THERAPY RELATED QUESTIONS
1. What’s the difference between deonThai™ Yoga Massage/Therapy and Traditional Thai Massage?
The deonThai™ style of Thai Yoga Massage/Therapy can be described as a relaxing and revitalizing blend of assisted Yoga stretches and Traditional Thai Massage. It is based on Northern Style Traditional Thai Massage combined with assisted Yoga stretches and principles of alignment.
Most “Thai Massage”, as performed by Thai people in the Western world, is the Southern or Wat Pho style. In its true and authentic form, Southern Style Traditional Thai Massage does not emphasize assisted stretching. It focuses on deep acupressure and practitioners rarely use their feet and knees.
deonThai™ Yoga Massage/Therapy, adds moves and principles from Anusara and other Hatha Yoga systems. The practitioner uses as many parts of his body as possible. This is closer to the Common or Rural approach, found in the Northern parts of Thailand and practiced by indigenous Hill Tribe people. In the Southern, Royal approach the use of feet is considered offensive and practitioners almost exclusively use the hands and thumbs.
2. How does it relate to Hatha Yoga?
Thai Massage evolved out of the ancient art of Yoga and its complementary ancient medical science of Ayurveda. Many of the moves used on a passive recipient by a Thai Massage practitioner look very similar to Hatha Yoga poses. It is sometimes jokingly referred to as “Yoga for Lazy People”. In some ways it is like having Yoga “done to you” by another or doing Yoga with another person’s body.
3. Where did it originate?
Thai massage originated in India. Some say it grew out of the ancient healing systems practiced in the southern Indian region now known as Kerala. Later, during the era of the Buddha’s enlightenment, it was incorporated into ancient Ayurveda in northern India (now Nepal).
The physician Jivaka Kumar Baccha, a friend of the Buddha Gautama Siddhartha, is said to have used massage and stretching techniques along with herbal and other remedies to treat nuns and monks that were traveling with the Buddha. They spread Buddhism and these medicinal techniques all over Southeast Asia. Known in Thailand as Doctor Shivago Komarpaj, he is still considered the Founder and Father Doctor of Traditional Thai Medicine.
In addition to its foundation in ancient Buddhism, Nuad Phaen Bo Rarn or Ancient massage relies on indigenous Thai healing modalities and Shamanic practices from the northern Hill Tribes.
4. Is it safe for pregnant women, old people, children, injured people, and sick people?
Since the work is tailor made for each individual in each different treatment session, it can be done safely. The practitioner makes certain modifications to accommodate contra-indications as needed. All of the above — and even pets and livestock, can achieve remarkable results.
5. How often should someone receive a session?
Initially, if cost is not a concern, I recommend a daily 2 hour session for a few days, then weekly. But more than a month apart is too long.
6. Is it OK to eat before/after the session?
In order to have more energy in the body available for the Work and since an important part of the treatment may involve pressing points around the abdomen, it is better not to eat for at least 2 hours before the session. To allow the process to continue, as it does, after the practitioner ends the actual session, it is better not to eat, bathe or do strenuous exercise for at least an hour afterwards. Drinking copious amounts of water is highly beneficial and necessary to flush out toxins that may have been released during the treatment.
7. Is it done on a table, bed or the floor?
Traditionally, Thai Massage is always done on the floor. But today practitioners accustomed to working on tables or beds are effectively adapting elements of the method. However, many of the advanced movements and stretches can only be done safely and effectively on the floor.
8. What should I wear?
Comfortable, loose-fitting Yoga or athletic clothes are best to accommodate the twisting and stretching movements in the session.
9. How long are the sessions?
Traditionally, authentic Thai Massage treatments are at least 2 hours long, sometimes lasting for several hours.
10. Why are the sessions so long?
Since balancing energy is the main objective, physical movements are part of a deep, meditative spiral of healing that feels ever better as the treatment time progresses. This results in a profound and integrated sense of physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing for both giver and receiver.
11. What are the benefits to the receiver?
Stress relief, revitalization and a euphoric feeling of overall wellbeing, are the words most often used by clients to describe benefits of treatment. Physiologically, the body gets re-aligned in a way that increases flexibility and circulation. Subtle harmonizing of energies results in an overall integration of body, mind and soul. We get to remember how good it can feel to be in our bodies.
