What is Traditional Thai Bodywork?
Traditional Thai Bodywork is also known as Thai Yoga Massage or Thai Nuad Boran.
It is an ancient healing art which has its roots in Indian Ayurvedic medicine over 2,500 years ago. It was designed by a Dr Jivaka to help Buddhist monks who spent many hours meditating every day in the crossed legs lotus position. It has been practised in Thailand since Buddhist monks moved to Thailand, taking this medical practice with them.
Traditional Thai bodywork differs from what most people in the West regard as massage because it is carried out on a comfortable floor mat and you remain fully clothed throughout. However, it can also be adapted for people who are unable to lie comfortably on the floor.
It combines gentle stretches, acupressure and massage, which is applied through the therapist's use of hands, feet, elbows and forearms in a series of moves to help stretch your muscles, mobilise your joints and balance the energy in your body.
It produces a uniquely relaxing yet energising and highly effective treatment, which is ideal for anyone, regardless of your age, level of fitness or flexibility.
Pregnant women can benefit from its relaxing effects and from increased hip flexibility after the first three months of pregnancy.
Each session is different and is designed specially for you, treating your individual needs and preferences.
Thai Foot Massage
A Thai foot massage lasts for one hour and treats the acupressure points in the feet using oils on your feet and lower legs.
A massage table is used for this treatment and you are fully clothed apart from your feet and lower legs to which oils are applied.
What can it do for you?
Traditional Thai massage is very relaxing and works on many levels. Physically, it relieves aches, pains and stiffness, particularly in any stiff joints - knees, hips, shoulders, ankles, wrists and neck. It can be a very effective treatment for conditions such as lower back pain and sciatica.
Regular Thai bodywork:
What should I do before the massage? Please dress in loose, warm and comfortable clothes such as soft trousers and a T-shirt, so you stay comfortable and your movement is not restricted during the treatment.
Please don't eat a heavy meal beforehand or you are likely to feel uncomfortable. If you need to eat something, a light snack such as a banana and yoghurt is fine about an hour before.
What will happen?
A short but relevant medical and lifestyle history is taken, which helps me to tailor the massage to your needs and allows us to discuss any matters of concern. This is completely confidential. At the end of the treatment, if you wish, I can show you appropriate exercises so you can continue to treat yourself at home in between treatments.
How long is a treatment? The most effective is a 90 minute massage because you can receive a more comprehensive treatment but you can also benefit greatly from a one hour treatment. I also offer a half hour 'taster' if you want to try it out before committing yourself to a full treatment. If you really want to indulge, try a two-hour session.
The whole body is treated in all massages, starting at the feet by limbering, relaxing and preparing the body in a series of stretches, which gently ease the tension in your muscles and joints. All you have to do is relax and enjoy.
Who is it suitable for?
Anyone of any age or level of physical fitness benefits from Traditional Thai Bodywork. It is ideal for people who wish to increase their range of movement.
Traditional Thai Bodywork helps by stretching your muscles, mobilising your joints and lessening the chance of injury when playing football, rugby, golf, running, cycling, weight-lifting, rowing or exercising at the gym.
Work and age
Modern working often involves many hours of sitting at a desk or behind the wheel of a car. This can result in tight hamstring (back of the thigh) and quadricep (front of the thigh) muscles and restricted movement in your hip joints, all of which increase the likelihood of you developing lower back problems.
Shoulders and arms also suffer from tension and increasing restriction of movement as we use computers and drive cars. Many of the people I see have neck and shoulder stiffness and restriction of movement across the front of the chest (pectoral muscles). The effects can be apparent at an early age and increase as you age unless these areas ar stretched regularly.
Used regularly, Traditional Thai Bodywork keeps your joints supple and increases movement, undoing any restrictions you may have, increasing your flexibility and helping you to continue to do all the activities you enjoy.
Physical disabilities or restrictions
If you have a physical disability or have restriction of movement, you can benefit greatly from Traditional Thai Bodywork as it increases the flexibility and movement in your joints and relieves pain.
The treatment can be adapted for you if you find it difficult to lie on a floor mat.
If you want any further information or to discuss this, please phone me on 07957723914 or 01249 651836.
I am happy to visit you at home within a reasonable distance of Chippenham if you need this option for health reasons.
Thai-nuad-boran-wiltshire: Venues and Prices
Please phone or email me:
Sue Moyers BSc (Hons), RTT (Registered Thai Therapist)
Phone: 01249 651836
Mobile: 0795 7723914
This page was last modified on 29 August, 2010