Thai Massage is one of the ancient healing arts of traditional Thai medicine, and has been in a process of constant evolution for over 1000 years. The term ‘massage’ conjures up images of something very different from Thai massage which even at its most basic is a very complex sequence of soft tissue pressing, stretching, twisting and joint manipulations. For this reason it is often referred to as Thai ‘Bodywork’ or Thai ‘Yoga’ massage.

THE ORIGINS OF TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE

Like the origins of the Thai people themselves, the history of traditional Thai massage is obscure. Thailand was at the crossroads of the ancient migration routes which saw many waves of different civilizations and cultures passing through. The combination of Thailand’s close proximity to China and its position on one of the main trade routes from India has resulted in many interesting cultural and religious influences, particularly Buddhism, being brought to the early inhabitants of this area. Thai Folk tradition credits Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, also known as Shiuago Komparaj, with being the founder of Thai massage. A friend and physician to the Buddha some 2500 years ago, he is still revered as the ‘Father of Thai Medicine’.

WHAT THAI YOGA MASSAGE CAN DO FOR YOU

Yoga is generally accepted as being an effective way of remaining healthy and flexible. However receiving Thai Yoga Massage is the ultimate lazy and simple way of obtaining all the benefits of yoga and more – without having to do it yourself! Through the pressing of the muscles the body balances energy levels. This is what affects flexibility and equalizes the effects of muscles on both sides of the body. The amount of movement a muscle can produce at a joint is determined by the difference between its length when relaxed and when fully contracted. When muscles are tense, they become shorter, even when you are not consciously contracting them. This can happen through overworking them, by not using them enough or from emotional tension. Whatever the cause the end result is progressively restricted movement and onset of stiffness, aches and pains. Muscles that are shortened and tense create uneven forces on the spine which in turn causes back pain, neck pain and headaches. With its unique ability to stretch all the most important muscles in the body systematically, Thai manipulations enable you to achieve effects which are unlike those of any other bodywork.

MASSAGE/STRETCH/HEAL

Our wholeness is nourished by massage. In this context wholeness includes spiritual and emotional aspects as well as the obvious physical ones. When looked at from the perspective of Western medicine, it’s easy see how massage and manipulation can stimulate the flow of blood and lymph (tissue fluid), warm the tissues, improve flexibility and ease pain, all of which are essentially physical. But it has also been shown that massage results in endorphins being released within the nervous system which counteract pain and produce feelings of well-being. In addition, Thai Yoga Massage involves different forms of massage – pressing, stretching and gentle twisting – which have been honed to perfection over the ages. Receiving Thai Yoga massage regularly helps to enhance feelings of relaxation and peace for the mind and soul but also flexibility and youthfulness for the body.

STAY YOUNG, STAY HEALTHY

Pain is the biggest single obstacle to happiness and pain of any kind is a reflection of imbalance. This results from too much of some things and not enough of others. The body will experience pain for example, if it has too much rich food or too much over-strenuous exercise. But pain of equal magnitude will occur if insufficient nutritious food is eaten and no exercise taken. The quest for health should be regarded as the search for balance in every facet of our lives. Receiving Thai Yoga Massage is a great way to promote health in our daily lives. It gives a sublimely rhythmical workout that perfectly balances the body’s need for movement and stretching, whilst providing a relaxed state in which excessive worry and stress can evaporate.

About Darren

Darren has an extensive Martial Arts background spanning 22 years.  He has studied many Martial Art styles, such as, Jeet Kun Do, Kali, Wu Shu, Qi Gong & Muay Thai.   Currently (& for the last 12 years) Darren has practiced Liin Waan Sarm Sao (a type of Kung Fu) .

Due to this background Darren has had a lifelong passion for general health & fitness, but also a deeper understanding of the impact of “internal practices” i.e. Qi Gong & Meditation on heightening personal wellbeing.

Following on from there an interest in the importance of proper stretching techniques, led him to study Traditional Thai Yoga Massage (Nuad Bo-Rarn).

What happens during a session

Traditional Thai Yoga Massage (Nuad Bo-Rarn) is performed on a mat on the floor.  Unlike remedial massage you remain fully clothed.  Comfortable, stretchy clothing with minimal pockets/detailing is best.

A Thai Yoga Massage is a sequence of soft tissue pressing, stretching, careful twisting and gentle joint manipulations.   The practitioner uses his or her own body weight to carefully move and stretch each of the limbs, neck and body.  The body is never “overstretched”, the practitioner continually checking-in with the recipient as to their comfort within each stretch.  The amount of pressure, depth of touch, and extent to which the muscles and joints are stretched are “negotiable” in each situation.

Ngaire Birch has been an aromatherapist and massage therapist since 1994.

She opened her own clinic at McDowall in 2005, soon after assisting in the birthof her goddaughter Madisen (acting as a labour support person). She has a very keen interest in all aspects of women’s health, but enjoys working with women before, during and after pregnancy.

By combining aromatherapy; essential oils; Australian Bush Flower Essences and massage; she finds that a greater sense of wellness can be achieved quicker than by just using one modality at a time.

Working in the allied health industry for 30 years has given her an added insight into women’s health and their pregnancy’s.

By understand the difficulties and problems that can be associated with certain types of pregnancy; she is able to focus the needs of her clients with aromatherapy to give them outstanding, professional treatments.

About Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils extracted from plants, to promote and maintain a balance of both the body and mind.

Aromatherapy combines the soothing, healing touch of massage with the therapeutic properties of Essential Oils. Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment which can have a profound effect on the mind, body and emotions.

Many of the oils used in Aromatherapy have a long history of therapeutic use. Aromatherapy works on our sense of smell and by absorption into the bloodstream.

When you inhale essential oil molecules, messages are transmitted to the limbic system and affect heart rate, stress level, blood pressure, breathing, memory, digestion, and the immune system.

Aromatherapy Treatments can help with a range of problems from illness and injury, to stress-related conditions.
No matter what your complaint, there is likely to be an aromatherapy treatment that can help. Whilst it is important that patients understand that aromatherapy cannot always cure an illness, medical professionals are beginning to recognise the benefits of treating a condition in a more holistic and natural way.

Aromatherapy massage is particularly suited to conditions involving stress or improving emotionally-related conditions such as stress, insomnia, headache, digestive disorders, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and back pain.
Massage has a powerful effect on the body and the emotions, combined with the therapeutic qualities of essential oils massage can be a very invigorating or deeply relaxing experience. Aromatherapist practice holistically (treating the whole person) and try to find treatments and oils that suit their client’s physically and mentally.

About Pregnancy Massage

Aromatherapy can be of huge benefit, and can help to soothe the extra strains placed upon woman’s body during pregnancy – strengthening the body, reducing stretch marks and fluid retention, and easing the increasing aches and pains as baby gets bigger. Massage treatments are suitable from the second trimester.

Aromatherapy is a very useful, gentle and well-loved therapy during pregnancy.

Benefits

• Reduces stress and promotes relaxation, so less stress, and a better night’s sleep.
• Reduces oedema, blood pressure, relieves varicose veins and increases lymph and blood flow.
• Reduces muscle and joint pain, including backache, cramps and carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Facilitates hormonal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and other physiological processes, which occur in pregnancy.

Benefits of Postnatal Massage

Massage after the delivery of your baby can be just as important as during and preconception.  After birth, you can be extremely tense and this tension can lower you energy and interfere with the caring of your new born.  Massage can help you feel better physically, mentally and emotionally.  By nurturing yourself early, it can help support and assist you if you happen to experience post delivery ‘blues’ or if you end up feeling for what ever reason ‘overwhelmed’ by the whole process.

When breast feeding, especially for new mothers and the first few weeks, tension around the neck and shoulders can occur. By reducing this tension through massage, it not only helps the mother relax and focus but it also assists with the process of allowing the milk to ‘letdown’.

Having your first massage after birth depends basically on how the birth process went.  Check with your healthcare provider, midwife, and doctor as to when it is best for you to schedule your massage.