I had the best massage experience yesterday with Bill Hufschmidt who does Thai Massage and owns Jai Shanti Yoga Studio www.jaishantiyoga.com . He also holds many different classes and workshops that I'm looking forward to checking out at his studio.

Bill has trained a couple, Shawna Brodie and Chris Butson, Thai therapists in Marietta, http://www.bodhiwise.abmp.com/ and they have an excellent description of what Thai Massage is and the benefits listed on their home page that I will share with you here:

What is Thai Yoga Therapy?

Thai Yoga Therapy (also known as Thai massage or ‘lazy man’s yoga’) is a healing tradition that originated in India and took root in Thailand about 2,000 years ago. It is a flowing sequence of massage, stretching, joint rotation, acupressure, and meditation...all rolled into one experience. The governing premise of this modality is that all life is sustained by a vital force that flows along energy pathways in our bodies (‘sen’ or ‘meridian’ lines). Dis-ease and dysfunction can occur when this energy becomes stagnant or sluggish.

Accordingly, the intent of Thai Yoga Therapy is to release restrictions, enhance the free flow of energy, and maintain a general balance of wellness. It is a restorative, nurturing whole-body treatment that promotes internal health and vitality, flexibility, better posture, and a sense of unity with all of life.

Thai Yoga Therapy can help to:

* Reduce pain, restriction, and stiffness in the muscles and joints
* Encourage deep rest and relaxation within the nervous system
* Minimize the chance of injury, and improve physical performance
* Boost the immune system and self-curative wisdom of the body
* Improve circulation to vital organs, muscles, and the skin
* Balance and integrate the body, mind, emotions, and spirit
* Increase flexibility and ease of movement
* Improve the elimination of toxins
* Create a calm mind and emotions

What should I expect during my session?

Thai Yoga Therapy differs from western massage in many ways. Sessions are carried out on a comfortable floor mat in a relaxing atmosphere, with the client in loose comfortable clothing. The mat allows for the most effective and beneficial use of weight, leverage, balance, and gravity. Practitioners use their thumbs, palms, elbows, forearms, knees, and feet to create a flowing sequence of rhythmic pressure, passive stretching, acupressure, joint rotation, and relaxation techniques. The body is slowly and smoothly moved and compressed to relieve tension, release restrictions, and tonify the body inside and out. Relaxed, deep breathing is emphasized and helps create a calm, peaceful state of mind-body.

While it is a more rigorous workout for your body than a table massage, it is meant to be therapeutic, not strenuous or painful. An open line of communication is maintained to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the session. The goal is to open the body up, while respecting its limits. The effect is uniquely relaxing as well as energizing.

Thai Yoga Therapy appeals to a wide range of people because it encourages them to let goof restrictions and go beyond their present limitations. It’s beneficial for all ages, flexibility and activity levels. While each person will respond to this work in relation to their own experience and present state of health, it is well to remember that Thai Yoga Therapy has been used for countless generations to counter degenerative forces and promote wellness.