thai massage

Thai massage uses massage, yoga and acupressure to balance the body's natural energies. It is a powerful form of bodywork that benefits both the giver and receiver.

Due to Thailand's location along trade routes from India and China, Thai massage was influenced by yoga, energy line anatomy, acupressure, guided breathing and meditation, as well as the local practitioners' medical traditions.

Although the entire massage is performed fully clothed on a thick mat on the floor, Thai massage can be intimate and nurturing. As the recipient releases control of his or her body--letting the therapist move it into and out of yoga stretches--both develop a special rapport that allows a flowing interaction mimicking a kind of dance.

This form of therapy is still relatively new to the West. Kelly follows the traditional Thai massage sequence, which begins at the feet. Thai massage teaches that due to our lifestyle and lack of activity, our energy can become stagnant or pooled in our feet and legs, instead of circulating freely through the body. A typical session will begin with acupressure work on the feet akin to reflexology, before moving on to leg work and stretches, then up into the shoulders and neck.

Due to constant sitting and poor posture, energy can easily be trapped in the joints. Thanks to the repeated flowing movements of the therapist and the passive stretching, Thai massage can release deeply held tension in the body, especially under-worked joints like the hips.

In Thailand, a full-body massage traditionally lasts around 2 hours, although it can run as long as three hours, depending on the client's needs. Kelly offers 60, 75, 90 and 120-minute massage lengths. Due to the number of positions and stretches possible, a 60-minute massage is considered an introduction to the modality. To get the full benefit of this style of massage, consider booking at least a 75 or 90-minute massage.

Yoga-style stretches are performed in several positions: with the client lying on his or her back, stomach, both sides and sitting. Please advise the therapist if any of these positions are uncomfortable for you. Also, please alert the therapist of high or low blood pressure or varicose veins, as well as any other health considerations.

Prenatal Thai Massage is available. Most of the massage will be performed with the mommy-to-be lying on her sides or sitting, unless she is still comfortable spending some time on her back. (Massage is not recommended during the first trimester.)

Before your massage: please wear comfy clothes you can be moved and stretched in (changing rooms are available at the salon). Please wash off any cologne or lotion, as a courtesy to your therapist. Some oil may be used on the hands, feet and neck.

60 minutes: $75 [get your feet wet]

75 minutes: $90 [experience more than one position and add hot stones and towels]

90 minutes: $105 [the classic Thai massage]

2 hours: $140 [that little bit extra that's so worth it]