Thai Massage is worlds different from the standard Western Massage. The primary differences are that sessions take place on a Thai pad or cotton futon pad with the client wearing loose comfortable clothing and no oil is used during any part of the massage. Thai massage made its way to Thailand from India, blending Ayurvedic techniques and principles, Yoga stretches and philosophies, and influences from traditional Chinese medicine. For centuries it was performed by monks as a key component of Thai medicine.
Thai Massage therapists use body leverage and lower body strength to stretch and massage the client. Thai Massage is commonly referred to as “Lazy man’s yoga” because of its major incorporation of facilitated stretches with some point work. Although the physical body is being worked, the true focus of the treatment is primarily the “energy” of the body and mind. The goal being to bring balance to the body as a whole; thereby allowing the client to heal themselves. People describe Thai massage as an energized relaxation. Thai Massage works on the Body, Mind and Soul connection, seeing the unity in all aspects.
Some therapists and spas are trending towards a Thai Swedish fusion. The concept is to give a Swedish massage with the client draped and oiled like a regular massage and then incorporating modified Thai massage technique. This fusion can be helpful in some clients being more comfortable with trying something new but at the cost of the true essence of a Thai massage.
Our alternative at Bamboo Garden Spa is the East West Massage. The idea originally came from one of our clients who wasn’t sure if he wanted a whole Thai session and asked half way through the session if he could have the rest of his time on the table. He loved the combination and left balanced, leading us to think there was something to this idea. We expanded on this idea, offering clients 80 minutes for a taste of each modality. This is a great introduction to the world of Thai Massage or for those who want to be stretched and then kneaded.
The birth of the East West massage unites the best of both worlds. Bringing together the old world and the new. So how do we actually accomplish this? We have clients start on the floor pad for a thai massage (East part). This warms the muscles, increases flexibility with stretches, and tones the energy meridians. Half way through we step out while the client moves to the massage table for a traditional massage (West part) that focuses on the back and neck- increasing circulation and relieving stress. We are happy to say that this blend has been very well received by our clients.
Formula:
one part stretching (Thai Massage) / one part stress release (Deep Tissue) = 2 parts energized relaxation.