Physiological, Psychological, and Emotional Impacts of Thai Massage

For generations, Thai massage has been used to facilitate energy-flow within the body. It combines a mind-body connection with the receiver (the client) as well as in the practitioner and then within the pairing; the shared connection between the two. The connection between the practitioner and client is often called a ‘pairing.’ Together, they work toward freeing the energy pathways so that prana (life force) can move smoothly along the energetic Sen Sib (life energy) or Sen line.

In my practice, I invoke my intention for the massage by reciting a metta prayer, “We pray for those we touch; that they are happy, healthy, joyful, and that pain is released from their bodies.” My primary role as a practitioner is to facilitate what the client’s body needs to clear those pathways. Each massage is a unique conversation between the energies of client and practitioner.

A typical Thai massage lasts from an hour and a half to two hours where the practitioner uses a blend of relaxing and stimulating movements that resemble Yoga poses on a client. Once a massage has started, the practitioner uses the palms to ‘sense’ where the client is holding tension or where there may be blockages in the Sen Sib. The practitioner then massages along the energy lines, mobilizes joints and stretches the client, using palms, fists, thumbs, elbows, and feet.

Thai massage is based on the elements of life and the Sen Sib. Pressure is applied to each point to awaken the energy through Sen Sib. The gentle and smooth movement during the transition of each sequence, combined with the union of breath between the practitioner and the open-minded recipient create a sacred harmonious union that bring the practitioner and client close to a tranquil, meditative state and move as one.

In addition to obvious physical benefits, Thai massage also unifies emotional and spiritual benefits in its practice. Emotional issues often manifest in the body as physical tension or pain; it is not unusual for some of these issues to surface or release after a series of sessions. The hips for example, are said to store emotions such as depression, anger, anxiety, and fear – As the practitioner begins to treat the hips, the client may begin to release the associated emotions as mobility and openness increase.

Many find Thai massage to be healing, not just clients, but practitioners too. One practice in Thai massage is ‘sweeping’ where the practitioner brushes their palms on the client in a sweeping motion, directing the debris toward sunlight; releasing it from the body. While in the pairing, the shared energy benefits both individuals during the treatment. At the end of a massage however, the practitioner sweeps his/her own body to disconnect from the client so that residual pain and hurt does not become absorbed.

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