June Hansen concludes her 2-part
feature on Thai massage with the good news: what to look for and how to
achieve the biggest benefits.
HOW TO FIND - AND CONTRIBUTE TO
- GOOD MASSAGE
So what should you expect in a good Thai massage? Westerners who
have only received a western style massage will find Thai massage quite
different. What is widely known as "Swedish" massage and other
western bodywork modalities view the body from the western scientific perspective,
and see the body as a set of separate systems - circulatory, respiratory,
nervous and skeletal. Their manipulations are focused on supporting the
functions of those systems.
Thai and other oriental massage modalities view the physical body as
one energy system, and their manipulations are designed to enhance the
flow of energy along lines called ‘nadi’ by the Hindus, ‘meridians’ by
the Chinese, and referred to in Thailand as "sen", the Thai word
for ‘line’. Sometimes traditional Thai massage is referred to as "Nerve
Touch Massage". Thai massage doesn’t focus on the muscles, but goes
deeper to "touch the nerves." Both styles of massage should be
relaxing, as this benefits the mind and emotions, and should support physiological
functions. They are different paths up the same mountain!
For western massage, the client undresses and lies on a padded table.
The practitioner applies oil to the client’s skin so that long strokes
- moving blood toward the heart - and the kneading of muscles will not
pull the skin. For traditional Thai massage you will remain clothed, either
in your own loose-fitting trousers and shirt or in a pajama-like suit that
the massage salon provides. You will lie on a mat on the floor and no oil
is used. Your practitioner will use the palms of his/her hands, the soles
of the feet, thumbs, fingers, and sometimes elbows or knees to apply pressure
to warm and relax the muscles and soft tissue around the joints, and to
stimulate the flow of energy along the "sen". You will be asked
to lie on your back, your sides and your front, and finally to sit up as
the practitioner completes the massage.
Another consideration for some people is the physical space in which
the massage is administered. Are you looking for a "cultural experience’
with your massage? Do you mind sharing a room with other clients? Is air-con
essential? Do you expect complete privacy? Different salons offer different
arrangements. At the Old Medicine Hospital, for example, you may have a
mat in the middle of a long row of mats. Clients on either side of you
may be Thai or foreigners. You are likely to hear light conversation and
light hearted laughter at times. Some people accept and enjoy this as part
of their "Thai experience." Others would find it uncomfortable
or distracting. Consider your own expectations and preferences. Do you
"need" air conditioning? Does the room look pleasing? If things
such as these are important, ask to see the room before you book your appointment.
Relaxation, awareness, participation
Whatever the surroundings, think of your massage as a meditation, or
"active relaxation". Although you are there to relax, you will
get more out of the massage by maintaining a level of focused awareness.
Pay attention, and always speak up to help your practitioner recognise
pain or danger signals if necessary.
In Thai massage, pressure should be applied by transmission of body
weight. The first thing I pay attention to when I am with a practitioner
who is new to me is the way he/she applies pressure: is the weight behind
it, or is he/she pushing her palms or thumbs into my tissue? Place the
pad of your right thumb on the flesh of the left forearm; now press the
thumb into the muscle. Release the pressure and this time "lean"
into the forearm using leverage - as if the pressure were coming all the
way from your right shoulder. Do you feel the difference? You will be able
to tell the difference in the way practitioners use their weight and leverage
- or their muscle - to apply pressure when massaging you.
To enhance your massage experience and its benefits, lie quietly and
relax as you wait for your practitioner to begin. In a gentle way, focus
your mind on what she is doing. Breathe evenly and without strain. If an
area feels tender or sore, "breathe into it." If it feels really
tender or sore, but "hurts good," I shift my attention and relax
the opposite quadrant of the body. For example if my left hip or leg hurts
good, I breathe into and relax my right shoulder and arm.
When your practitioner does something well, when something feel s really
good, say so! A good practitioner will respond well to positive feedback.
"Your heart must be with your hands," as the Old Medicine Hospital
teaches. Let your own heart join in the work as you receive massage!
June
Hansen
June Hansen is the pen
name of a Certified Massage Practitioner who has been practising Swedish
massage in America since 1990. She first studied Thai massage at the Old
Medicine Hospital, Chiangmai, in 1993. Over the past 6 years she has returned
for further study - and countless Thai massages.
Forty-plus enlightening souls from 9 nations took part
in the first Silver Dove Congress at the Chiangmai Garden Hotel, February
14-19. (...).
MISS
SUPHITCHA. I am seeking friendship or relationship with
a respectable, kind, foreign gentleman 35-60 years old. I am a 28 year
old Thai girl, 158cms tall, 46 kgs weight. (...).
June
Hansen
