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What is Thai massage?

The history of Thai massage is shrouded by many years of secretive oral tradition, but popular lore traces the origin to Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, physician to the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago in India. From there, ancient Ayurvedic techniques and principles made their way to Thailand, where they were further shaped by the influence of traditional Chinese medicine.

For centuries, Thai massage was performed by monks as one component of Thai medicine.

What does Thai massage feel like?

Thai massage is more dynamic than other, classic forms of massage. It tends to leave recipients feeling both energized and relaxed.

Muscle compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure are used during treatment.

Thai massage is also called Thai yoga massage, because the therapist uses hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. It has been described as "lazy person's yoga."

What should I expect during my visit?

Thai massage is done on a padded mat on the floor.

You don't undress, so you should wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement.

Most Thai massages last between one and three hours.

What conditions is Thai massage used for?

Many people find that Thai massage has the following benefits:

• relaxes
• reduces stress
• improves circulation
• increases energy
• increases flexibility
• improves range of motion
• centers the mind and body

What is deep tissue massage?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.

It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.

Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.

How does deep tissue massage work?

When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.

Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.

Will deep tissue massage hurt?

At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain.

It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you experience is outside your comfort range.

There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.

What conditions is deep tissue massage used for?

Unlike classic massage therapy, which is used for relaxation, deep tissue massage usually focuses on a specific problem, such as:

• Chronic pain
• Limited mobility
• Recovery from injuries (e.g. whiplash, falls, sports injury)
• Repetitive strain injury, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Postural problems
• Ostearthritis pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Muscle tension or spasm

According to the August 2005 issue of Consumer Reports magazine, 34,000 people ranked deep tissue massage more effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain than physical therapy, exercise, prescription medications, chiropractic, acupuncture, diet, glucosamine and over-the-counter drugs.

Deep tissue massage also received a top ranking for fibromyalgia pain.

People often notice improved range of motion immediately after a deep tissue massage.

What can I expect during my visit?

Massage therapists may use fingertips, knuckles, hands, elbows, and forearms during deep tissue massage.

You may be asked to breathe deeply as the massage therapist works on certain tense areas.
It is important to drink plenty of water after the massage to flush metabolic waste from the tissues.

What is hot stone massage?

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well, but they can be other types. The heat is deeply relaxing, and helps in releasing tight muscles.

What happens during a hot stone massage?

* Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones (very important!) and heats them in 120 to 150 degree water.

* During the massage, the therapist warms up the body with traditional Swedish massage, then massages you while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another.

* The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, in the palms of your hand, on your belly, or even between your toes.

* If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.

What you need to know about hot stone massage:

* The therapist uses many stones of various shapes and sizes.

* The heat of the stones helps muscles release more quickly than in traditional massage.

* It is recommended that you remove all clothing, but you will be draped for modesty throughout the massage.

* You should speak up if the stones are too warm or the pressure too intense.