| Thai Massage The Healing Spirit of Yoga-based massage therapy by Tim Ryan Thai massage is an art of conscious healing work. In Thailand, it is commonly known as Nuad Phan Boran‚ the old way of healing with the hands. The roots can be traced back more than 2,500 years to a healer named Shivago who is credited with distilling the essence of Ayurvedic, Tibetan and traditional Chinese medicines into a yoga-based system of lines, points and remedies. Shivago synthesized these ancient advanced healing systems into the Thai system, which uses 10 primary energy lines (meridians) and 71 wind gates (chakras). Thai massage is a dynamic form of bodywork that uses the asanas, or postures, of yoga. The therapist assists the client into various yoga asanas that facilitate energy to the chakras -- all while applying many massage techniques. The movements are based on the client's own range-of-motion and we use the whole body to treat the whole body -- hands, elbows, knees, feet. The client is worked on in many positions -- lying on the back, sides and stomach, as well as seated. Thai energy lines are unilateral (TCM meridians are bilateral), so we work one whole side of the body at a time. Trigger point therapy, lymphatic drainage and prana yama (breathing techniques) are used extensively. There is an intensity with Thai massage just as in deep tissue work. The therapist uses his/her weight to apply pressure while massaging energy lines and muscles of the legs, arms, back, neck, chest and face. The emphasis is on the flow and transmission of energy in a dance of movements and techniques designed to promote balance in life -- i.e., true health and wellness. The therapist is a "hollow tube," focusing the consciousness of love to the client. We "see" with our hands and "know" with our heart. The client is seen as a seed of potential for the energy of love to manifest on earth. The goal is for this healing to manifest as balance in life. Pain will come and go; being enlightened may be very painful here on earth. By being mindful in the ways of kindness and compassion, we may be able to find perfection through happiness and fulfillment. The art of Thai massage seeks to provide a balanced treatment protocol. This may involve several sessions during a week or a 10-day period to focus on the "true cause" of a dis-ease, imbalance or sickness. As we get to the root of the situation and work toward balance, we find many symptoms are relieved and new life choices reinforce the way we heal and grow. And by getting a session once or twice a month, overall health is maximized. Thai therapy works wonderfully in conjunction with chiropractic, acupuncture and other forms of healing. It is also a workout in itself and is ideal for a variety of sports training situations, from casual to a professional level. The session is usually done with the client fully clothed, yet oil-massage is traditional from the Ayurvedic perspective. Sessions last from one to three hours depending on the client's preference, as well as what is recommended given the client's current health situation. We traditionally work on a futon. Benefits of Thai massage are infinite, for the system of yoga is unending. The traditional outcomes of a session are based on loving kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity/balance. Results include a reduction of stress, ease and speed of injury recovery, increased range of motion and energy, as well as recovery from a wide variety of ailments using traditional Thai therapies. Thai massage is an art and training in the formation of a consciousness focused on the highest good for the client, and the universe. To best benefit from healing work, it is important to find an experienced therapist to work with on a consistent basis. A professional with certification from a well-established school of training is recommended. References and verification of training should be easy to obtain. There is also a benefit available to all participating in a Thai massage session from a qualified and competent therapist who has studied under a traditionally trained and certified teacher. This is due to the unbroken lineage that has been passed down for more than 38 generations from person to person back to the founder Shivago. The Thai energy teachings form a chain of healing Consciousness that is real, alive and well -- and it has found its way right here to Minnesota. Experience a session for the balance and benefit of yoga-based bodywork -- for the mind, body and soul. Tim Ryan represents the state of Minnesota for the International Thai Therapists Association (ITTA), the oldest and largest Thai therapy association in the world. He has been teaching Thai massage professionally throughout the U.S. for more than seven years and practicing this art as a therapist in the Minneapolis area for more than 10 years. He has trained in several forms of martial arts for 20 years and is very active in Native American ceremonies and philosophies. Contact him at (612) 802-0116 or visit www.thaimassage.com Copyright © 2003 Tim Ryan |
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