• Massage image by Vladimir Melnikov from Fotolia.com
  
  Thai yoga massage is the principle of prana nadis. Prana is life energy that is absorbed by our bodies through air and food, and is supplied by prana nadis, a network of invisible energy lines. A disturbance or blockage anywhere in the prana nadis will manifest itself as ill heath or sickness. Through assisted yoga stretches, marma or accupressure point stimulation and synchronized breathing, Thai yoga massage can free the blockages of energy, and open up the channels of prana nadis.
  
  

Assisted Yoga Stretches

• Thai yoga massage is always performed on the floor rather than a table. This enables floor stretches to be assisted by the therapist. The asanas (postures) chosen are based on the individual's body, which ailments they are experiencing and which meridian the corresponding blockage falls upon. Using weight and leverage, the assisted stretches work to loosen, move and stretch your entire body.
  
  

Marma Points

• While in the assisted stretch, the therapist will use their hands, knees, feet or elbows to stimulate marma points along the energy meridians. Palm and finger pressure and the therapist's own energy flow are all used to further stimulate these points throughout the body. Some marma points will be stimulated using deep-tissue massage techniques and manipulations.
  
  

Synchronized Breathing

• To further induce a meditative calm, the therapist and client engage in synchronized deep breathing. Deep breathing brings more oxygen into the body and tissues, increases circulation and further works to open channels of energy in the body.The synchronization between therapist and client deepens the meditative quality of Thai yoga massage.
  
  

Benefits of Thai Yoga Massage

• Releases tense muscles
  
  Increases flexibility and joint mobility
  
  Acts as a lymphatic cleanser
  
  Eliminates toxins in the system
  
  Assists postural alignment
  
  Increases body awareness
  
  Stimulates internal organs
  
  Improves neurological function and vitality
  
  Relieves tension and stress
  
  Promotes the body's self-healing properties
  
  Balances the energy flow throughout the body
  
  Helps strengthen the immune system
  
  Induces deep relaxation
  
  Calms the mind