Getting the right balance with a Thai yoga massage
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| Thai yoga therapist Alison Waverley (wearing black) giving Carolyn Collins a Thai yoga massage |
Feeing a little bit lethargic after Christmas and the New Year? A Thai yoga massage could give you more energy and iron out any tightness says Lindi Bilgorri.
When I told a colleague that I was having a Thai yoga massage, he replied: "I had one in Thailand and the therapist walked on my back."
Alison Waverley admits that she doesn't go to that extreme when she gives Thai yoga massage, but she does follow the rhythmic acupressure massage of this ancient art of healing that is 2000 years old.
I got along to her home where the massage takes place. She has devoted a small room, painted in a soothing purple, to the treatment. There is no bed, as Thai yoga massage is done entirely on the floor on a mat. And unlike other Western massages, it is done fully clothed without oils.
But if I thought I was just going to lie back and let Alison knead away the aches and pains while I drift off, Alison has another idea. As the name suggests Thai yoga massage uses yoga stretches to ease out the stiffness and to improve the flow of energy (or chi) through body.
Alison says: "Thai yoga massage is so much more than a massage. It is an energising treatment that is balancing with the mind, body and spirit. And with the assisted yoga positions it stretches the body to increase flexibility, reduce tension in the muscles and corrects the right and left side imbalances in the body."
Thai yoga massage is good for treating back, neck, shoulder and knee pain; headaches and migraine; sciatica, menstrual pain, IBS and chronic muscle tension.
"If you are sitting at a computer all day you become imbalance. Thai yoga massage is to balance the body."
Alison became interested in Thai yoga massage when she was travelling in Thailand and became fascinated with the holistic therapy. She was so impressed with the benefits of Thai massage that she took a course in the village where she was staying. Later, when she returned to England, she did another year-long course at the British School of Thai Bodywork.
Alison begins my treatment by pressing the acupressure points along my legs to remove any energy blockages where it is painful, that is where I have a blockage. During the one hour and 30 minute treatment, Alison moves my body into different positions pulling and stretching out my body. The postures have yogic names downward facing dog, cobra and cat.
"I am working on the subtle energy lines of the body. You get a very relaxing, rhythmic and nurtured feeling."
Traditional Thai massage is an ancient form of healing which spread from India, along with Buddhism, to other parts of Asia more than 2000 years ago.
The founder of Thai massage was an Indian doctor Jivaka Kumarabhacca. He was the physician to the Buddha and Bimbisara, the king. He introduced the manipulative techniques, along with dietary change and the use of herbs, which were taught to monks and nuns in the temples. These temples then became a place of both medical and spiritual healing.
Because of its roots, Thai yoga massage is so much more than a therapist kneading away the tension.
"It is given and received in a medative state. It provides a space where the receiver can let go' not just of physical aches and pains, but mental, emotional and spiritual blocks as well. It is a truly holistic experience," says Alison.
After having a Thai yoga massage it will help to increased energy levels, increased flexibility and mobility, improved circulation of the blood and lymph systems and helps to clear waste and toxins from tired or stressed muscles.
It is indeed a very relaxing therapy. Even though Alison didn't walk on my back and just used her hands during the session, she did manage to release the knots in my shoulders and neck, and the next few days I had bags of energy.
Alison Waverley at Healing Thai: 01494 636801 or www.healingthai.co.uk
4:45pm Wednesday 11th January 2006
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