what is thai massage

Rooted in Originating from the Indian Ayurvedic medical practice, Zen Thai is one of many forms of Oriental hands-on work based on the energy balance theory of health and healing. Although its origins roots date back over 4,000 years, Zen Thai Thai massage is still popular undergoing a renaissance in Thailand today, as interest is booming in the West.

Chinese acupressure is an obvious influence: Thai medical theory is based on the idea that the body’s vital energy flows along channels called “sen” (or “chi”). Blocking this flow results in discomfort, disease, and pain – while opening the flow leads one to feel energetic, relaxed, and free from stiffness and pain. Zen Thai focuses on working the ten major sen lines by palming and thumbing along these energy pathways. This releases blockages of energy, increases energy flow, and helps to restore balance – the key to good health.

Zen Thai also has a yoga influence that comes from the Indian Ayurvedic medical tradition. Zen Thai is a passive way for the client to receive the benefits of yoga: the most profound effects being an opening of tight joints, relief of pain, a lengthening of muscles, and a very deep sense of well-being and relaxation.

The practitioner puts the client’s body into assisted hatha yoga postures, directing the intensity of the stretching and pressure points. This delivers a much deeper result than an individual practicing yoga would be able to achieve. It’s like having yoga done to you, receiving all the benefits without the effort. Movements are flowing and harmonious, creating a deeply soothing yet energizing effect for both the practitioner and client.

Remarkably, Zen Thai practitioners also receive some of the same benefits as clients because of their own yogic body movements. To begin the session, practitioners center their minds with an emphasis on awareness – thus, Zen Thai can also be considered a form of meditation in motion. And during the session, practitioners pay special attention to their own body mechanics and breathing – so at the end of the session, they feel energized and relaxed.

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