Thai Massage
Thai massage is directly linked and primarily influenced by Ayurvedic principles originating in India, and is said to arrived in Thailand with Buddhism. Over 2000 years old, it is an ancient energy-based healing system that combines acupressure, reflexology, and assisted yoga postures. It focuses on circulation of vital energy in major pathways called sen, which are manipulated. Important pressure points along the sen lines are activated to help stimulate energy flow, and restore balance and harmony.
Physiological benefits include improved circulation, flexibility and muscle tone. Stiff, sore and over-exerted muscles benefit from the stretching combined with acupressure. It can aid in recovering lost joint range of motion and by encouraging lymphatic function, it can detoxify the body and stimulate the immune system. I have found in my own practice that it is a highly successful treatment for sciatica. Also nicknamed ‘yoga for lazy people,’ it is similar to yoga in that it can help prevent injury by improving flexibility.
Photo credit: Asher Bitton, Australia
Photo credit: Asher Bitton, Australia
You, the recipient, will remain fully clothed while your body is compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked to clear energy blockages and relieve tension. I use my thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to open joints, stretch muscles and tendons, and tone internal organs. No oil or lotion is used. The overall effect is deep relaxation, rejuvenation, physical and mental well-being, for both of us.
According to the Thai Healing Alliance International, Nuad Boran is also “a spiritual discipline in that it incorporates the practises of mindfulness (breath awareness) and loving kindness (focused compassion).” When combined, these techniques will help bring our treatment session to a focused and deep level.
In 2008, I studied the first four levels of Thai massage with Chongkol Setthakorn in northern Thailand who was the lead teacher at the Old Medicine Hospital in Chiang Mai before opening his school in 1992, the International Training Massage school. ITM is located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Immediately upon returning to S. Korea where I was living, I became a of THAI (Thai Healing Alliance International) and began practicing and logging my massages. I’ve continued studying with Francie Petit who is also trained under this lineage and a THAI-approved teacher. As of 2011, I am a Registered Thai Therapist (RTT) with the THAI.
As a receiver, I find this bodywork to be dynamic and gives a sense of being very complete when it’s finished. My feet and legs get as much attention as my back and shoulders. There’s an extreme sense of relaxation and openness during and after the massage.
As a giver, I look forward to all my sessions as a time where I can come fully into the present and engage in a dance of energy and awareness with the receiver.
If you would like to experience Thai massage, please email Coreen Boucher at barefootmeditations@gmail.com or call 250-935-0152 (cell: 202-9642) to arrange an appointment.
Music on this page “Dancing Hands”, with many thanks to the talented Arto Tuncboyaciyan.
Medical-historical information on this page sourced from Pierce Salguero’s Encyclopedia of Thai Massage.
