Thai Massage Offered
at The Massage Factory in Appleton, Wisconsin

Thai Massage Article

What is Thai Massage?
Trivia question: what is Oprah's favorite massage?

Answer: THAI MASSAGE! It's an ancient Oriental technique that is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. On her national television show in May, Oprah proudly told the audience that her favorite type of massage is Thai. She loves how relaxing it is, and how it gives her more flexibility. She receives it at the famous Miraval Spa in Arizona whenever she visits.

It is believed that Thai massage was developed 2,500 years ago by Shivago Komarpahj, an Indian doctor, who was Budd ha's personal physician. It is an interactive form of therapy that uses hand and foot pressure to manipulate the body. The practitioner will use thumbs, fingers, hands, elbows, knees and feet during the session. Thai massage also incorporates gentle rocking, rhythmic compressions and most importantly, range of motion movements, that resemble yoga poses. Thai massage has been described as "lazy person's yoga" and is performed on a floor mat with the client wearing loose, comfortable clothes. There are different styles of Thai massage, with Southern style being more vigorous and Northern style being meditative and relaxing (we
offer Northern style of Thai massage)
 
Thai massage has been used for centuries to treat a number of health conditions and has many unique benefits. It is often called "Thai Medical Massage". It is great for men and women, athletes and couch potatoes, people who do physical labor and desk jockeys.

Thai massage goes beyond the top layer of muscle and addresses deep muscle and joint tension, that can't be treated during a traditional Swedish or deep tissue massage (for example, deep hip rotators). It dramatically increases flexibility and range of motion (great for athletes!). Fitness experts believe that to increase flexibility you need to stretch not only your muscles, but also your mind via so called "relaxed stretching" (Oxygen - Fitness for Women, August 2007, www.oxygenmag.com). With your  ervous system being in a relaxed state during a Thai massage session and with the help of the therapist, it is easier for your muscles to achieve a deeper stretch and hold it longer.

Thai sessions feel like passive yoga and are relaxing and energizing at the same time. Similar to Chinese medicine, traditional Thai medicine believes in energy lines going though the body (Sen lines) and Thai sessions are said to increase and balance the flow of energy and calm the nervous system.

To prepare for a Thai massage, you will need wear loose, comfortable clothes, such as sweats or yoga pants (no wind pants, please). Loose cotton pajama pants work, too. Some people prefer to dress in layers in case they get chilly or hot during the session. Please do not put any cream or lotion on your skin as it makes skin slippery. It is recommended that you don't eat
any heavy meals prior to your session or drink alcohol. Please let me know if you have any restrictions or serious health problems.

All Thai stretches are passive - they have been described as a dance: one person leads, the other one follows. Allow yourself to relax and let me do the stretches for you (I may need help with some stretches only with larger, heavier  clients). Please keep in mind that I work with your individual range of motion, and the stretches should not feel forced or uncomfortable. You don't need to "get in shape" or "get more flexible" to enjoy a Thai massage.

If you are an athlete, like with regular sports massage, do not book a session immediately before or after your event (marathon, body building show, etc.), unless you receive Thai massage regularly. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your particular situation.

After your session, do not engage in any strenuous physical activity, play sports, lift heavy weights, move furniture etc. The best thing would be to hydrate and rest.

In Thailand Thai massage traditionally lasts up to 4 hours and includes over 100 steps. With Western lifestyle being more hectic, it's hard to take several hours out of your day. I currently offer following sessions (prices effective July 1):

"That was wonderful!!! I feel so great, I mean fantastic! And I thought that I was feeling good before!! I am completely happily centered and balanced. Wow, I wonder if this has the same affect on everyone!"
Karla, Yoga and Fitness Instructor

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