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What is Thai Massage

What is Thai Massage?
Thai Massage can be described as a combination of yoga, massage
and stretching. It is performed on a mat on the floor, on a massage
table or in a massage chair. Positioning depends on the needs of
the client.

What is the difference between Thai and Conventional Massage?
Thai Massage focuses more on stretching and increasing range of
motion than standard massage. Thai massage also works the energy
lines in the body making the client feel calm, content and balanced.
Unlike conventional massage, Thai massage does not require you to
remove your clothes. Occasionally, clothing may have to be shifted
to reach skin in order to release restrictions. If that makes you
uncomfortable, it can be worked around.

What makes Mindful Thai Massage unique?
In a word - intuition. Marilyn has a strong intuitive sense that will
allow for a massage that is individualized for each client. Anyone
with training can do Thai Massage, but to make a connection with
the body during the massage and to be able to help, is unique.
Marilyn also has advanced training in treatment for trigger points.
Trigger points are small contractures in muscles that can cause pain
locally or elsewhere in the body. For example, lower back pain can
be caused by a trigger point in the calf. Trigger points can cause
pain for years if untreated.
Untreated trigger points also lead to restricted movement.
Treatment can relieve referred pain and improve range of
movement.

Marilyn also uses myofacial release to relieve pain and tightness.
This is a slow, light, painless, pressure on the fascia (the lining of
muscles, organs, and the circulatory system). When the fascia is
relaxed and stretched, pain and restriction is relieved.

What should I expect during my massage?
You will be fully dressed, except for bare feet. Occasionally, you
may need to remove come clothes to have tightness worked on.
However you will never be "nude" and you will only be asked to go
as far as you are comfortable. Thai Massage is performed on a
table, a mat on the floor, and/or a massage chair.

Marilyn will be using her hands, feet, forearms, elbows, legs and
body weight to facilitate stretches and releases. Pressure will be
adjusted for your tolerance level.

You may have parts of your body massaged that you may consider
unusual like the armpit and between your ribs. While these may
seem unusual, they are a normal part of the Thai Massage program.
Treating trigger points in these areas can alleviate restricted range
of movement in the shoulder and back. If you are uncomfortable
with any technique, it will be eliminated. Remember, you control
what happens in your massage.

What can I expect after my massage?
You may experience either of these two responses; you will be
tired and ready for a nap, or you will be euphoric and energetic.
You may experience some soreness for 24 hours after your massage
due to the intense stretches you will achieve. However, this should
be no worse than after exercise and will subside. If it does not, let
Marilyn know.
Your may notice an increased range of motion. Subsequent massages
will keep the increased range of motion for longer intervals.

How often should I receive a massage?
Frequency of massage is very much an individual decision. Several
things need to be considered: What is the reason you came in the
first place? Pain, stress, relaxation, a desire to be pampered? What
is your day like? Are you active and athletic or a bit of a couch
potato? Are you injured and cannot exercise? What can you afford?

Speak frankly with Marilyn and discuss all options. For active, fit
people, often, once a month for an hour and a half is enough. For
people who are in pain, often, a period of frequent visits can be
followed by an interval of less frequent appointments. Maybe once
a week for several weeks followed by once a month. For people
who want the pampering or stress relief, once a week or every
other week for an hour to two hours is good. You will be able to
decide once work begins.