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 intuative 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 myo-facial 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 aleveate 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.