Fundamentals of Thai Table Massage Eric Spivack LMT, BCTMB, EAMP, RTT 1
FUNDAMENTALS OF THAI TABLE MASSAGE ERIC SPIVACK, LMT, BCTMB, EAMP, RTT AMTA 2018 NATIONAL CONVENTION WASHINGTON, D.C. AUGUST 10, 2018 2
What is? Traditional is an interactive form of spiritual and energy-based body therapy that combines: Assisted yoga stretching Acupressure points Rhythmic muscle compression Sen energy line tracing Synchronized breathing Joint mobilization Meditation 3
นวดไทย The Thai names for are Nuad Bo Rarn & Nuad Thai Other common names are Thai massage, Thai stretching, Thai yoga, Thai bodywork, Thai yoga therapy, assisted yoga, and assisted stretching. 4
History of Traditional Thai medicine is an ancient healing system that includes: Physical medicine ~, which is beneficial for: Overall health, relaxation and relief of general aches/pains Therapy for the relief of specific musculoskeletal symptoms/ disorders and prevention of joint stiffness Herbal medicine Nutritional medicine Spiritual healing ~ Theravada Buddhist tradition 5
Jivaka Kumar Bhacca - Father Doctor of and Traditional Thai Medicine East Indian Ayurvedic physician to the Buddha s sangha over 2,500 years ago. Origins of are obscure and most likely arrived in Thailand from India along with Buddhism 6
Benefits of Practicing Benefits to the practitioner: 7
Benefits of Practicing Benefits to the practitioner: Using your forearms, elbows, knees and feet, not just your fingers or hands Incorporating gravity and body weight for leverage Building strength and balance Impacting the physical, energetic, spiritual, and emotional realms Practicing in a meditative state Maintaining an interaction and partnership with your client. You are not doing all the work and doing to the client 8
Benefits of Practicing Benefits to the practitioner: Receiving stretches in your own body and feeling energized at the end of a session Working in several positions: supine, side-lying, prone and seated Preserving your body and prolonging your usefulness as a bodyworker/healer 9
Benefits of Practicing Benefits to the client: 10
Benefits of Practicing Benefits to the client: Balanced energy and a reduction in energetic stagnation Greater interaction and involvement during a session by breathing and moving Increased energy and alertness Increased flexibility and range of motion in joints Reduced muscular tension and joint pain Increased blood and lymph circulation Improved posture through spinal decompression and stretching 11
Benefits of Practicing Benefits to the client: Increased body awareness and mindfulness Respect of modesty, since clients remain clothed in loose, comfortable attire 12
Thai Table Massage What is Thai Table Massage? A western adaptation of Traditional How is Thai Table Massage different from other table massage? The practitioner uses his/her hands, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to stretch their client The client wears loose, comfortable clothing The practitioner is barefoot or wears socks Draping is unnecessary No oil or lotion is used 13