FAQs
THAI YOGA MASSAGE
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Thai Yoga Massage?
Thai massage, known as nuad boran in Thai, differs significantly from Western massage. It does not involve massage tables, oils, or skin rubbing. Instead, it is a holistic blend of physical, energetic, and spiritual healing techniques where the receiver remains clothed. Thai massage uses acupressure, yoga-like stretches, and energy line work to promote self-healing and deep relaxation. Thai Yoga Massage is the substyle from the city of Chiang Mai also known as “Northern Thai Massage”.
Balancing Energy
A key goal of Thai massage is to free blocked energy (lom) in the sen lines and ensure its free flow throughout the body. Therapists must balance the client’s energy by addressing all relevant points along the energy lines. Typically, a session begins at the feet and ends at the head, ensuring holistic energy movement.
Holistic and Spiritual Healing
In Thai massage, individual holistic treatment is key. Rooted in traditional Thai medicine, it incorporates Buddhist principles. Practitioners use meditation, proper body mechanics, and breathing techniques to deliver effective treatments. Movements originate from the hara, located below the navel, ensuring the therapist’s back is straight and shoulders relaxed.
The Importance of Silence
Silence enhances the effectiveness of Thai massage. The therapist focuses on the client's body and breath, adapting techniques as needed. This helps the receiver achieve a relaxed, parasympathetic state, which is essential for healing. Excessive talking or loud music can distract from the process.
Self-Healing and Metta
Healing in Thai massage is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the receiver. The therapist facilitates healing through sensitive touch, loving-kindness (metta), and creating a safe, trusting environment. The receiver engages in self-exploration and self-healing during the session.
Masterful Practice
Experienced Thai massage therapists practice good body mechanics and correct breathing. They work within their immediate reach, positioning their body appropriately. The therapist’s back remains straight, shoulders relaxed, and arms locked at the elbows when applying pressure. Observing and synchronizing with the client’s breathing enhances the effectiveness of the treatment.
Our Lineage
Our Lineage is the Shivagakomarpaj Lineage (“Northern Style” Thai Massage) practiced by Master Asokananda and MasterAjahn (“Master”) Sintorn Chaichakan. Teacher Gab has learned from both Masters and follows their tradition.
Finding Qualified Practitioners
It's essential to seek out well-trained Thai massage therapists and teachers. Look for those with extensive study and practice, maintaining the integrity of traditional Thai massage without blending it with other modalities.
Summary
Traditional Thai massage is a unique healing art rooted in Thai medicine and culture. It should be practiced and taught with respect for its spiritual and holistic principles. Clients should find sensitive, effective therapists, and practitioners should commit to continuous, respectful learning and practice.
TYM like yoga detoxify and oxygenate the body by increasing blood flow; both can increase flexibility and range of motion; and both are excellent for relieving stress.
It can help with accelerating the healing process and reducing inflammation, pain and tightness. Work thought the energy lines unblock energy stagnated and improve it's flow.
Pressure points and stretching can cause discomfort and be challenging at times. A tolerable pain should be welcome, however, there are contraindications and situations where intense work should be avoided.
Most definately. Thai Yoga Massage can be highly beneficial for athletes. It helps in improving flexibility, enhancing range of motion, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation. Additionally, Thai yoga massage can aid in recovery after intense workouts, prevent injuries, and improve overall athletic performance.
If you need to cancell your place in a course or retreat you need to advice us in writing as soon as possible. You may want to move your booking to another event or ask for a refund. A refund will be issued less $100 of administration fee and a credit card fee (if applicable) for cancellations with 5 days minimum notice.
No you don't. You need to be able to physically perform body manipulation and work on the floor, often bending your back and squatting. It can be strenuous at the time but when done well with good posture and form it becomes easier on the body.
In the TYM course we'll practice these things and regular breathing to apply pressure effectively.
Yes, you will be given a workbook with an image of the positions and technics you have learned in the course.
Yes. The course is recognised by the Hang Dong Thai Massage School and certified by the Institute of Thai Massage. You will receive a certificate on completion of the course.
Yes. You will receive a certificate showing the amount of hours you have undertaken during the workshop.
You don't need to have ever done yoga in order to do this course. TYM uses body mechanics to effectively apply pressure using different parts of your body such as elbow, forearms, knees and feet maximising pressure without compromising your body.
Yes. There will be a course in Chiang Mai in November 2024. Visit this page for more information or contact us.
Yes. Most associations accept these hours as CPD. It is important you to demonstrate the learinig outcome which may be unique for any training.
Example:
Thai Yoga Massage Beginners Workshop
The learning outcome for the Thai Yoga Massage Beginners Workshop in is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to deliver a balanced Thai Yoga Massage. This includes understanding and applying TYM sequences using yoga postures, passive stretching, acupressure, energy work, massage, and meditation. Attendees will also learn about body mechanics, transitions between postures, and the application of treatments through Thai Sen lines to enhance flexibility, relaxation, and overall well-being.
Total hours 12 hours. Practical 9 hours and Teorical 3 hours.
No. TYM like other any other massage has it's contraindications and should be avoid when there is a medical condition that may have aggravate.
Here is some common contraindications for a Massage:
*Elevated body temperature, above 38 degrees Celsius
*Considerable weakness (e.g. after an illness or a very intense effort)
*Considerable inflammatory condition (e.g. of veins, joints, tendons, intestines, kidneys, meninx, etc.)
*Contagious and viral diseases
*Skin diseases (e.g. mycosis or psoriasis) and any purulent lesions
*Fresh wounds or scars
*Diseases of heart and cardiovascular system (e.g. diastolic blood pressure above 110, first two weeks after an infarction, advanced atherosclerosis, aneurysms, fresh haematoma, etc.)
*First days of post-traumatic condition (e.g. twist, bruise, strained muscles or tendons)
Fractures and fresh adhesions (minimum 4 months of the injury): strict prohibition of massage of the fracture dressed with metal plates or screws
*Gastrointestinal ulcers, coeliac disease, hernia, parasitic diseases
*Tumours, whether malignant or not, and after removal of a tumour the place of the tumour and its area is not to be massaged – a matter to be agreed with a physician individually
*Nervous system diseases (e.g. epilepsy, stroke, haemorrhage, sciatica, etc.)
*Bone diseases (e.g. advanced osteoporosis)
*Menstruation, particularly the first day or when it is particularly intense and painful
*Pregnancy: the massage type may be adjusted to the stage of pregnancy. To be avoided on the first trimester.
*Condition after consumption of alcohol or use of drugs
No. You can bring one or you will be partnered in the beginning of the practice. Very often you are encouraged to change partners to try working with a different body type. You can also stick with the sane partner through the course if you want.
Bring a large Yoga Matt if you want. Some venues offer the course free use of yoga mats. Flexible clothing and a water bottle. Also bring your smile.
To register your details go to the course page of your choice and submit your details. Payment to be done electronic making a deposit to the bank account details available in the end of registration.
To pay make an electronic deposit to the account bank details given in the end of the registration process. You can secure placement with a deposit and pay the rest before the course date. Payments plans also available. Ask if needed.