An integral part of Bangkok Thai Massage Service includes the practices of yoga and meditation. The knowledge and training of Thai massage has been handed down through centuries by the monks of the Buddhist monasteries, or Wats. One of the most famous learning institutions for Thai medicine is Wat Pho in Bangkok where Thai massage is still taught today. Often referred to as Thai Yoga massage, this style of bodywork is different from what most western people think of as massage. It is practiced fully clothed on a floor mat without oils or lotions. Thai massage techniques, using the thumbs, elbows, palms, forearms, feet, and knees include: rocking, rhythmic muscle compression, assisted yoga positions and stretching, working along energy meridians called Sen lines. Three of the Sen lines run along the same areas as the yogic nadis, the Indian version of energy lines, affecting certain chakras (energy centers) in treatment. A session is practiced very slowly (sometimes for more than two hours), in a choreographed "dance" as the practitioner moves the receiver around the mat, creating a relaxed, meditative state for both. A Bangkok Thai massage is a blend of techniques, some of which are used to apply pressure to the sen lines while others create the wonderful twists and stretches that often resemble applied yoga. Pressure is applied with feet, palms, thumbs, elbows and knees. The measured pace and flowing movement that characterises this massage belies the very deep pressure and powerful stretches that are used. The greatest benefits from this unique type of massage come to those who are able to relax to the point where they become putty in the hands of the massager. At no time should the receiver "assist" by actively helping any particular movement that is being carried out.
The benefits enjoyed from a Bangkok Thai massage session may include the following: relief from stress, deep relaxation, warmed and stretched muscles, healing energy flow, greater flexibility, increased andfocused energy levels, prevention of injury, relief from sore and aching muscles and joints, detoxification, and a feeling of confidence and well-being. This bodywork is perfect preparation for anyone in training for an athletic event, performance or any kind of physical or mental test. It helps one focus energy and attention on the task at hand. It is highly therapeutic for those in pain from tension, injury, or illness. Using parameters of Western anatomy and physiology to assess the potential value of Bangkok Thai massage it is easy to see what beneficial and therapeutic effects can be achieved by it. Common problems like painful and even 'frozen' shoulders respond extraordinarily well to the types of manipulation used. The "Flexed Backward Arm Lever" is a very simple but good example. Here the practitioner assumes a one leg kneeling position behind the subject whose arm is flexed and raised into a vertical position with its hand held down across the base of the neck. Gentle backward leverage is then exerted on the elbow against the pressure that is supporting the hand. Tense shoulder muscles such as the trapezium and teres major and minor respond very well to this kind of treatment which also aids shoulder joint mobility.