Traditional Thai Massage (Nuad Phaen Boran)
- relaxation & nurturing
- relief from physical pain and fatigue
- increased flexibility and range of motion
- speedier recovery from injuries and illness
- improved circulation and immune system
- calming of the nervous system
- improved skin tone
- speedier removal of metabolic waste
- an improved ability to cope with mental and emotional stress
Traditional Thai massage originated around 2,500 years ago in India at the time of the Buddha. It is unique as it combines the oldest traditions of Shiatsu, Ayurveda and Yoga.
Thai massage is founded on the principal of meridians or Sen, a very complex network of energy lines that travel through the body. The meridians relate to our physical organs and by applying pressure, stimulating and unblocking the invisible pathways that run through the connective tissues certain pains and ailments related to the obstruction of the life force (Prana) can be alleviated. Energy becomes depleted or stagnates through the accumulation of mucus, fats, toxins in the blood, organs and joints, which in turn causes stiffness or pain. Theses ailments can be relieved by Traditional Thai massage.
This ancient art involves manipulating and stretching the body in different positions in order to balance the flow of prana. It is therefore very similar to Hatha Yoga though as one lovely teacher said it is a Yoga massage, though I like to call it lazy yoga. The giver (masseuse) is putting the receiver (patient/client) into different yoga postures, ideally working in a meditative state, in order to perceive through intuition and experience the excess or lack of vital energy throughout the body, and then work towards rebalancing the extremes to return harmony. The body-work is essentially yoga-based therefore it is appropriate to say it is Yoga massage.
Similar to a full yoga session, one and a half to two hours is regarded as sufficient timing to reap the benefits of a whole-body massage. It is short enough for the masseur to maintain concentration and for the person being massaged to have the time necessary to totally let go of tensions, anxieties, and old holding patterns - bringing on deep relaxation and a re-energized sense of well-being.
There is also an advanced therapy which can last up to three hours for Thai boxers, martial arts enthusiasts and long time yoga practitioners where more variations of the standard form are introduced.
Traditional Thai massage does not require the removal of clothing as loose-fitting cotton clothing is most suitable.
Fees
75 minutes £40
90 minutes £60
120 minutes £90
There is a minimum fee of £10 for house visits (depending on the mileage).
Sliding scale prices and gift vouchers are available.