Thai Massage

Thai Massage is referred to by many names in the holistic community some of them include Ancient Thai Massage, Yoga Massage, and in native Thailand it is known as Nuad Phaen Boran. Thai Massage aims to realign the energies in the body. Unlike European style, traditional Thai massage focuses on circulation and pressure points, promoting internal health as well as muscular flexibility. However the main differentiation between Thai and Western massage is that Thai Massage involves peripheral stimulating, meaning it acts as an external stimulant to produce specific internal effects within the body.

During a traditional Thai massage the masseuse will use their hands, elbows, knees and feet to apply various pressures to the sen (or energy lines) along the body. The sen are taken very seriously in Thailand because they are considered the keys to a happy and healthy life. If a sen becomes blocked, the individual can suffer a range of ailments chronic pain, disease and if left untreated, even death.

Thai Massage is practiced on a firm mat on the floor instead of on a massage table. The masseuse will only use their own body weight to apply various pressures to the sen. Except for their feet, the client remains fully clothed during a Thai Massage.

The pressure of a Thai massage is said to differ with each masseuse. Compared to the pressure we are used to in Western massages, Thai may be a bit harder than were used to. Thai massage is often considered too strenuous; however the worst thing a client can do during a Thai massage is tense up in order to fight the pressure of the masseuses stroke. This can damage your muscles and cause unnecessary strain. For the massage to be effective the client must give themselves over to the masseuse, and the masseuse must be able to freely manipulate the clients limbs to encourage blood and lymph flow, and encourage the unblocking of blocked sen.

The benefits of prenatal massage or massage during pregnancy:

Studies indicate that massage therapy performed during pregnancy can reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health.

Massage therapy addresses different needs through varying techniques, one of which is called Swedish Massage, which aims to relax muscle tension and improve lymphatic and blood circulation through mild pressure applied to the muscle groups of the body. Swedish Massage is the recommended prenatal massage method during pregnancy because it addresses many common discomforts associated with the skeletal and circulatory changes brought on by hormone shifts during pregnancy.

Manual Lymph Drainage

Manual Lymph Drainage (also referred to as simply MLD) is a very gentle type of massage therapy used to drain excess fluid from the body and improve the overall functioning of the lymphatic (immune) system. MLD is most commonly used to treat Lymphedema, which is characterized by the blockage of lymph nodes in the arms and legs. MLD originated in Europe during the 1930s. It was first used on patients as an effective way to detoxify (ridding of waste) the body. Today, MLD is still used as a way to improve the inner workings of the lymphatic system. The massage is applied gently in the direction of lymph flow in order to unblock any obstructed lymph vessels, and allow lymph flow to transport waste from the body freely.

MLD massage is performed by a certified MLD massage therapist, who applies a light form of circular massage to their clients skin. MLD massages must be applied to bare skin, and no massage oils or lotions can be used in order for the treatment to be effective. MLD massage is applied in gentle strokes towards the heart. This technique will lightly stretch the walls of the lymph vessels and encourage lymph drainage.

Oncology Massage Therapy Explained Oncology Massage Therapy can appreciably enhance your healing process if you have been diagnosed with cancer. Whether you are currently receiving treatment, are in the decision process about what your treatment will be, or have recently completed treatment for cancer, an oncology massage can help build your health and restore your relationship with your body.