About Thai Yoga Massage
History
Thai Yoga Massage (TYM) is a unique healing art that originated in ancient India and was originally developed alongside the practice of hatha yoga. It dates back approximately 2500 years and it is believed to be Jivaka Kuma Baccha, personal physician of the Buddha, who brought this healing art form over to Thailand where it has been practised and developed ever since. It was, and still is, practised within Buddhist monasteries as a physical form of meditation and expression of metta, loving kindness. TYM is still widely practised in Thailand today. It is referred to as nuad bo rarn - translated as 'ancient healing' or 'sacred Medicine' and respected as an important facet of Thai medicine.
Principals
TYM is based on the principal that we are made up of energy, also known as 'prana' in the Indian system and 'chi' in the Chinese. This is our life force and it pulsates through our bodies along energy pathways generally known as 'meridians'. When there are blockages in this energy flow then sickness and disease will arise. Through the application of TYM techniques these blockages are removed and health and harmony are brought to the physical as well as the mental and soul levels.
Benefits
TYM combines deep rhythmic massage and acupressure along 'the ten sen', the Thai version of energy meridians, in conjunction with applied yoga stretches and joint mobilisation. These techniques enable deep tension in the muscles and joints as well as the internal organs to be released. The giver uses their hands, feet, elbows and knees to massage, stretch, rock and manipulate the receiver's body in a rhythmic and intuitive flow of movement covering the entire body.
TYM is an ideal way to maintain optimum levels of health and well being. It is very effective in treating back, shoulder, knee and neck pain as well as addressing problematic conditions such as migraine, sciatica, diabetes, asthma and insomnia.
A full session of TYM will increase flexibility and circulation, detoxify the blood and the lymphatic system, regulate the endocrine and digestive system, balance the emotions and deeply relax the mind.
As well as some of the more obvious physical benefits of TYM, equally importantly, it gives the receiver the opportunity to have a profound experience of relaxation and spaciousness which is in fact every person's innate natural state.
When this state of being is experienced first hand it can then help the receiver to learn to live in a more centred and peaceful way.
Sessions
A session will last anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours and is practised on a thin, comfortable mat on the floor. The receiver stays fully clothed and completely passive throughout. They are encouraged to breathe deeply and surrender all effort. Although characteristically a strong form of massage, when performed with sensitivity and awareness, it is completely safe and deeply relaxing and enjoyable. It is appropriate for all kinds of people as each session is adapted to suit the individual.
A gift to the giver
TYM is not only a joy to receive but also to give. With the use of correct posture and breathing and use of body weight, the giver is able to bring powerful effects whilst conserving and balancing their own energies. With the practice of mindfulness meditation as the massage is performed, the intuition of the giver is developed and the massage becomes a creative, joyous and healing process with benefits for both giver and receiver.
The Sunshine Network
The knowledge of TYM was traditionally handed down from generation to generation in the temples and families of Thailand. These days many westerners travel to Thailand to learn for themselves. One notable example of this was German born Asokananda who spent years immersing himself in Thai massage practice and culture and began 'the Sunshine Network', an organisation of friends who studied with him and were inspired by him. He was remarkable in that he managed to teach Thai massage in a way that the logical western mind could grasp without losing the essence of its teachings. Unfortunately Asokananda passed away a few years ago but his students carry on the tradition of practising and sharing the beauty and benefits of Thai massage. I was privilaged to know and learn from Asokananda and his main students and feel proud to carry on in his tradition.
Sonja.
