Traditional Thai Medical Massage Techniques

Traditional Thai massage techniques combine yoga stretches with muscle compression, joint mobilization and acupressure to help clear the sen or energy lines within the body of energy blockages. There are a total of 72,000 sen within the body; however, Thai massage focuses on only 10 sen that make up the primary foundation for all other energy lines. In Thailand, it's common thought that all ailments originate from blocked sen. Blockages lead to general unhappiness, illness or even death. Traditional Thai massage clears sen of blockages promoting overall health and well-being.

Stretching

• Thai massage practitioners stretch the recipient's body into various yoga positions. The practitioner administers all of the stretches; the recipient simply has to relax. Because of the recipient's total passivity, Thai massage is also commonly referred to as "lazy man's yoga." The stretching releases tension throughout the entire body and helps loosen muscles and increase flexibility.

Joint Mobilization

• Practitioners pay special attention to bones and joints, making sure never to apply direct pressure to these areas. Instead, practitioners apply pressure by using their fingers to rub the area around the bones and joints in a gentle and calming circular motion. In this manner, bones and joints receive indirect treatment. Practitioners also move joints in a circular manner to mobilize them.

Muscle Compression

• Practitioners apply pressure to muscles with their hands, elbows, knees and feet. They either apply pressure in one direction or squeeze the muscle, applying a two-way pressure. Continuous muscle compression helps relax the body and promotes greater muscular flexibility.

Accupressure

• Pressure is applied to the sen and pressure points along the body. Working on the sen also helps energy to freely flow into the joints, cartilage and bones without having to handle them directly.

  As with sen, practitioners work on pressure points using thumbs, palms, elbows, fists and heels. At times, practitioners apply pressure to these points, alongside stretching and muscle compression techniques. The practitioner uses her body weight as the source of the pressure force. Acupressure relieves any built-up stress in the body promoting ultimate relaxation. After applying pressure to the pressure point or sen, the practitioner applies a broader calming pressure with the round of her thumb, finger or palm in a gentle circular motion.