Origin of Thai Traditional Massage
Administering
Thai Massage
The techniques in Thai massage are designed to rid the body of
pain. Feet, palms, thumbs, elbows and knees are all used to apply
deep pressure along the Sen. Other techniques which applies twists
and stretches resemble a kind of applied yoga. In all techniques,
however, Thai massage is usually administered in an unhurried manner.
More importantly, all movements must be rhythmical, flowing, harmonious
and smooth.
Anyone who has just begun to learn Thai massage must develop an
empathy for other bodies. Every body is different from another.
In so doing, a Thai massage service should vary from person to person.
A masseur has to learn how to feel each person receiving the massage
differently from the other. Stretching routine for some may be pleasant
but for others who are less flexible, too much of it may be harmful.
While one receiver may scream at a slightest thumb pressure, another
might not feel the pressure at all. Thai massage in nature is 'hard',
but it definitely should not be 'torture'. To know how a receiver
is responding, the masseur should get a verbal confirmation on how
the receiver is reacting towards the stretches and pressures applied
on him.
Thai massage begins with the receiver lying on his back and proceeds
to each side being worked. Next, the receiver is worked on prone
position with his face downwards and finishes in the sitting position.
This routine always starts with the feet, which are subjected to
various pressures, stretches and flexes.
The Ideal Atmosphere for Thai Massage
To give or receive Thai massage, one
should engage a partner - your spouse, a friend or any member of
the family. Partners should be similar in weight as it is difficult
for one to work on another who is heavier than oneself, specially
when going through routines that involve lifting or standing on
your partner.
The atmosphere where Thai massage is done is equally important.
As Thai massage is an intimate and warm experience, it is ideal
to conduct the exercise in a warm, well-ventilated room, with subdued
lighting. Although some find soft music relaxing, allow no disturbance
or excessive noise. Since Thai massage is usually administered on
the floor, a soft but firm mat or mattress together with a thin
pillow should be used. There should also be enough space for the
masseur to move around as he goes through the whole routine with
the receiver...read more Preparing the Receiver for Thai
Massage
