Thai Massage: A New Frontier in Stretching

Thai Massage: A New Frontier in Stretching - Going to the Border of Sensation

Many people know the benefits of Swedish massage for circulation and relaxation. But did you know that Thai massage goes much deeper than Swedish massage can? Especially in areas of the body like the hips, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. It involves deep stretches that feel like yoga stretches, as well as acupressure points that move energy where it is stuck and create flexibility where there is stiffness. Some points may be tender - the massage points are to take you to the edge or the border of that sensation - but not beyond. Deep pressure is more possible to obtain with Thai massage because you are resting on a mat on the floor, and the therapist can use their natural body weight to lean into your body, creating a strong sensation. This sensation shouldn't be painful, but it can be tender, and sometimes intense. But if you learn to direct your breath to that area and learn to relax into the sessions, you can be transported into a relaxed state where you can release deep tension that has been held for years.

Some people call it lazy man's yoga because all you have to do is lie on a mat and breathe, and you get placed into a sequence of poses and stretches that create a similar effect as a yoga class. Many people feel some of the same feelings of peacefulness and energy after a Thai massage. This is because the energy meridians that are being massaged, stretched and balanced are similar to the ones that are being balanced in a yoga class.  

Laura Rose studied massage in Thailand - to read more about her adventures in Southeast Asia, visit her travel blog: http://toucharoundtheearth.blogspot.com/

Schedule a Thai massage in Boulder or Denver today: www.listeningtouch.org