Thai Yoga Massage
"Thai Yoga Massage is offered by Shakti Smith, one of our Yoga teachers and a most gifted body worker. Don't miss this! Thai Yoga Massage is a luscious, deeply nourishing, and balancing journey into the wisdom of your body." Cathy Calderone of Shambhala Yoga and Dance Studio
WHAT IS A THAI YOGA MASSAGE?
A Thai Yoga Massage session is a series of compressions to the body, stretches, and opening of the sen lines (energy meridians) of the body. The client wears loose, comfortable clothing. The benefits are similar to a Swedish massage (Soothing, Relaxing, boosting the Immune and Circulatory Systems, Tension Relieving), with more of an emphasis on opening up the joints, stretching the muscles, and affecting/toning the organs through energy line work. This work is very good for stiff muscles and aching joints.
As a recipient, you are generally not active--you relax and enjoy as you are moved from one pose to the next. On the soft mat on the ground of the studio, your body will be moved from sitting to lying down, into twists, and back to restful poses. You will be feeling massage pressure from Shakti's hands, elbows, knees, and feet.
HISTORY
Thai Yoga Massage traces its roots back 2,500 years to India and Buddhism. It developed over a period of centuries within the environment of Buddhist temples. It is still practiced and taught today in The Thai temple, or Wat, which also serves as a health center. It is practiced with Metta (loving kindness) and compassionate touch.
HOW LONG A SESSION IS BEST?
You can opt for a 70 or 90 minute Thai Yoga session, though the 90 minute session is strongly recommended in order to receive the full benefit of the form. In Thailand, 2 and 3 hour sessions are very common.
WHAT DO I WEAR?
Loose, comfortable clothing. If your hair is long, bring a tie for pulling it back.