If you haven't got the focus for yoga but feel in need of a stretch, try Thai yoga massage. It's not called lazy man's yoga for nothing.
This energetic massage is suitable if you are fat, thin, flexible or stiff as the practitioner does most of the hard work while you relax and enjoy being realigned and balanced.
Popular in Thailand since the time of the Buddha (2500 BC), the therapy has made a big impact on the modern western world. People often encounter this traditional treatment while on holiday in Thailand, but now you don't even have to leave the country, as UK practitioners are growing in number.
Jane Newman qualified 8 years ago after completing her intensive training in the Lahu hill tribe village, near Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. "Thai yoga massage concentrates on 10 sen (energy) lines which contain important acupressure points," she said.
Energy body
The sen lines are often compared to Chinese meridian lines, as used in acupuncture for example, but there is a closer similarity between the Thai sen line network and the Indian Ayurvedic prana nadi system. Both systems work along these energy conduits, manipulating and balancing them, to achieve physical, emotional and mental relief.
Easy yoga!
"The massage is sequence of assisted Hatha yoga postures," Newman stressed however that as each client has different needs and flexibilities, no one is ever taken beyond their own capability, or stretched into a painful or uncomfortable positions.
What is it good for?
Newman explained that Thai massage is designed to help the body maintain a free flow of energy by removing blockages within the energetic system. "This helps eliminate toxins, support the immune system, and increase vitality."
"If a client is feeling weakened, or unable to stretch, all they need is to relax and breath and let me guide their body. Thai massage eases tension, not creates it, " she said, adding that is particularly good for:
- back pain, including sciatica
- knee injury
- neck and shoulder ache
- circulation complaints
- menstrual problems
- sinusitis
- detoxing
What to expect
Newman described the treatment as taking place on futon mattress. "The client is fully dressed, preferably in loose comfortable clothing, and I use my thumbs, hands, feet and elbows in a variety of bending, stretching, kneading and acupressure techniques on every part of their body - head to toe."
But if you're stiff, pregnant, or in need of assistance, Jane uses cushions and bolsters for comfort and extra support.
To contact Jane Newman visit massage-brighton.com.
To find a therapist near you visit The Thai Healing Alliance