About Thai Massage
by Dennis Hedriana
This article is part of our 'About' series where we asked practitioners of various healing modalities and therapies the same set of questions to give you some background information, features of the healing modality, health benefits and what you might expect from a session with this type of practitioner.
1. What type of healing modality or therapy do you practice and how would you summarize it?
In my practice, I use and am qualified in a number of healing modalities. My favourite modality is Traditional Thai Massage. It is an ancient healing art that has evolved over a period of more than 2000 years. The system is based in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Buddhist spiritual practice and yoga. A Thai practitioner believes that there is a network of energy lines, called SEN that distribute the life energy throughout the body. If any of these energy lines become blocked, illness sets in. Thai massage uses a combination of ayurveda, yoga, meditation, reflexology, exercise... rolled into one.
2. Why did you decide to become a practitioner in this field and what do you enjoy most about it?
Of all the therapies/modalities I've seen or received, Thai massage is the best bodywork or massage I've experienced. Prior to commencing a Thai massage, a practitioner recites a mantra to Doctor Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, an enlightened soul. The prayer is in Pali, the ancient sacred language of Theravada Buddhism. Saying this prayer puts you into a meditative state and this is one of the reasons why I like this form of massage. Being in a meditative state creates a very special healing energy which is then passed on to the recipient.
3. What is the history or foundation of this therapy/healing modality?
Thai massage is originated in India and it was brought to Thailand over 2000 years ago. Some believe that Chinese medicine also influenced its development given its geographical location and the trading and missionary activity that took place in the Silk Road and throughout Asia.
During Buddha's life, he was cared for by the reknowned founder the healing art, Doctor Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, who was from northern India and a contemporary of the Buddha and personal physician to the Magadha King Bimbisara. Indian missionaries spread his knowledge throughout Asia, including Thailand. Many Thai people considered him to be the father of medicine. Bhaccha's work consisted of manipulative techniques as well as instruction in proper diet, herbology and occult practices.
4. What are the key features and components of this form of therapy/healing modality?
Thai massage is often referred to as the 'lazy man's' yoga because the recipient lies on a soft floor mat while the practitioner puts them through various yoga postures. The muscles, tissues, joints and the limbs of the body are progressively stretched, leading to the greater flexibility.
Thai massage always follows specific sequences and it works on the Sen lines or energy lines of the body.
The recipient is placed into the following positions:
- The supine position
- Prone position
- The side lying position
- The inverted position
- The sitting position
When the recipient is in these positions the Thai practitioner uses various techniques including yoga stretching, reflexology, compression, blood stopping, and acupressure. Thai massage focuses on the main SEN channels with applications of thumb pressure and palm pressure along these channels help to release blockages and stagnation.
5. Does this therapy/healing modality cater to the physical body, mind, emotions, spirit, or a combination of these?
Thai massage works on the physical body, mind and emotions. In Thai medical theory, energy which flows along the Sen lines is said to power all the functions of physical, mental, and emotional energy. Any imbalance or blockage of this energy can cause pain and diseases. Thai massage also has a spiritual aspect to it, given it should always be commenced with a silent mantra. The practitioner calls on the guidance of Dr Jivaka when giving a massage.
6. When should someone visit this type of practitioner?
People of all ages will enjoy this type of treatment. It is used to treat a broad range of physical discomforts and stress related disorders. It is effective in treating headaches, shoulder and upper back tensions, joint and soft tissue injury, digestive upsets, insomnia and anxiety.
The Holistic Benefits of Thai Massage:
- Eliminates wastes and toxic debris from physical, mental and emotional strain
- Improves circulation of blood and lymph flow
- Balances the energy flow and releases blockages leading to increased vitality and wellbeing.
- Enhances flexibility (passive yoga postures) and invigorates the nervous system.
- Fascilitates body awareness and gives a general feeling of wellbeing.
- Assists in balancing the body, mind and spirit.
- Facilitates relaxation and awareness.
- Invigorates the nervous system.
- Restores balance in the flow of body energy by stimulating energy lines and points.
7. What can someone expect from a session?
To get the full benefit of Thai massage, a full 90-120 minutes full body treatment is needed. It is traditionally performed with the recipient fully clothed, lying on a comfortable massage mat. It is best not to eat a heavy meal 2-3 hours before the massage. Clothing should be loose and comfortable e.g. track suit pants, t-shirt.
It is important to advise the practitioner if menstruating, pregnant or if you have any medical/physical problems, prior to the massage.
8. What are the most common outcomes for clients?
The most common outcome is to feel more relaxed but also have increased energy. Clients often feel they are one inch taller, are more energized, have an increased body awareness being more in tune with their bodies and what is going on with their body, are more balanced and have greater flexibility.
9. Can you share some success stories from this form of therapy/healing modality?
Here are some of my clients' comments:
a) "The treatment was a very relaxing experience. All my stiff and sore and tight muscles have all relaxed and softened. I can move so much better - IT'S AMAZING! All the aches and pains I've had seem to have disappeared. Dennis is professional and caters for the client's needs." - Lynda H.
b) "It is my favourite form of massage. You feel relaxed and energised at the same time. After my first massage with Dennis I went and did some yoga and could not believe the difference he had made." - Jenny D.
c) "I love Dennis's Thai massages. He has improved my flexibility and my Chiropractor commented on the improvement in my hips after I started seeing Dennis." - Peter M.
10. Is there anything else that stands out to you about this form of therapy/healing modality that you'd like to share?
As a Thai practitioner for many years now, I find this healing massage lends itself to working intuitively without judgment. You work in a way that supports our body's natural inclination to heal itself. It is based on the principles of compassion which is one of the four branches of traditional Thai medicine.
Thank you to Dennis Hedriana of East Richmond, Australia for answering Peaceful Willow's questions about Thai Massage. For more information about Dennis please visit his website or email thai_yogi@yahoo.com.au.