traditional thai yoga massage

One of my yoga clients, who has been practicing with me for years, told me a very long time ago that she gets massages almost weekly and Thai Yoga massages every few months. At that time, I had not heard of Thai Yoga massage, so this sparked my interest. She said it's a massage where you are fully clothed, laying on a mat on the floor, and the massage therapist puts you in yoga postures, stretches you, and massages you. Since hearing about this interesting form of body work, I've been saying "someday I'm going to get one."

In one of my fitness magazines I recently received, there was an article on Thai Yoga massage which reminded me that this was one of the items on my lists of "things I want to do one day." And, since I haven't had a massage since August, I decided rather than continue to say "someday" I'll try it, I would take action and make an appointment this month to get one. So, this Friday at 6:00 p.m. I have an appointment for a traditional Thai Yoga massage! The massage therapist stated that she does the traditional style, doesn't cut any corners, so it lasts around 2 and a half hours. I am so excited. I cannot wait! Is it Friday yet?

For those of you interested, here is some more information on this traditional form of massage:

"Traditional Thai Yoga massage is an ancient form of therapeutic healing. Its roots are in India from where it was brought to Thailand over 2000 years ago by Ayurvedic doctors and Buddhist monks. It combines acupressure, energy balancing, stretching and applied yoga exercises. Traditional Thai Yoga massage is a unique and powerful massage therapy."
-- http://www.asokananda.com/

"Thai Massage facilitates and promotes a harmonious state of being. This ancient healing work strives to remove obstacles on the path toward Promiiwihansii or The Four Divine States of Mind: Loving Kindness, Vicarious Joy, Compassion, and Equanimity."

-- http://traditionalthaimassage.org/

"Through a series of meridian acupressure and invigorating stretches the blockages are released allowing the free flow of prana, restoring and maintaining good health. The skeletal system is manipulated and flexed to give relief and allow for the correct range of movement the body was designed for. The circulatory and lymphatic systems are gently stimulated through pressure, encouraging the release of toxins and excess hormones and noxious build ups in the body. The muscles, tendons and ligaments are stretched to soften and elongate and relieve physical tension. Traditional Thai massage also works on the emotional system. The massage asks for conscious relaxation and trust in the practitioner's ability to guide the client through stretches that can confront or expose vulnerabilities that had been previously buried in the body. Whilst the massage is dynamic and invigorating, it is deeply relaxing enabling the client to feel healthier, stronger, more focused and able to deal with life's stresses and is highly effective in relieving long term ailments." --http://www.thaitraditionalyogamassage.com/

Here is your yogathought for the day:

Take something from your "I'd like to do that someday" list and take an action step towards doing it.

Namaste'

Yogadiva