What is Thai Massage?

Traditional Thai Massage was brought to Thailand from India over 2500 years ago and has developed to become a branch of Traditional Thai Medicine, governed under the Thai Ministry of Public Health. The theoretical basis for this therapy is the existence of the “energy body” which includes “sen” or energy lines through which life force flows. Through compressions, pressure on specific points and stretches to release blockages, a free flow of energy is restored.

How is Traditional Thai Massage performed?

The massage is performed on a futon or mattress on the floor. Both practitioner and client are clothed in comfortable Thai clothing. Using thumbs, hands, palms, elbows, arms, knees and legs, the practitioner massages the client from head to toe, applying controlled pressure on the energy lines throughout the body and guides the client through a routine that incorporates yoga stretches and breath work.

What are the benefits of Traditional Thai Massage treatment?

The immediate benefits are a feeling of total relaxation, calmness, joy and relief from stiffness, headaches, muscle aches and pain. Regular Thai Massage treatments help prevent illness, fights off disease, reduce stress, slows the aging process, clears and calm the mind, raises energy, concentration and confidence levels so that one can be more productive.

Are Traditional Thai Massage practitioners “Massage therapists”?

Traditional Thai Massage is proven to have therapeutic and healing results in Thailand. In B.C., regulations prohibit the use of the term “massage therapist” unless the practitioner has completed 3000 hours of studies at an accredited college in British Columbia. Registered Massage Therapists are trained in the assessment and diagnosis of soft tissue and joints of the body, and the treatment and prevention of injury, pain and physical disorders. Our practitioners at TMC Canada are trained in Thailand to deliver a complete and total relaxation and therapeutic massage experience but are not RMTs under BC regulations. The therapeutic and healing benefits received by the client are the direct and natural consequence of the technique and uniqueness of Traditional Thai Massage treatment.

How is Traditional Thai Massage different from other massage therapy?

Wikipedia encyclopedia noted that there are over 150 types of massage therapy and grouped them into 28 modalities. The most familiar to the public are foot massage, chair massage, Tui Na (acupressure), deep tissue massage, Shiatsu, Stone massage, Swedish massage and Thai Massage. Traditional Thai Massage is the only modality that is performed on the floor incorporating yoga stretching, deep tissue, acupressure, foot, face and head massage in a 2-hour session with the client wearing comfortable, loose clothing.