Thai massage: what is it about?

The Thai massage is part of the traditional oriental massages, based on the energetic circulation within meridians that run through the whole body.

His teaching is relatively recent compared to other massages based on traditional medicines, and has been relegated for many years to a simple aesthetic massage, since some techniques use particular oils, and for the substantial ignorance about the fundamental principles of traditional medicine on which it is based. .

Thai massage is associated with Buddhism and yoga , but some characteristics border on traditional Chinese medicine : the meridians on which it is operated are very similar, in some cases the same as TCM, while some positions exercise an action similar to the  asanas of yoga .

Thai massage, in one of its variants, is in fact often also called ” passive yoga “. The approach is also the same that is applied in shiatsu and ayurvedic massages. The differences are mainly in the type of manipulations applied : pressure, kneading, twisting, stretching and brushing are used. Both hands and elbows and feet are used.

Thai massage is very complex and there are several techniques : learning the principles is simple, you just need to know how to choose the school with the right characteristics.

Read also Thai massage, the Bangkok school >>

Where to learn Thai massage

Thai massage consists of several techniques. Some schools practice it on the ground, on a futon, others on a cot, there are those who use an abundance of oils, and those who avoid them on some parts of the body. Schools where to learn Thai massage should have the following characteristics :

> presence of a complete complementary course in anatomy and physiology : even if it does not concern the medical field, we are always acting on the body of a human being and we should be able to recognize what are the shape and functions of that particular segment on which we put our hands;

> seminars on self-listening and listening to others , both from a verbal and an empathic point of view: touching a person is a very intimate gesture that presupposes the ability to be empathetic and respectful;

> courses on traditional and alternative medicines , with particular reference to those that directly influenced the birth of Thai massage: traditional Ayurvedic medicine, yoga, traditional Chinese medicine, history and evolution of Thai massage;

> more practical Thai massage seminars on the various body areas , on the techniques and protocols , and on the complementary tools used , such as oils and herbs;

> professional ethics and deontology course , to understand the areas of practice of Thai massage.

Some schools that offer study courses to become a Thai massage professional are:

> Traditional Academy of Thai Massage , operates in Milan and Genoa; offers intensive monothematic training courses that provide practical and immediately applicable tools to perform a good traditional Thai massage and a good Thai yoga massage;

> the Shivago Thai Massage school , in addition to basic single-issue courses of a few days, offers a broader training course, divided over several years, including both practical and theoretical aspects of Thai massage. It is based in Savona, Genoa and Sabaudia;

> the Samadhi Ssdrl school is based in Florence and Milan and looks like a yoga and meditation school. Thai massage courses are divided into several months within a school year, or residential intensive. The structure of the course covers both the theoretical part, with history and principles of traditional medicine, and the practical one.