Nuad Thai is Ancient Massage (original) (raw)
05 February 2007 @ 11:44 am
Thai Massage will always follow these four basic principles:
1. Always start from the extremities of the body (laterally), work towards the core of the body (medially), and then back to the extremities. The reasons for this are typically explained in terms of the flow of energy through the meridians, but also may be understood in terms of circulation of blood and lymph, assisting drainage of the extremities.
2. Always start from the bottom (the feet) and move towards the top (the head). The only exception to this rule is for the front of the torso, which is drained into the colon. The reasons for this principle have to do with the ancient Yogic notion that energy is purified as it moves up through the body. Most people will be familiar with the Indian chakras, which are the quintessential example of this general rule.
3. Always perform meridian work first, then joint mobilization, then yogic stretching. This rule is simply so that clients are warmed up - physically and energetically - by the time they are expected to stretch their limbs.
4. Give a balanced massage. Steps you perform to one side, you should perform to the other. Remember that the entire body should be massaged - even if only a short massage is given - in order to keep the body's energies balanced. If you are just performing a foot massage, massage the hands too in order to bring balance to the body. Or, if you are giving a quick shoulder and neck rub, press a few acupressure points on the feet to even out the energy. The results of energy imbalance can leave your client feeling either wired or tired.
Source: C. Pierce Salguero
05 February 2007 @ 11:31 am
Feet: 10 minutes
Legs: 20 minutes:
Arms: 10 minutes
Hands: 10 minutes
Abdomen: 5 minutes
Shoulders: 10 minutes
Back: 25 minutes
Head, Neck, Face: 20 minutes
Stretching: 10 minutes
The IGG massage is very basic. It stimulates the energy lines and tests the flexibility of the receiver. I like to have a standard routine for first-time clients, giving them an overview of Thai Massage and offering me the maximum amount of information about their sensitivities and mobility. Giving the same massage to all new clients allows their feedback to be relevant to their unique perception of the experience. Once I am more familiar with their particular needs and desires, I can introduce more advanced technique.
Each body is a duplicate of a city that was; long since inhabited by variant communities, cultures, and customs. The lines that define them as a city are alike, but structures, blockages, and flow depend upon who lives there.
Thai massage is an intuitive art. At the most basic level, it stimulates the pranamaya kosha, or energy body, encouraging the flow of life force throughout the body. There are as many benefits to this as can be imagined.
The massage usually takes place on a mat on the floor, with both giver and receiver fully clothed in loose, comfortable attire. Traditionally, the massage starts with a prayer to the spirit of Shivago Komarpaj, or Father Doctor; an Indian man credited with bringing the wisdoms of Herbal medicine to Thailand, and also for encouraging the documentation and compiling of this intuitive healing art from various indigenous traditions.
After a prayer of respect and request for protection for both giver and receiver, the giver customarily begins with the feet. The massage consists of stimulation of ten primary sib (meridians, or energy lines), relating to the major organs and systems of the body. The techniques used are acupressure along these lines, and stretches. Pressure comes from application of body weight, gravity does most of the work. Many have referred to Thai Massage as "assisted yoga". Much like Hatha Yoga, the effect is to both relax and energise the receiver.
Much is still unknown of the origins, though speculative "definitive" theories abound. Many of the theories are as various as the teachers.
Metta Sutta
This is what should be done
By one who is skilled in goodness,
And who knows the path of peace:
Let them be able and upright,
Straightforward and gentle in speech.
Humble and not conceited,
Contented and easily satisfied.
Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.
Peaceful and calm, and wise and skillful,
Not proud and demanding in nature.
Let them not do the slightest thing
That the wise would later reprove.
Wishing: In gladness and in saftey,
May all beings be at ease.
Whatever living beings there may be;
Whether they are weak or strong, omitting none,
The great or the mighty, medium, short or small,
The seen and the unseen,
Those living near and far away,
Those born and to-be-born,
May all beings be at ease!
This is a great article on Metta
