What should I wear? Wear or bring clothes that allow for movement, such as t-shirt and yoga pants. Dark colors are best, or clothing you don’t care about. Herbal compresses, balms and liniments sometimes stain clothing. I have extras should you need to borrow them for your massage.
Post-massage effects are different for everyone- some feel energized, some feel a little sore, some have emotional release and others fall sleep. After-effects shouldn’t be extreme or prolonged. Positive results accumulate and last longer the more often you receive massage. Before and after each visit, make sure to hydrate, eat healthy, and give yourself space and support for whatever you need.
Who should get Thai Massage? Athletes, yogis, dancers, office workers, students, beekeepers, moms, dads, pregnant women, kids, teenagers, grandparents, people with auto accident or other injuries, people who want more flexibility, avoid medication or surgery, make a change in their health, people who want support during life transitions, who want to heal after physical or emotional trauma and anyone wanting to take care of themselves. My work is adaptable to all ages and walks of life, however, seniors and people who are medically fragile should talk to me before their appointments so we can make the best arrangements for you.
How long is an ideal Thai Massage? I prefer at least 90 minutes in order to get a satisfying amount of work done. People’s bodies take time to warm up and we can reach deeper levels with longer time frames. However, I do many 60 minute sessions that get great results. In Thailand, traditional sessions might range from 2-4 hours and I once gave a really fun 4.5 hour session. My advice is always to do what works best for you. For more information, read my Session Length & Price Guide.
How often should I come back? For general maintenance, come back about every 4 weeks. If you have an acute (immediate) issue or want to make substantial changes over a short time, it’s best to visit once or twice every week, then less as the complaint subsides. Most auto accident patients receive massage 1-3 times per week at first and taper off from there. Everyone has life demands and responsibilities so most importantly, the schedule you will keep is the one I recommend.
What makes Thai massage Thai? Using Thai theory, regardless of specific techniques, is what makes a session Thai. The bodywork itself progresses in layers, starting with skin, moving deeper to muscle & connective tissue then “sen” lines. The “sen” are the heart of Thai bodywork and are the deep structures of nerves, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments. Thai theory sees everything as made of elements (earth, fire, water, wind). In healing work, we see which elements are stronger or weaker and work on finding a good balance for you. Working in this way can create profound changes and is a truly holistic system of bodywork.
What are Cupping and Scraping?
Cupping involves using suction cups applied to the skin. It feels like an inverse massage as the tissue is being pulled up instead of pushed down. Often round circles form on the cupped area that range from pink to red or purple in color and look like you got attacked by an octopus.
Body Scraping involves using a porcelain soup spoon or other applicable tool to brush the skin repeatedly. This has the effect of breaking up scar tissue and helping to disperse wastes, excessive heat and stagnant fluids that lie just under the skin. It is known as “gua sha” to those familiar with Chinese medicine and bears some similarity to the recently popular “Graston technique.” The area worked also often turns colors, but not in the nice, neat circles from cupping. It’s more like someone took a crayon and scribbled all over you.
Both are used to help break up scar tissue, encourage circulation to a stagnant area, or even fight colds and flu. They are ancient techniques found all over the world, even in ancient Greece, where much of our Western medial history comes from. They open the surface layers of the body where there are more circulatory vessels than in deep structures. Wastes and stagnant blood and lymph move to the surface and are able to resolve more quickly than they would otherwise. This is where the color comes from- not from bruising as often thought. It usually fades within a few days to a week or so. Keep the cupped or scraped area warm and protected from wind for at least a day and until it no longer feels vulnerable. Wait to receive bodywork (massage, chiropractic, etc.) on that area and refrain from intense physical activity for at least a day and until it feels ready. Feel free to ask questions.
Where did Thai massage come from? Ancient yogis, or “Reusi,” developed through generations of trial, error and observation, a system of self care called Reusi Dat Ton (Thai Yoga). This system involves breathing exercises, stretches, postures, meditations, etc. From that, a system to care for others was eventually developed. Massage is part of a complete, holistic indigenous medicine system including diet, herbal medicine- both external and internal, yoga, body therapies and much more.
