Ananda Holistic Yoga and Ayurveda     

Thai Massage dates back more than 2600 years to the time of the buddha, and has been described as "having yoga done to you."   Dr JIvakka Komarabhacca, who is said to be the personal physician to the Buddha himself, is considered to be the father of Thai yoga massage This is not just a massage it incorporates energy work as the practitioner massages along energy lines called sen lines to release energy blockages and better facilitate the movement of vital life force energy in the body, Thai Yoga Massage also incorporates a combination of acupressure and yoga like stretches to release tension in the body facilitate better movement in the joints. no oils or creams are used,  and Thai Yoga Massage is practiced on a large mattress on the floor instead of a massage table and is done fully clothed.  Thai Yoga Massage has been adapted to fit western bodies, sessions are done more slowly, include Breath work and rhythmic rocking, pressure is applied gradually and gently to better facilitate the release of tension from tissues and are customized to fit each recipients body type and individual needs. 

Please don't misunderstand my rather underwhelming description of Thai Yoga Massage and see this beautiful healing practice as just a collection of stretches and techniques to increase flexibility and alleviate pain and discomfort. Thai Yoga Massage is so much more than that, Thai Massage is an ancient healing art form that has been practiced for thousands and thousands of years. While Dr. Jivakka is considered the father of Thai Yoga Massage, the practice has been traced back to Tibet another 2000 years, and that is just the written records. Who knows how long the practice was taught as an oral tradition prior to that? Thai massage is considered to be the "physical manifestation of metta," the buddhist practice of loving kindness. it incorporates meditation, energy work, acupressure, pranayama (yogic breath work) and ayurveda. Thai Yoga Massage is the greatest gift you can give to yourself, and to be able to learn and to offer this ancient healing art form is truly a privilege.