Thai Massage Manual

Thai Massage is the touch that enhances health, happiness, and wholeness--and with more than 150 expertly demonstrated sequences unfolding on these pages, everyone can enjoy its benefits. Sometimes called "yoga in action," Thai massage has worked its relaxing wonders for more than 1,000 years. Explore its secrets with a detailed program that includes ten complete lessons, each concentrating on a particular part of the body. Like other forms of massage, it employs a flowing sequence of stretches, but instead of using only your fingers, pressure is applied with the thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, and feet. Full-color photographs of every move match still shots with superimposed artwork that indicate the direction of the movements. Each technique is clearly explained and its benefits--from improved flexibility to increased vitality--detailed. "All of the techniques are shown in sharp color photographs that are pleasing to the eye. Descriptions of the techniques are clear."--Massage Therapy Journal.

Despite many books and courses teaching Thai Massage techniques, therapeutic application remains a confusing and inaccessible area. This high-level visual manual seeks to elucidate this challenge for students and professionals in Thai Massage. The reader will learn how to apply techniques and for whom, in the correct conditions, sequence, and pace. This comprehensive book incorporates neuromuscular treatments for an array of conditions whilst guiding students on how to develop fluidity in transition from technique to technique. Relying on visual prompts such as photographs, muscle charts, and anatomical images, this is an invaluably practical resource for bodywork students and teachers.

Thai Massage, Sacred Bodywork is a complete guide to an ancient practice that benefits body, mind, and spirit. Interest in Thai massage has been growing rapidly. This is no surprise given its unique multifaceted approach to the body. Thai massage combines acupressure, stretching, reflexology, assisted yoga postures, herbal compresses, prayer and meditation. It benefits everyone. Sometimes called the "lazy person's yoga", Thai massage stretches and relaxes the muscles, increases the joints' range of motion, and balances energy flow throughout the body. Thai Massage, Sacred Bodywork provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions which enable the reader to use this integrative and interactive therapy with a partner at home or with a client. The book explains the historical and philosophical background of Thai massage as well as its religious origins. Throughout the book, Ananda always reminds us of the deeper meaning of this sacred modality—compassion in action. A must for all those interested in the healing arts.

This practical and highly illustrated introduction to the principles and techniques of Thai massage discusses the theories of Thai medicine and its Chinese and Ayurvedic influences. It offers clear and easy-to-follow descriptions for all Thai massage techniques accompanied by full color photographs and drawings, with arrows to indicate direction of movement. Basic explanations describe how massage therapists can use elements of these techniques and apply them immediately in their own practice. Gives clear and easy-to-follow descriptions for each technique. Techniques can be used alone, in conjunction with other forms of massage, or to facilitate Yoga and other meditation practices. Clinically valuable and practical explanations of how to use elements of the procedures make it easy for therapists to enrich their practice with these techniques -- whether applying all of the methods, or starting with stretches alone. Features an icon throughout the text that calls attention to precautions therapists must be aware of for safe and effective sessions. Includes a 45-minute DVD presenting video of techniques and routines in real time, to demonstrate proper pacing. Photographs, drawings, and illustrations of techniques are now in full color, for greater clarity of concepts. More historical background provides a deeper understanding of this ancient medical art. An accompanying DVD offers a 45-minute video of a Thai massage session in real time - demonstrating procedures with proper pacing. The visual approach along with its step-by-step narration helps viewers understand how the concepts discussed in the book translate to actual practice. The book also includes DVD icons that indicate which techniques are demonstrated on the DVD. Increased coverage of body mechanics helps readers understand the difference between correct and incorrect technique. Legends below the photographs provide specific information on the muscles being pressed or stretched with each technique to help therapists understand how this art of Asian healing corresponds to Western anatomy. A new Muscle Atlas appendix helps to further identify muscles mentioned in these legends. A new chapter, Correlations to Yoga, outlines the correlations between specific Thai massage procedures and yoga postures to help therapists incorporate Yoga into their practices. A new chapter, Suggested Sequences, provides guidelines for 60-, 90-, and 120-minute sessions - taking the guesswork out of planning Thai massage sessions.

• Presents guidelines for effortless and effective practice, including body mechanics, breathing patterns, flowing movements, incremental pressure, and exercises to improve sensing and to strengthen intuition as you work • Offers ways to refine and improve classic techniques that are often performed incorrectly, explains broad healing concepts behind individual techniques, and discusses the awareness and sensitivity with which they should be performed • Answers common questions, clarifies misunderstandings, and presents ways to work with focused intention on a deeper level, and with more grace, ease, and efficiency UNLIKE OTHER BOOKS ABOUT THAI MASSAGE, this guide offers a deep and insightful view of important and often neglected aspects of this work. Many of these concepts and techniques also apply to table massage, physical therapy, yoga, and other healing arts. This book guides the reader through the conceptual, spiritual, and practical approaches behind effective bodywork. An entire section is dedicated to awareness of breath for massage, movement, and everyday activities. Assessment guidelines help the therapist to work with others based on physical appearance, preexisting conditions, and elemental predisposition. Exercises are presented to sharpen sensing abilities and intuition, and to find, coax, and release blockages in the body. Twelve important Thai massage techniques that are often taught and performed incorrectly are described in great detail. Other chapters offer ways to create customized sequences of practice and to move from one technique to another with ease and grace. Finally, the chapter on medicinal herbs discusses the preparation, use, and benefits of herbal compresses, poultices, balms, oils, and baths, and it offers easy recipes for all of these therapies. This manual contains information that has never been previously available in print. Full of exercises and insights to help therapists hone their bodywork skills, it reveals key principles that give way to effective treatment and explores traditional Thai massage with a special focus on intention, awareness, sensitivity, and spirituality.

Thai massage is a flowing sequence of stretches interspersed with pressure, using palms, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet. The exercises in this manual are presented in step-by-step instructions, integrated with colour photographs and superimposed directional arrows to demonstrate each one. The models are all trained therapists or students of Thai massage. The healing aspect of each technique is emphasised in the text as well as the mechanics themselves. The complete safety of performing all techniques is also a priority and contraindications are boldly stated where applicable. The book also advises on devising your own massage programmes to suit specific healing needs or adaptations to time constraints.