Lotus Palm founder Kam Thye Chow and teacher Sukha Wong demonstrate Thai massage on a chair. This is a Thai Yoga Massage form you can offer anywhere and practice anytime, incorporating Lotus Palm’s 4 Basics:
- meditation & metta
- steady stances
- rhythmic rocking, and
- touch techniques

Thai massage, one of the hot “new” massages offered by most spas, was actually developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand as a healing modality 2,500 years ago. It uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems. It is both deeply relaxing and energizing.

Enjoy this thai massage video.

(lotuspalm.com)

Enjoy this free massage video, a beautiful, flowing Hot Stone Massage demonstration by Tania Hodder of touchofaloha.org.

In lomi lomi (or kahuna) massage there is no set format or sequence for the massage and no two massages will ever be identical.

The lomi lomi massage is given in fluid, rhythmic motion using the forearms as well as the hands. Some people have described this as feeling like gentle waves moving over the body. Another feature is that different parts of the body may be massaged at the same time, for example one arm or hand may be working on a shoulder and the other hand may be working on the opposite hip. Hands, forearms, knuckles, elbows, or stones may be used to stroke different parts of the body simultaneously. This assists the recipient in totally relaxing as it is impossible or at least extremely difficult for the brain to focus on the two different areas at once. By not working on areas in isolation a deep sense of balance and harmony is achieved.

Another major difference from other massage is that the recipient lies directly on a vinyl massage table with a small sheet draped over his body. This enables the practitioner to stroke the underbody without interrupting the flow of the massage. Following ancient Hawaiian healing principles, the practitioner uses special breathing techniques and hula dance movements to encourage the flow of energy. It is the “dance of massage,” and is as wonderful to give as to receive.

So, you are not feeling 100%. Work is full of stress, family life is running you ragged, and the bills are never ending. If you could just have a ‘time-out’ to recharge and refresh, life would be wonderful!

Well, when was your last Massage? When did you last take time away from the pressures and responsibilities of the world – to either sort the physical niggles in your body (the stiff neck, the headaches, the sore lower back) or to pamper or reward yourself for the effort you have applied elsewhere in your life. When did you last succumb and surrender to the healing hands of a trained therapist, enter their sacred healing space, with the dim lighting and soft music? You are due aren’t you?

But there are a few things to consider when choosing a massage. Firstly, and most importantly… what style of massage do you want? Traditionally, if you call a clinic and book a massage, you get a Swedish massage. Put simply, a Swedish massage is a sequence of techniques that systematically progress around the body. Starting with the back, it is uncovered, worked on, and re-covered. Then the back of one leg is uncovered, worked on, then recovered, etc. A Swedish massage is great… don’t get me wrong. But…

Originating in the Polynesian Islands (Hawaii) A Kahuna Massage (also called a Lomi Lomi Massage) was first performed by the Kahuna of the village as part of a coming of age / passage of rite ceremony. It is an amazing experience that thrills everyone who lies on my table. Once you have had a Kahuna, You Will Never Go Back!

A few differences to mention that make it unique. Firstly, there are no towels on the table. This enables what we call ‘under-body’ work. The therapist’s hands slide under the body and the weight of the body applies the pressure of the technique. Secondly, instead of working on just one body part at a time, the entire draping is folded between the legs so all of the skin that will be worked on is exposed at once. The massage strokes travel around the body in continuous motion, with the hands never leaving the body or ceasing movement. A Kahuna massage uses a lot of forearms and elbows compared to a Swedish massage. This enables a lot of contact at one time, and greater pressure can be used without it feeling intense or localized. It is a completely different experience to a Swedish massage. Kahuna has been called the Rolls Royce of massage – and rightly so!

The long flowing strokes work along the energy meridians of the body so a transformational experience is often encountered. Blockages are released and energy flows freely! This can often bring insight into a problem the client hasn’t been able to solve, or bring to the surface emotions that have been buried or denied. A Kahuna massage is like driving a Ferrari after a Mini!

Each therapist brings their own style to this massage, as the footwork and coordination is like dancing around the table. Just as we all dance differently each massage is unique.

So if you are familiar with traditional massage and are looking for something new, or are new to massage and want to jump in the deep end, I definitely recommend trying a Kahuna Massage.

More information about Nigel Coates and Kahuna Massage can be found at goldcoastmassage.net.au.
Nigel is a moderator of Explore Meditation, a site with free MP3 guided meditation downloads, exploremeditation.com.

What sets a Thai massage apart from other massages is that it does not work on a particular organ or a couple of muscles, but strives to work on the whole body. The Thai massage is a form of bodywork that has developed from the Chinese practices as well as from the Indian Ayurveda. It works on the pressure points, energy lines and the basic body forces.

Beat Your Blues with a Thai Massage There are 6 essential components of a Thai massage

1. Yoga
2. Exercise
3. Meditation
4. Reflexology
5. Acupressure
6. Healing art

How is it done

The normal time for a massage can range anywhere between 1 – 2 hours, and may even extend for 3 hours. A Thai massage is always given on a mat on the floor, there is no oil used and it is performed fully clothed. Before starting, the master recites a short chant that is said to help him focus his energy and concentration on the individual.

The masseur exerts pressure on the energy lines which are called “sen.” Pressure is exerted by the palms, thumb, fingers and feet. The points worked on are treated on a superficial level and not a specific level as in acupressure. They are used to induce relaxation. The thumb, finger or the palm movement is performed in circular motions. This is followed by some stretching movements, that are based on the yoga principles and increase the body flexibility as well as release body tension.

At the end of the session the master will again repeat the chant as a cool down exercise Always remember that the masseur will never work on any bone specifically, especially the knees as they are considered to be very fragile and delicate.

A Thai is best if your purpose is general relaxation and stress relief as the massage works on the whole body. Also, the pressure and the movements are very gentle and not taxing on the body.

Benefits

The benefits of a Thai massage are immense. It helps you maintain the energy and vitality of your body as well as keeps you stress free.

* Helps energize you on the whole
* Relaxes you
* Improves the blood circulation in the body
* Increases flexibility
* Balances the nervous system
* Gives relief form muscle pains
* Strengthens the body and the mind.

So if you want to beat those blues, then a Thai massage is for you.

by Eric Dexter, a mixed media artist and freelance writer.

A complete body experience ends here with self massage techniques. Victoria Sprigg CIBTAC, MISPA, IIHHT, holistic therapist

A complete body experience. Victoria Sprigg CIBTAC, MISPA, IIHHT, holistic therapist, demonstrate Swedish massage therapy.

A complete body experience.
Victoria Sprigg CIBTAC, MISPA, IIHHT, holistic therapist, demonstrates Swedish massage therapy.

A complete body experience.
Victoria Sprigg CIBTAC, MISPA, IIHHT, holistic therapist

Victoria Sprigg CIBTAC, MISPA, IIHHT, holistic therapist