Thai yoga massage is based on the concepts of healing in yoga and Ayurveda. This is a healing form of massage that uses asana with therapeutic massage techniques to heal, relax and strengthen the body.
The link to Ayurveda is the traditional belief that when the body is in balance, health is the result and disease is the result of a body out of balance. Returning the body to proper balance is believed to offer significant healing benefits throughout the entire body for a wide range of health conditions.
There are several benefits to this form of massage. Thai yoga massage is effective for improving circulation and releasing tension from the muscles of the entire body. In addition, the combination of massage and asana works to strengthen the immune system for better overall health.
The massage is done on the floor on a yoga mat. In a Thai yoga massage session, the therapist will guide you through a series of asanas. While you are in the asanas, the therapist massages the pressure points and energy lines of the body.
Through the use of asana and massage, the tension in the body is released, circulation is improved and the body is brought back into balance. If you have a health condition that makes certain asanas difficult, these poses will be modified. Most of the time, simple poses with a gentle stretch are used, rather than the more difficult poses.
You will be dressed in yoga clothing throughout the massage to allow for freedom of movement in the asanas. Whatever you wear to your yoga class will work for the massage session.
Sometimes yoga studios that also offer massage will offer Thai yoga massage. Even if your studio doesn’t offer this service, they will most likely know of someone in your area that offers this type of massage. You can also search online to find trained and experienced yoga massage therapists in your area.