Thai Healing Massage Academy | Thai Massage Online Courses
Before you decide to learn Thai Massage, it is important to understand what makes it different from western therapies.
Thai Massage study is not just about learning a different set of massage techniques. Instead it is a totally different approach to massage therapy with a totally different mindset.
‘Holistic’ means that it addresses the whole person, not just an isolated part. Human beings are not just physical bodies, but they consist of several elements – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
Thailand is famous for its unique style of bodywork, Thai Massage, which is really a combination of massage and applied or passive yoga stretches.
There is plenty of information available about the benefits of massage in general. And there is no shortage of scientific evidence that massage is good for your body.
Massage is also good for your mind. It relaxes, de-stresses, and temporarily shuts off incessant mental chatter. The Thais have been well aware of both of these benefits for over a thousand years.
So here is the question: Is Thai Massage ‘just’ relaxing, or is it therapeutic, i.e. does it actually help with something? Does it really improve certain conditions?
Thai Massage therapy is not just the application of certain techniques. It is an ever-evolving art which is being honed and improved by experienced therapists.
It is not a fixed goal that can be reached, or a set sequence that needs to be memorized and followed. Instead it is a path of continuing refinements. It is evolving, not stagnating.
That’s why not all therapists are equal. Some are further along the curve than others.
Thai Massage is also not just about strictly following a particular tradition. Good therapists naturally evolve, create, and improve their way of working and the techniques they are using.
Let’s focus on two areas where Thai Massage can be improved and show you how this benefits your clients and your work.
Thai Foot Massage and Thai Reflexology are often used interchangeably in Thailand. But they are actually two different styles, although there can be some overlap.
First, let’s look at the bigger picture and go on a virtual excursion to Thailand.
Thai Massage has developed into many styles. What are the differences, and which one is right for you? And where do you get the information to decide?
When we talk about Thai Massage, that’s not necessarily a clear definition. It’s somewhat like talking about “Christianity”. Well – are you talking about Catholics, Protestants, Mormons, Methodists, Born-agains…?
It is similar with Thai Massage training and courses. There is a northern style, a southern style, a royal style, a strictly traditional style, and a whole number of styles that have been mixed with other Asian healing arts, or with yoga, or with energy work, and others.
Thai Reflexology (often called Thai Foot Massage) can be done with the help of a wooden massage stick, or it can be done without it, just using hands and other body parts.
What are the reasons for and against using such a stick? And what are the benefits or disadvantages of those sticks?
This article is written by Dr. Brent Wells, DC
Thai Massage is a dynamic type of massage that resembles “passive yoga.” A patient in a Thai Massage session is taken by a therapist through a set of motions in a sort of gentle dance. In this massage, typical movements include “stretching, rocking, pressing, massaging and holding.”
Thai Massage is a great companion for chiropractic treatment. Generally speaking, Thai Massage can be used to boost and hold chiropractic adjustments.