Arriving for your massage
You should wear or bring comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Yoga pants and long sleeve top are highly recommended for your comfort. If you arrive without appropriate attire, some will be provided for you to wear. Arrive for your appointment on time or a little bit early so you have time to relax a bit before starting the massage process. You may want to refrain from eating a meal for 1-2 hours before a massage, but do not fast all day or you may be distracted from the massage by your hunger.
When you arrive at Karma Thai Massage you will be greeted and invited to relax for a few minutes while I will ask some questions to help me customize the massage to your needs. I will ask if you have any health conditions that I should be aware of and we will fill out a simple health questionnaire for your benefit. We will also discuss any areas of tension and we may or may not discuss activities you do that directly affect your physical and mental stress levels. Keep in mind that the more the massage therapist knows about your body the more you will feel at ease and relaxed. This interview may take about 15 minutes the first time, but may be shortened with routine visits
Next you will be moved into the massage room and seated on the mat on the floor. I invite you to become acquainted with the space. Take some time to look around, find the rhythm of your breath and notice your state of mind. This moment of centering is essential for the receiver. He is now present in the body which is necessary for a blissful, mindful relaxation. This time is also an important opportunity for the practitioner to find his breath and ground himself. He will take a few minutes to meditate and just breath. I used to teach Scuba diving before I started doing Thai yoga massage. I find it fascinating that I would tell my scuba students and my massage clients the exact same thing from the very beginning. “Remember to breathe continuously.” In fact it is the only thing that is required of the receiver. By breathing continuously you allow your body to go into a deeper relaxation and to receive the touch of the massage therapist effectively. You do not need to breathe at a certain pace, or with great attention to the breath. Just check with yourself on occasion; “Am I breathing?” If the answer is “no”, breathe. You have now completely arrived.
Whales, breathing continuously
During the massage
The Thai yoga massage practitioner will proceed with a rhythmic, rocking dance, using palms, thumbs, knees and elbows to apply relaxing pressure to the different muscle groups. Some gentle stretching/counter-stretch techniques are applied in a fluid, divinely choreographed way that relax and strengthen the deep and superficial muscles, while facilitating circulation of the lymph, eliminating toxins from the body. During the massage you will be in any or all 4 anatomical positions. Sitting on the mat, lying on your back, lying on your front, lying on your left or on your right side. It is important to note if any of these positions may be uncomfortable for you due to an existing condition. For example, pregnant women will not be massaged in the front-lying position, but instead will be worked on more in the side-lying position. That’s it, the massage therapist will use a few different techniques, kneading, stroking, squeezing, chopping etc. to maintain natural energy flow in the body. He will check in with you a few times during the massage to make sure you are feeling alright. In general Thai massage is a deeper type of massage, but it is very adaptable and can also apply a gentle touch throughout. If there is any degree of discomfort, it is up to you to tell the practitioner what is happening. He/she will not be offended, it is part of the necessary give and take nature of bodywork. You won’t find that you need to say something very often, but if you have an ailment you need to mention, it is better to take 2 minutes out of the massage to discuss it so you can relax.
After the Massage
As your session draws to an end, many people find themselves lulled into a deep state of relaxation. The Thai yoga massage practitioner will say a short mantra while applying some finishing strokes. We pray for the one whom we touch, that all sickness will leave the body, and that he will be happy and healthy. You are invited to stay on the mat to relish and enjoy the sensations you are feeling. When you feel ready, slowly sit up from the mat and come into the next room for some tea or water. It is important to stay hydrated as your body depends on good hydration for proper irrigation of the cells. After Thai yoga massage, hydration is especially important because your cells may release undigested material to be eliminated from the system. The practitioner will invite you to give feedback about your experience. A discussion will most likely ensue about your experience on the mat. Did you enjoy your experience? Yes, of course you did. What did you notice about the massage? What did you like? What did you feel? Sharing this information with your massage therapist will help maintain a progressive experience for you from session to session. Most people feel relaxed for days after receiving massage, and have a greater ability to deal with stress. Others may experience a brief period of increasing tension or soreness before relief. Whatever your bodies reaction is, it is normal and healthy. A relaxed state should be respected throughout the next couple of days. Try to remember to breathe continuously, stop and smell the proverbial roses, try not to rush around, but take things as they come instead. Above all, stay with your body and be active. You are human first before any of your other roles.
