| Thai Massage in Koh Samui - Story of Koh Samui Massage |
Thai Massage in Koh SamuiThai massage, although ancient in it's past and history, is increasingly gaining popularity in the west. Thailand offers exotic peoples and culture... wonderful fresh foods... traditional hill tribe villages... monastic retreats... beautiful sunsets on palm-tree lined beaches... and most importantly the birthplace of an ancient healing body therapy. Upon the tourist island of Samui there has been an explosion in the demand for Thai Massage, and all of the offshoots of the therapies related. The healing island of Koh Samui, as it has become synonymous, is the breeding ground for many therapies and therapists, attracted to this island by the millions of tourists that visit annually. The spas, yoga retreats, salons and parlours that are available on Samui, range from the exotic 5-Star locations, to the beach hut salas where practitioners are performing your massage with the ocean lapping at your toes. The Roots of the Therapy: Unlike the scooping and continuous strokes of Western style massage, Thai Massage is performed in gentle rhythmic movements and gives you an invigorating and balancing experience for the body and soul. Thai Massage improves circulation, flexibility, muscle tone and leaves you in a state of ultimate relaxation. Interestingly enough, Thai massage has been called Lazy Man's Yoga, or Yoga For Two because of the passive range of motion on the part of the receiver. Thai massage, or commonly known as Nuad Bo-Rarn (derived from the Sanskrit root word 'Purana' which means 'ancient or sacred body work") is an ancient healing art incorporating, acupressure, reflexology and yoga-like stretching. Its origins reach back to the second millennia B.C. and the Indian physician Shivago Komarpaj (known as Father Doctor) who was a contemporary of Buddha. It originated in India during the Buddha's lifetime, over 2500 years ago, but with the spread of Buddhism it found its way to Southeast Asia where, for centuries, monks performed it as one elements of indigenous Thai medicine. Thai Massage is probably the newest form of healing work yet it is one of the traditional healing modality, which has been practiced in Thailand for centuries. Thai massage is never painful. It is quite different from many Western forms of massage, as the practitioner uses a mattress on the floor (as opposed to the massage table) with the recipient in loose fitting clothes, and no oils are used in a traditional Thai Massage session. The practitioner uses her hands, feet, arms and legs to press and stretch the body, which helps in coaxing the body to release areas of tightness. Only to the limit of the receiver will the practitioner guide the recipient into various yoga postures. Thais believe that good health and freedom from pain result from the unhindered flow of vital energies through the body's tissues. It incorporates Tai Chi moves, rhythmic motion, palming and thumbing along energy lines (Sen lines), gentle stretching and the conscious use of breath. The main 'channels' for distributing these energies are called 'Sen'. There is no general agreement as to the exact number of Sen but those who know something of Chinese Medicine quickly recognise that the Thai practitioner is effectively working along the Chinese Qi meridians. Pressing is the mechanical process used to stimulate energy flow in the Sen, and to release blockages or stagnation, which result in pain. This part of the massage is very thorough. Each Sen channel is pressed repeatedly from every direction, with the relative positions of the limbs and trunk being constantly changed. The process is very thorough. When the practitioner is satisfied that all soft tissues have been adequately pressed, stretching begins. This will be subtle at first but gradually progresses to the elegant, large scale stretches for which Thai massage is renowned. Every muscle and joint is treated. Thai Massage has been used for countless generations to promote wellness and to alleviate distress from illness and aging. It is deeply relaxing and is an antidote for muscular tension, spasm, and stress. It increases range of motion and flexibility, which facilitates postural integrity. It also increases energy. Anyone who is faced with the stress and anxiety of daily life in the world we now live can benefit from Thai Massage. Thai Massage is a must for athletes that need flexibility, balance and timing. From racecar drivers and golfers to dancers, Thai Massage delivers a combination of mind and body therapy. Incorporating Hatha yoga and acupressure, joints and muscles can perform at peak efficiency and through the meditative effect; clarity of the mind is achieved. Thus creating what some would consider an advantage over the competition. Thai massage is ideal for those desiring deep relaxation, release from stress, and maximum flexibility as well as those seeking to increase their level of health, well-being, and vitality. Its many therapeutic benefits are appropriate for both the young and the elderly. The benefits of Thai Massage are overwhelming!
The Basic Therapies of Thai Massage: After your body is loosened up, gentle stretches are done. Different body areas are massaged more than one time, so two hours is not excessively long for a complete treatment. It’s good for tight muscles, low energy levels, and stress. But the stretching involved isn’t good for people with certain back problems, such as herniated disks and fused spinal bones. And if you aren’t flexible, then you may be a little sore the next day. Pra Krop – a kind of Thai massage in which herbs are wrapped tightly in cloth, steamed, and the herbal bundles are then touched or pressed to your body. The addition of heat to the technique makes for a more powerfully therapeutic massage. It’s especially good for deep muscle aches and joint pain. Foot Massage – since the foot is a place rather than a technique, there’s a lot of variety. Foot treatments often include washing and soaking your feet followed by an abrasive scrub to take away any calluses and/or dead skin. The best-known foot massage is called reflexology. And, in Thailand, it’s usually done in the Chinese style. Small tools are often used to rub the sides and tops of your toes, and the massage is very firm. Some people find it too hard and even painful, while others love it. This massage was introduced as an official style at the Wat Po massage-teaching temple in Bangkok not so many years ago. Reflexology in Europe and America is different than the Chinese style, where only hands are used to rub your feet. Besides firm pressing, the therapist will pinch the sides of your feet and use their fingertips to work certain areas of your toes, and top and bottom of your feet very thoroughly. This method can also be intense but, without the stick, less people find it painful. Aroma Oil/Aromatherapy Massage – most spas offer an oil massage with essential oils that are usually selected by the customer based either their smell, or their promised effects. Aromatherapy as an esoteric healing practice needs to have a highly trained practitioner to be really effective, but using it in a more general way it is quite pleasant. The massage part is usually a gentle Swedish massage or some version of a lymphatic-oriented massage. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites          |
