Touch Therapy

Thai Yoga Massage (TYM) is very different from massage that is usually given on a couch. TYM is carried out without oils or lotion on a comfortable floor mat or futon and you remain fully clothed throughout. The four main positions are with you lying on your back (supine) on your front (prone), sidelying or seated on a chair, with supporting pillows as necessary.

It combines stretching, energy work, deep tissue techniques and relaxation into one incredibly powerful whole-body treatment. I use fingers, thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to apply a combination of acupressure, gentle rocking and twisting, joint and spine mobilisations and assisted yoga stretches.

I will guide your body through a series of different positions and assisted stretches – always with your comfort a priority – in a flowing series of moves to help free the tension trapped within your body. The treatment begins at the feet and works up through your body, finishing with the shoulders, neck and head, to follow the flow of energy through your body.

I use my bodyweight (as I do in my couch massage) instead of strength, in a steady meditative rhythm.

TYM treatments typically last from one to two hours and like my massage treatments, are tailored to your needs.

I suggest you wear something comfortable and loose fitting e.g. long-sleeved jumper or Tshirt, leggings/loose trousers. It may be advisable for female clients not to wear a bra or possibly a sports bra or top with integrated bra support and certainly avoid one with underwiring.

TYM is often regarded as the ultimate lazy and simple way of obtaining all the benefits of yoga and more without having to do it yourself! The acupressure techniques that are used throughout the massage help to clear energy blocks held within the body. This helps to restore the natural flow of energy and leaves you with a feeling of well-being.

Regular TYM treatments can relieve general stiffness and reverse the loss of flexibility that is often regarded as the inevitable result of the ageing process – making you feel younger and more energised.

It stretches muscles and manipulates joints just a little more than if you attempted the same moves unaided. This gives the benefit of increasing your flexibility, suppleness and range of movement. It also helps to restore balance within and between the major muscle groups, easing pain and improving posture, thus helping to prevent injury.

It can relieve tense, tight muscles that are the result of overworking them (e.g. in sport of physical activity such as heavy gardening) or the result of not using them enough (often as a result of long hours sitting at a desk or driving)

It promotes the free flow of energy through the body, bringing relief from aches, pains and stiffness, particularly in any tight joints e.g. knees, ankles, wrists, hips, shoulders and neck. It can also relieve chronic tension such as back pain and some types of headaches.

Can be purely relaxing or can release chronic physical pain to aid relaxation. The rhythmical workout creates a relaxed state, allowing the body to let go of stress and worries.

TYM is great for relieving stress and the symptoms of stress. It stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph through the body and can bring relief from headaches, muscular tension, anxiety, insomnia etc.

I have trained with Kathryn Ellis at Central School of Massage.