Thai yoga bodywork and massage focuses on improving and balancing the flow of energy throughout the body and combines dynamic-assisted stretching influenced by yoga with physical pressure applied along energy lines influenced by Chinese acupuncture and Ayurveda. (In Thai massage, these energy pathways are known as sens.)

In Thai Massage, these energy pathways are known as sens. — In Thai Massage, these energy pathways are known as *sens*.

It is believed that Thai massage was developed more than 2,500 years ago by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha (Shivago Kompara), a friend to the Buddha who had tremendous knowledge of medicine. Shivago is believed by most Thai healers to be the inventor of Thai traditional medicine, of which massage is one branch.

Unlike typical Western-style massages, Thai massage is different from lying on a massage table while a massage therapist (perhaps using lotion or oil) kneads your muscles and attends to your pressure points.

Instead, you lie fully clothed on a mat (think “futon”, not “yoga mat”) on the floor while a practitioner uses compression, stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques to relieve tension, release stress, promote relaxation, increase clarity, and improve flexibility and circulation. Practitioners may use their hands, thumbs, elbows, forearms, and, sometimes, even their (very clean!) feet during a session.

To support balancing the body’s energies, the basic principle of Thai massage is to start from the extremities of the body (laterally), work towards the core of the body (medially), and then back to the extremities. This ensures the flow of energy though the sens and also improves blood circulation throughout the body.

With Thai massage, you are fully clothed throughout the session. Pants should be long - no shorts - and “yoga pants” are not the best choice. Instead, opt for something with a looser fit to better accommodate the techniques applied.

As with any type of bodywork, always let your practitioner know if you have injuries or feel any discomfort throughout the massage.

Thai yoga bodywork and massage is an ancient practice with many benefits that are supported by modern science. It may reduce the severity of your headaches, decrease lower-back and joint pain, increase your flexibility, calm your anxieties, and energize your mind and body. If you have an underlying health condition, be sure to find out from your doctor if this form of massage is safe for you.