What Is Thai Massage?
Thai Massage is an ancient technique that combines knowledge from Ayurveda, acupressure, and yoga asana. Unlike Swedish massage, Thai massage is done fully clothed without using any oils. Thai massage uses very little rubbing and instead focuses on compression of the Sen (energy) lines and stretching of the tissue. Sometimes it is described as having a yoga class done to you! In Thai massage, the practitioner uses their hands, forearms, elbows, feet and even thigh bones to administer the massage. Dialogue is always maintained between the giver and the receiver and, while moments may feel intense, nothing should ever be painful.
FAQ
What can I expect at my appointment?
Once you arrive I will show you to our session space. I’ll have you fill out any required paperwork and we will have a chat about what is going on in your body and what to expect during a Thai massage. There will be an opportunity for you to ask questions before and during the massage.
Do I need to bring my yoga mat?
Nope! Your massage will be done on my Thai massage mat. These mats are a lot larger and thicker than yoga mats. Fresh sheets are used to cover the mat with each new client.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Clothes that you can easily move in are best—think of what you would wear to a yoga class. Longer pants and a short or long sleeve t-shirt are easiest for me to work with and prevent friction on the skin.
What do I need to do before and after my appointment?
There’s not a lot that you can’t or shouldn’t do before your Thai massage, although I would recommend that you avoid having a large meal. After your massage, it’s a good idea to give yourself a bit of time to let the massage integrate. Try to drink some extra water. There is no restriction on exercising after a Thai massage. You might just feel like you had a good stretch!
What are the benefits of Thai massage?
Besides being incredibly relaxing, Thai massage can also help with circulation, lymphatic drainage and digestion. Thai massage can increase flexibility and range of motion by stretching the muscles and tendons. This stretching can help to decrease pain and prevent injury, which makes this a beautiful modality for athletes and those living in stiff bodies.
Ready to book an appointment?
Have a question that’s not answered here? Feel free to send me an email. I’d love to chat.
Gillian Buckley
Gillian is a certified Thai massage practitioner, yoga instructor, and the founder of Gillian Buckley Yoga & Wellness. She loves helping all kinds of people find their calm and reconnect with their passions through yoga and wellness education.
She likes to challenge her students to step outside of their comfort zone and explore all of the ways that they can take control of their health and wellbeing. Above all else, she makes student safety, both physical and emotional, a priority in all of her classes.
