from other traditional healing systems have become known, which combine well with the techniques of traditional Thai massage. All these techniques, belonging to different cultures, are not included in traditional TM, although when they are included, the massage session only benefits, and sometimes takes on a new dimension. That is why we were faced with the task of developing a system that could select the best from modern Thai massage, enrich it with the best developments of modern bodily practices and present it in such a way as to teach a novice representative of European civilization in a few days to perform a fairly long massage session, characterized by spontaneity and focus on the individual request of the recipient (the person receiving the massage).

Such a system has now been created. For lack of a better name, for now we call it “Thai Massage 2.0”. The practice of such massage brings joy, health and bodily freedom to the recipient, but does not cause unnecessary pain and discomfort. So, in a short time, you can teach any person who does not have significant problems with sensitivity and concentration to perform a deep relaxing massage based on traditional Thai massage.
The system consists of a transcription of Thai values ​​onto a European value scale, exercises to develop attention and sensitivity, and a set of effective exercises taken from both Thai massage and other systems. During the learning process, a kind of “transfer” of experience occurs: the practitioner masters not a skill, but the ability to do massage. A two- or three-day seminar is enough for this. Then everything depends only on the practitioner: whether he will find time to practice massage and develop or not: in this case, most of the acquired ability will inevitably be lost.

You can learn Thai Massage 2.0 by leaving an application for training in the “Application Form” section.