Thai Massage has been practised in Thailand for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. Although the massage can be carried out on the whole body, Thai Foot massage is an art in it's own right. 

It is a mixture of many influences including Ayurveda, Reflexology, Acupressure, Shiatsu, Traditional Chinese massage and Yoga. These influences may have come through Thailand's old trade connections with South East Asia, India, Japan etc and with the spread of Buddhism to the country. It is still being taught and used by Buddhist monks in the temples today. Thai massage is also practised and handed down between family and friends. 

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The massage is carried out on the feet, lower legs and hands. Oil will be used on these exposed areas which differs to a traditional full body Thai massage which is usually performed through clothes.

This is both an invigorating and relaxing treatment. As well as using some stretching, hands, knuckles, thumbs, and palms to massage the areas, I will also use a traditional Thai massage stick to apply pressure to energy points. Like reflexology these energy points are linked to the organs of the body and so it can feel like a full massage as the whole body is effected.

Treatment includes working on 'Sen' lines, which means channel or line in Thai, and are similar in theory to the meridians of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The techniques of Thai Hand and Foot Massage are thought to stimulate and open these energy channels, leaving you feeling relaxed, balanced and invigorated.  

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Some of the reflex points that will be worked during the massage are the Solar Plexus, the Adrenal and the Pituitary points.

The solar plexus is a clustered network of nerves that sits directly behind the stomach. It goes out to all parts of the abdominal cavity and has also been referred as the “abdominal brain”. The solar plexus is highly affected by stress so releasing this reflex point has been known to decrease stress levels as well as increase the body’s tolerance for stress.

Releasing the Adrenal points can again help to reduce stress and bring you back from the 'fight or flight'  response by controlling the production of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline.

The Pituitary gland, is also known as the master gland as it regularises all the other endocrine glands and harmonises any imbalances within the body. This reflex point will effectively relax and or energise the body based on what is needed at that moment. It helps to hold this point before bedtime as it will help to calm and relax the body, producing a better night’s sleep. Holding this point first thing in the morning will have the opposite effect of energising the body.

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Please see What to expect and Benefits of massage for more information.

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Benefits of a Thai Hand And Foot Massage may include -​​

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• Increased circulation to the hands, feet and lower legs.

• Stimulation of reflex points on the hands and feet which correspond to the internal organs of the body. This may help to promote general health and a sense of well-being.

• Increased lymphatic drainage from the hands, feet, and lower legs.

• Increase range of motion with stretching and manipulation.

• May help to balance and restore the healthy flow of energy in the body by working on Sen lines to clear blockages.

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Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the suitability of having a Thai Hand And Foot massage. 

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