Some of the physical benefits of massage are:
- Reduction of muscle tension, blockages and stress hormones
- Improvement of circulation
- Stimulation of the lymphatic-flow
- Increased joint mobility and flexibility
- Improvement in skin tone
- Reduction or elimination of pain
- Improvement of immune system functions
- Reduction of depression and anxiety
- Increasing body awareness
- The appreciation for the power of touch
Massage is an intensive experience physically and emotionally and each of the therapists/healers brings their unique touch into the treatment, which makes every massage an adventure. Some of the most popular ancient healing art of massage are: Thai Massage, Balinese Massage, Ayurveda, Acupressure, Reflexology, Aroma Massage and Lomi Lomi.
Thai Massage
Originating from a North Indian doctor “Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha” who is still being honored in Thailand as the father of medicine, a fountain of knowledge in the areas of herbal therapy, mineral therapy and physical therapy, contemporary to the Buddha. His teachings spread to Thailand with the advent of Buddhism. Dr. Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha is the founder of Nuad Phaen Boran (Traditional Thai massage), becoming thus the Teacher of all Nuad practitioners. This holistic massage style combines yoga stretches, acupressure, rhythmic massage and gentle twisting to relieve muscle- and joint tension and increase flexibility and free-flowing energy. The bodywork is often performed on the floor and the client wears comfortable clothes that allow for movement.
Traditionally there are two main styles of Thai Massage: Northern (Chiang-Mai) and Southern (Bangkok) style. The Chiang-Mai style is considered gentler and has become popular in the western countries as the Bangkok style is faster and sometimes more intense but widespread in Thailand.
Thai Massage is much more than what is typically considered massage in the West! The true practice of the art of healing in traditional “Nuad Boran” is the compassionate intent of the healer. The Buddhist spiritual practices associated with Thai Massage cultivate humility, awareness, and concentration in the healer designed to bring the practitioner to a deeper level of awareness and loving kindness.
Traditional Balinese Massage
Bali, the island of the gods: The Balinese live equally in two worlds: the seen or conscious world called sekala, and the unseen or spiritual world, called niskala. Both of these elements are addressed in their healing techniques. The rich Balinese culture includes a wealth of information on herbal remedies, massage and energy healing. All of this ancient wisdom we find in the Traditional Balinese Massage.
A gentle massage of slow, long flowing strokes, skin rolling and pressure point application is used in this deeply relaxing massage to relieve stress, tension and improve circulation. The use of super-nourishing virgin coconut oil suitable for all skin types and the help of aromatic essential oils gets absorbed through the skin and carried around the body to stimulate our immune system and energy flow.
Originally posted @ New Earth Institute – Academy of Health & Wellness
