By JACCI GRUNINGER, MS, C-IAYT, ERYT500
What, you might ask, is a Thai Yoga Massage? I am happy to tell you. I’d like to start by sharing my own experience.
I love massage and was visiting the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health for training and noticed Thai Yoga Massage on their bodywork list. I was curious based on the description:
“Your therapist guides your body through a flowing sequence of yoga-based stretches, while applying rhythmic pressure along the energy pathways and points.”
As yoga is a big part of my life, if not my life as a way of living and being, I thought, “This sounds like just what I need.”
It was better than good. It led me to seek out the Lotus Palm School of Thai Massage to train to practice this modality. That was in 2008, and I have been sharing Thai Massage ever since.
Often called ‘lazy man’s yoga’, Thai Yoga massage is both physical and energetic and is like a dance between the practitioner and the client. Courtesy photo
What did I like about it?
As someone who is active, the facilitated stretching alone was beneficial. However, there was something more. This practice took my tense muscles and taught them how to relax while doing. Isn’t that what we all want? We all move our bodies whether we are seasoned athletes, weekend warriors or couch potatoes. What if you could learn to relax while moving and at the same time deepen your breath and find a meditative state? In addition, the accupressure along what I now know are Sen or energy lines, much like nadis in yoga or meridians in acupuncture, changed how I felt both inside and out.
My clients say it best:
“Jacci’s Thai massage is heavenly. I have been to her during emotional breakdowns and other times when my back is in pain. I always leave feeling nourished. She is a gifted healer and has a kind heart and intuitive knowing of the body. Her care is genuine and she goes above and beyond for her clients.” -Hadeel, N.M.
So what is Thai Yoga Massage?
Thai Yoga Massage is often called “lazy man’s yoga” as the practitioner does all the work, while you rest on a large mat on the floor. Traditional Thai massage is over 2,500 years old and a part of the medical system in Thailand. It is influenced by China and India.
The practice is both physical and energetic and is like a dance between the practitioner and client. Using a sequence of gentle, flowing yogic movements, the client’s body is moved, loosened and stretched to increase muscle flexibility and joint range of motion. The energy side is practiced using the hands, feet, elbows and knees to deliver acupressure along the Sen lines in the body. Thai practice, like yoga, is used to “unite” the whole being – mind, body and spirit.
Although dynamic, the massage is very relaxing for the client. Most clients say they are relaxed but not “tired like they need a nap” after a traditional massage. They are ready for the rest of their day.
The technique respects all body types and each individual’s level of flexibility making Thai ideal for any body.
Eight benefits of a Thai Yoga Massage:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Provides deep relaxation
- Relieves pain and muscle tension
- Improves posture, and can help correct body mis-alignments
- Increases flexibility
- Improves range of motion
- Improves circulation and lymphatic flow
- Increases energy level
All forms of bodywork are good for everybody, but I tend to prefer Thai.
Jacci Gruninger is a Certified Yoga Therapist and Thai Yoga Massage Therapist. She has been teaching for over two decades and spent 12 of those years training yoga teachers for the Pranakriya School of Yoga Healing Arts. She regularly helps clients manage the ups and downs of life with yoga, meditation, breathwork and bodywork. Her office is at 190 Central Park Square #209. For her in person and online teaching schedule and information on her other services, visit www.yogawithjacci.com.