Thai Yoga Massage

 

 

 

Applied Yoga (Thai Yoga Massage)

 

This therapy is currently unavailable (May 2015) - sorry

 

 

Please note: This therapy is only available to women.

This type of massage is only available to women as it can be a very demanding therapy for the practitioner, especially as its 90-120 minutes.

 

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This is sometimes often referred to Thai Yoga, Thai Yoga Massage, Thai Massage, Passive Yoga as Yoga Therapy, Yogic Touch Therapy or Yogic Osteopathy.

 

Some of these vary and some of them are very Traditional Thai Massage approaches, others are 'based' on it or inspired by it.

 

I was taught the techniques as Yogic Osteopathy (during my Yoga Therapy training) and later as Thai Massage and there really isn't a lot of difference, it's all yogic manipulation with palm and thumb presses.

Not all yoga therapists include it or practise it, but I  believe it can open stiffness more than either yoga or massage alone for those that find yoga alone too hard.

Now, the thought of being pulled about or manipulated by a practitioner can seem a daunting one to most, either because it involves physical contact or sounds like something could be easily strained.

Assisted or applied yoga and yoga in general is about what works for you and is holistic, taking the whole being into account and you only have to do what you feel at ease with and let the practitioner know what feels good and what doesn't.

 

         

 

It is practised on a mat on the floor. There is no need for the use of oil and the client wears loose, warm and comfortable clothes that don’t restrict movement. It is best to avoid heavy meals before the treatment and to drink plenty of water afterwards as toxins are released and these need to be flushed away.This very powerful massage and exercise and uses the body's natural life force to release the blockages, allowing freedom of movement again. This form of bodywork uses massage, acupressure and yoga like stretches.

 The therapists use their palms, feet, elbows, thumbs and knees to help free the tension trapped within the body.

This therapy normally leaves the client feeling energised, calm and centred, but changes within the physical, mental and emotional body do take place over a period of time, so is particularly beneficial when client has received a course of treatments.

A full medical history would be taken before any treatment is undertaken and it is wise to check with your GP or Physio before undertaking any form of exercise or therapy for any contraindications. This is a hands on practice and is very therapeutic.

          

 

Benefits

Whether Applied Yoga is used for healing or relaxation purposes, it definitely has an overall therapeutic effect, improving suppleness, flexibility and joint mobility, and enabling the receiver  to 'let go' of tension held in the body.

It effectively resolves many specific issues and commonplace problems, such as lack of use resulting from long hours sitting at a desk or driving,To name a few :·        

Relief of muscular pain·        

Improved circulation·        

Improved function of internal organs·        

Enhanced well-being·        

Increased vitality·        

Relief from pregnancy-related stresses

 

This type of therapy has proven useful for a range of musculo-skeletal problems including lower back pain and sciatica-type pain, neck and shoulder tension, over-use injuries, and joint arthritis. It is also useful for treating circulatory problems, headaches, insomnia, menstrual problems, digestive disorders and asthma.

 

I also do a seperate Thai Hand and foot massage:

 

Thai Hand and Foot Massage

 

Developed from traditional Thai massage but also incorporates elements of Reflexology, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines and is localised to the feet, lower legs and hands, working on acupressure points and energy (Sen) lines to relieve tired feet, improve energy and circulation, increase vitality, relieve stress and tension in the muscles and stimulation of the lymphatic system which aids drainage of excess fluids and aid overall well being and relaxation.The client lies on the couch whilst the therapist works on the legs and then the feet.  The major section of the massage is the foot section during which pressure points are stimulated either with the fingers and thumbs or with a Thai stick and the joints and muscles are manipulated. 

 

The treatment ends with a hand massage that is similar, but shorter, to the foot massage.

 

Traditionally, hot herbal compresses are used but due to many allergies, the therapist has added in the bonus  (if you would like) to have your feet in heated booties prior to the foot treatment. This is generally not part of the massage but is down to client's preference.