by Martin Kingston
http://www.massage-therapy-london.co.uk
+44 20 8400 9712 / +44 7710 314432
This article appeared in the newsletter for BodyworkersLondon.com
The following questions were asked in an exam at Westminster University. The answers may help with an understanding of what Thai Massage is all about.
Swedish style massage is a style
developed in the last 200 years, inspired by a swede's trip to India looking
for remedial bodywork. Thai Yoga Massage also claims an inheritance from India,
stretching back over 1000 years, however, and explicitly includes yoga stretches
as part of the therapy.
Swedish style massage works on the knowledge of western anatomy, and encourages
blood and lymphatic return to the heart to remove chemical waste-products. Thai
Yoga Massage is a therapy designed to free up blockages in energy flows ("Lom")
around the body, not recognised in western medicine, but pervasive in oriental
therapies.
Swedish massage is conducted on a couch, with the client disrobed, and oils
or lotions or even talc are used as a lubricant for the effleurage or flowing
movements. Thai massage is conducted on a mat on the floor, through clothes,
and no oil is normally necessary for the squeezing and stretching movements
used.
However, both forms of bodywork are conducted in an atmosphere of relaxation
and serenity, or even meditation, which will encourage a para-sympathetic response
in the Autonomic Nervous System, encouraging a recovery from stress, healing
and a general feeling of wellbeing.
On a PHYSICAL level, Thai Yoga Massage encourages muscular and fascial release and relaxation, encouraging blood supply, lymphatic flow and boosting the digestive system.
On a MENTAL level, it encourages mental relaxation and the para-sympathetic ANS response, causing a lowering of stress levels, better healing and boosting the immune system.
On a SPIRITUAL level, it encourages a nurturing communication between people in a non-intrusive way, encouraging cameraderie in a co-operative project of well-being.
It can be performed almost anywhere, as it requires no accessories like a table and oils, and there is no-need to disrobe.
Sen lines are recognised in Thai
medicine as lines of energy for the movement of "Lom" around the body,
and Thai Massage aims to remove blockages to this flow.
Sen lines are not recognised in western anatomy, but they often correspond with
lines longitudinal to groups of muscles or tendons, so that palming/thumbing
pressure will manipulate muscles and stretch fascia. More specifically, there
are some parallels with the myo-fascial "Anatomy Trains" noted by
Tom Myers, where a fascial pathway like the Lateral Line can be traced by the
1st & 2nd outer sen of the leg. Of particular interest is Myers' Spiral
Line, which is heavily involved with most movement, for the efficient storage
and use of energy when walking/running or lifting - in fact most full-body manual
effort.
Most sen lines are treated first
with palming, then thumbing (thumb pressing, or thumb "chasing", depending
on the needs of the patient). This is typical for lower and outer legs. More
sensitive areas may be treated with variations of the techniques, like the inner
thigh lines with oblique foot pressing, or the outer thigh with clasped hands.
These are not so specific and pointed, but give a more generalised deep pressure
that will move laterally larger muscles without causing a pain response.
Stretches will also be employed to free up the sen lines.
1st outside sen:
Lower Leg: from anterior/inferior to lateral malleolus
Lateral to tibia, following tibialis anterior
To the lateral head of the tibia
Upper Leg: from lateral superior border of the patella
Longitudinal to vastus lateralis
To the anterior iliac spine
1st inside sen:
Lower Leg: from inferior to medial malleolus
Medial to tibia along the line of the attachments to the deep compartment
To the medial head of the tibia
Upper Leg: from the depression superior to the medial patella
Along the line of the adductors
To the inguinal crease
The Spinal Twist is an excellent method to introduce movement to tense muscles in the trunk, not just the deep muscles around the spine - multifidus, spinalis - but others - erector spinae and also the "spiral line" muscles recognised by Tom Myers (in his book "Anatomy Trains").
Depending on the type of spinal twist, (especially seated) Quadratus Lumborum may also be exercised. As a result, lumbar disc injuries may contraindicate treatment, and the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Shoulder trouble may contraindicate the side-lying twist.
The Cobra Stretch involves assisting
a patient to extend their back while prone, pulling on their arms while sitting
on their hips.
· the back is arched, counteracting any habitual stress-related slump;
· when done in a mindful way, there is a stretching/release and toning
of the the "deep front line" (Myers, T., "Anatomy Trains")
· by holding the hands and pulling, the pectoralis major and intercostal
muscles are passively stretched.
The Cobra Stretch is contra-indicated for people with vertebral damage, and
as it is performed prone, best avoided for women in the 3rd Trimester of pregnancy
and very obese people.
An obese patient may or may not have
other conditions (like diabetes, high blood pressure) which should influence
the treatment, but if the only factor is simple obesity, then the following
should be considered:
· Self-care: extra weight and inertia may strain the practitioner if
not accounted for;
· Some leaning forward or sideways moves, or prone/supine positions may
be uncomfortable.
However, obese people often have larger, more tense muscles from carrying the
extra weight, but less flexibility because a more sedentary lifestyle does not
encourage stretching/release, so will benefit a lot from this type of massage.
If a potential client says they have
cancer, it is important:
· that it is not at risk of metastatizing - some authorities warn the
lymphatic drainage in massage may spread secondaries;
· they are not currently undergoing chemotherapy, which can thin and
sensitize the skin;
· radiotherapy can cause localised burning, which should be left to recover.
A doctor's note agreeing to treatment is necessary. Nevertheless, for palliative
care thai massage if not otherwise contra-indicated can help a lot with the
relief of pain, through encouraging the para-sympathetic response.
A client experiencing menstruation
should be the ultimate guide to what treatment is appropriate at a vulnerable
condition. Massage can assist a lot with soothing back and hip pain.
However, abdominal massage is contra-indicated unless explicitly welcomed and
even then should only be light and soothing. Postures that invert the trunk
should be avoided in the 1st/2nd days. Also postures that separate the knees
may be especially unwelcome as they may increase feelings of vulnerability.
Check with the client and go slow and gentle.