The Thai Massage Lineage
Thai massage, the practical expression of loving kindness, evolved 2,500 years ago in India and has been traced to Dr. Jivaka Komaraphat, friend and physician to the Buddha. Influenced by Ayurvedic, Tibetan, and Chinese medicine, it continued to develop in Thai temples and became an oral tradition passed down by monks and nuns. Today, it is still practiced throughout Thailand as a healing medicine, its lineage and traditions are preserved and passed on through masters, and it is also taught more formally in schools. Students from many countries who study in Thailand have also brought the teachings to their home countries, and Thai massage is now practiced by healers all over the world. Cheryl studied in Chiang Mai with master Pichet Boonethumme and also at the Thai Massage School of Chiang Mai in Thailand. She is honored to carry on these traditions and offer an integrative, intuitive improvisation of her skills.
What does Thai massage feel like?
This bodywork involves opening the body’s energy meridians through compression, acupressure point work, and stretching. Thai massage is felt as both relaxing and energizing as it includes deep muscular and energetic work along with movement. It is also often referred to as Thai yoga massage, because the therapist uses her arms, elbows, hands, legs, knees, and feet to move you through series of yoga-like stretches.
What should I expect during my visit?
Thai massage is done on a padded mat on the floor with clients fully clothed. Thus, it is best to wear loose and/or stretchable clothing in which you feel comfortable being moved. A typical session lasts two hours, but can also be adapted to your needs and availability.
The Body-Mind-Spirit Integrative Benefits of Thai Massage:
Body
- relieves and prevents acute and chronic pain patterns
- improves muscle strength and effectiveness
- removes toxins from muscle mass
- relaxes tendons and enhances elasticity
- increases joint mobility and improves range of motion
- mobilizes stiffness and increases flexibility
- improves circulation of blood and lymph
- stimulates and improves activity of the nervous system which also improves functioning of internal organs
- deepens breathing patterns
- increases elasticity of digestive tract and stomach movement and thus relieves and prevents indigestion
Mind
- induces a relaxed, meditative state
- reduces stress
- offers a safe space for yielding and allowing one’s self to be held and nurtured
Spirit
- awakens and reignites life energy
- supports awareness of interconnectedness through experiencing union of breathing patterns between giver and receiver
- facilitates moment to moment mindfulness
- increases energy