Thai massage is an ancient therapy that was developed in Thailand and involves traditional massage, eastern medicine systems and yoga. Thai massage differs from Swedish massage in that Thai encourages the client to engage in the session instead of relaxing and tuning out. Thai massage is an interactive practice that uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines. Thai massage offers many benefits and can provide relief from asthma, anxiety, migraines and mental or physical tension. Likewise, Thai massage can help improve sleeping patterns, flexibility and allow for greater awareness of mind and body. Thai massage is also versatile in that it is an excellent therapy for persons young and old, active or inactive and healthy or sickly.
In a Thai massage session, the client will wear loose, comfortable clothing and lie on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. Thai massage sessions can be done individually or in a group setting. The client will be positioned into many poses during the massage- even some yoga postures, but the crux of the massage is the deep static stretching and pressure being applied. The Thai practitioner may press on and stretch the body, pull the toes, ears and fingers, crack the knuckles and even walk on the client’s back. Thai massage sessions can last up two hours or more, but the massages are tailored to the individual client.
On October 3-5, 2014, the Wilmington Yoga Center will host a workshop to teach students the essentials of Thai Yoga massage. The workshop is a 3-day course and will focus on working the energy lines on the legs, arms and back by applying Thai-style acupressure. Students will be introduced to the theory, history and philosophy of Thai massage. Deon De Wet, Advanced Thai Yoga Therapy Practitioner, will lead the workshop. Deon has been practicing yoga for many years and obtained his Teacher Training Certificate in the Anusara style of Hatha Yoga. He discovered Traditional Thai Massage in 2000, while traveling to Thailand on vacation. He experienced sensations of emotional and spiritual well being, similar to those observed in periods of deep meditation. As such, when Deon returned to the United States, he began a period of intensive and ongoing training. After completing several training courses, retreats and evaluation of hundreds of hours of work, Don was certified as an Advanced Thai Yoga Therapy Practitioner. He is also a Certified Massage Therapist.
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