Traditional Thai Massage (TTM)

Traditional Thai Massage, also called 'lazy yoga or Thai yoga massage' was established with Thai Medicine by the legendary Physician Shivago Komarpaj (Jivaka Kumar Bhacca) over 2500 years ago. He was a friend and the Physician of the Buddha - Siddhartha Gautama, from Northern India. Its influences are a combination of ancient healing system; Chinese Traditional Medicine - acupressure and reflexology, Indian Ayurvedic principles and Southeast Asian culture which are all assisted with calmness of meditation and yoga postures. Ergo, makes this modality a healing form of art.

It is believed that good health and freedom from pain is the unhindered flow of vital force of energy throughout the entire tissues of the body. Traditional Thai Massage stimulates acupressure points in relation to the concept of energy lines called Sen which is in Chinese Medicine it is recognised as working along the Chinese Qi (energy) meridians. Basic theory states that there are seventy-two thousand Sen lines (energy lines) that line the physique of the body. Stimulating the acupressure points provide relief, stretch, loosens the tightened muscles and releases tension and relieves joints.

Traditional Thai Massage does not use oils nor lotions, the receiver will be fully clothed, dressed comfortable in loose clothing and will be lying on a comfortable firm mat or mattress on the floor.

This style of massage is really deep, thorough and full-body treatment starting from the feet towards the head. Sen channel will be pressed repeatedly in every direction as positions of the limbs and trunk the body changes throughout the treatment.

Sequence applied are mainly pressure points and muscle stretching; gentle flowing movements like yoga exercises to stretched and loosened the joints and the muscles of the body.

Sequence applied are compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked. It can include pulling of the toes, fingers and ears; thumbs, hands, palms, forearms, elbows, knees, shins, and feet are used in conducting the massage.

After all the pressure points and blocked Sen are released, stretching technique will proceed.

From subtle movements to gradual rhythmical flow of large scale stretches until all muscles and joints are treated. A session usually takes 2 hours or more, it will depend on the recipient's needs as the treatment and session will be customised for each individual regarding their physical and age.

The true ancient way of conducting Traditional Thai Massage is performed by only the practitioner and the receiver in privacy, unlike commonly nowadays in Thailand where all therapists and receivers are in one big hall or room all together.

Benefits of TTM:

• Reduces ailments

• Improves posture

• Improves breathing

• Slows aging process

• Lower blood pressure

• Relaxes mind, body and soul

• Emtional balance and mental clarity

• Reduce and relieve stress and anxiety

• Increase concentration and creativity

• Detoxification and boost immune system

• Increase blood circulation and health and wellbeing

• Increase muscular flexibility, mobility and strength

• Prevents illnesses and alleviates degenerative diseases

References:

• (Moonie Harris, 2021)

• (Bodyharmonics, 2021)

• (Massage Thai Way, 2021)

• (Jongrakthaimassage, n.d)