Thai massage is a beautiful and unique combination of energy work, massage, and yoga. It is practiced on the floor on a mat, with the recipient fully clothed. A spiritual practice, Thai massage was originally practiced and continues to be practised by monks in the Buddhist monasteries of Thailand, although it originated in India from the time of Buddha.
UNESCO put traditional Thai massage, known as Nuad Thai in Thailand, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is regarded as part of the art, science and culture of traditional Thai healthcare. This recognition has cemented the tradition of Nuad Thai massage as a human practice that should be remembered, revered, and preserved for generations to come.
As a non-medicinal remedy and manual therapy, the practitioner helps rebalance the patient’s body, energy and structure to promote wellness and treat illnesses believed to be caused by the obstruction of energy flow along sen lines that crisscross the human body. This is intended to normalize the four body elements: earth, water, wind and fire. If you are visiting Thailand, you can experience Nuad Thai in What Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok.
For the practitioner giving the Thai Yoga Massage, it is a beautiful spiritual dance involving tai chi-like moves. The practitioner uses a gentle rocking motion to incorporate the weight of her body into the massage, following three main sets of sen energy lines along the core of the body and the arms and legs, much like the energy points used in acupuncture and other healing modalities..
As both energy work and a physical massage, it affects the physical, emotional, and mental bodies, working at the subtle energy level, leaving the person receiving the massage in a deep state of relaxation. Many clients have noticed a marked increase in energy following a Thai yoga massage, with effects lasting 24 hours or more. Others may experience emotional releases.
In 2001 I became a certified practitioner, studying under Kam Thye Chow who opened the first accredited Thai Yoga Massage School in Montreal, Quebec. Kam Thye Chow modified the massage practice to be better suited to North Americans, by putting greater focus on the back.
Testimonials
Jennie is a master in giving Thai Massages. I like deep massage and she is strong in giving this. She is sensitive to where attention is needed and effectively uses her hands, arms, feet and body weight, to reach those places. I have never fallen asleep during one of her massages but I am totally relaxed at the end of each one. - Adrian P.
The Thai massages that Jennie has given me were so blissful and her ability and sensitivity to my needs was spot on. I could completely relax with full confidence in her skills and her interest and love of the process shows through. I will continue to schedule massages as my body feels so good for a long time afterward. - Alice R., Artist
If you want more than just a massage, go to Jennie! She's filled with so much knowledge about how yoga and stretching is needed in our lives, and comes with so much worldwide experience. And a lovely Gulf Island space to boot. If you like a bit more rigour in a massage, highly recommend thai with Jennie! - Alina C., Publisher
