What Is Thai Massage? An Interview By Jane Thurnell-Read

I asked Tom Coyle an expert on traditional Thai massage to tell me about this form of massage.

What is Thai massage and how does it differ from ordinary massage?

"Thai massage is often called lazy yoga as the body is put through a series of movements similar to what you would do for yourself during a yoga session. The practitioner chooses the positions he/she thinks the recipient would most benefit from, and gently moves the clients limbs through the series of chosen positions. Some of the moves are done quickly, others are held for seconds and then re-done if the client requires it.

"Thai massage is different to ordinary massage: it is done on a mat on the floor, no oils are used, there is no rubbing and the recipient is usually clothed.

"Thai massage works on three main body systems. It flushes out the toxins and dead cells from your muscles and fills them with new blood - the endorphins released give you a bit of a 'high' for a while. It puts your limbs through a full range of movement and renews the sinovial fluid in your joints. This gives you an incredible two inches taller feeling. But the best sensation is often not felt until the next day when the other feelings are diminishing, and that is the mental clarity, ability to focus, and awareness that you get when there are no blockages in your meridians. I tell people that this is the time to start any project that requires mental strength or discipline; it is a time to reprogramme your mind the way you want it and to start that diet, quit those fags, or go in whatever direction you need to go."

Who can benefit from it?

"There are no limitations as to who can benefit from it; we all can, babies to old folks. Thai kick boxers with broken limbs even use it to maintain condition and promote healing."

What happens in a typical session?

"During a typical session which lasts for 1.5 hours, the therapist usually starts at the clients feet, working the Sen lines up the legs by kneading or squeezing. The limbs are put through a full range of movement and the muscles are stretched and squeezed. The client is manoeuvred and turned by the therapist, and the massage can be as dynamic or as relaxed as required. Sen lines are the equivalent of the Chinese meridians, in fact most Thai practitioners now use the Chinese meridian system as it is much more accurate with anatomical positions than the Thai "Sen" lines."

How often is Thai massage needed?

"It's probably not how often a Thai massage is needed, but how often you can get one - the more you have the healthier you become. When I'm in Thailand I have a minimum of two per day; some days I will spend all day on the mat, and only go out for food - 6 weeks of that and you can really take on the world!"

How can a good therapist be found?

"Finding a good Thai therapist can be difficult. Its best to go by personal recommendation."

Tom Coyle runs the Thai Massage Centre in Cairns, Australia. His web site is at www.coylemassage.com/

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