Improving Your Energy Flow

Balinese massage may be the most popular on this island, however, many people are unaware of the multiple benefits of pressure point massages such as Japanese Shiatsu and Traditional Thai massage. Both are based upon meridians or energy lines that run throughout the body. The benefits include: increased blood circulation, flexibility, improved posture, pain relief, restores your health and prevents illness and most important is anti-aging.

Both Shiatsu and Thai massage are based on balancing the life force energy of the body known as Qi (pronounced chi) in Chinese or Ki in Japanese. Yin and Yang are the female and male components of Qi. There are twelve meridians, six feminine and six masculine each associated with an organ. Along these meridians are acupressure points, known as Tsubos in Shiatsu.

In Japanese, Shiatsu literally means “finger pressure”, although the hands, elbows and knees, feet and other parts of the body are also used. It’s a unique collection of classical Oriental medical theory, whose history goes back to the beginnings of acupuncture 4000 years ago. The techniques involve thumb pressing, stretching, holding and leaning body weight into various parts of the recipient’s body. Although walking on the back is sometimes included, only a very skilled practitioner should do this as it can be potentially harmful.

Some people may have a belief that Shiatsu or Thai massage is painful, but I was taught methods for both massages that are effective yet comfortable. Shiatsu or Thai massage is the ideal treatment to rebalance the energy and allow the body to heal itself.

YIN & YANG
Yin and Yang are opposite yet complimentary aspects of existence, the shade and the light. Yin corresponds to that which is dark, cool, moist, soft, receptive and feminine. Yang represents light, hot, dry, hard, active and masculine. The substance of the organs is Yin yet the energy is Yang. Where there is too much Yin, there is a tendency to coldness, dampness and condensation. With too much Yang there is over activity and heat. When either Yin or Yang is deficient, the dominant aspect overcompensates and excess symptoms appear. Shiatsu will automatically help to balance the Yin and Yang.

Thai massage may seem to border on torture but if the practitioner is well trained, the ‘pain’ is actually beneficial. The reason you experience pain, is because of the blockages of energy in your meridians or if you’re not as flexible as you could be. In normal health, a balanced condition exists, and the energy flows smoothly along the meridians, like water through a garden hose, supplying and maintaining all parts of the body. But when the body has been weakened by immoderate lifestyle, emotional stress or injury, the energy no longer flows smoothly, creating a state of disease. Usually these areas are painful to the touch, which can be alleviated by applying pressure like taking the kink out of a garden hose.

The infamy of Bangkok’s “massage parlours” has created the illusion for many foreigners that Thai massage involves sexual contact. But this is far from the truth. Traditional Thai massage in its present form actually dates back to over 1000 years ago, with its roots in India and China, originally only performed by monks in the temples for healing.

Thai people venerate Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, as the father of medicine, who was the Buddha’s physician and close friend in India over 2,500 years ago. He is regarded as not only the inspiration for the massage techniques used in Thailand, but also as the source of knowledge of the healing powers of herbs and minerals. Aspects of Indian Ayurvedic medicine can still be found in Thailand, along with herbal treatment, steam baths and massage.

Wats (temples) or monasteries have always provided health care. The most famous temple in Thailand is Wat Pho, the national centre for the teaching and preservation of traditional Thai medicine. With its origins firmly rooted in the Buddhist concept of “matta” or loving kindness, Thai massage was regarded as a religious rite, and was originally only performed by male monks in temples. Today, Wat Pho sets the standard for traditional Thai massage, where a training centre is open to anyone who wishes to learn.

Thai massage focuses on the main 10 energy lines. Applying pressure along these channels helps to release any energy blockages. Pressing and stretching the muscles makes them more receptive to this flow. Any imbalance or blockage in the flow of this energy can cause pain or disease. When the system is working well and energy is balanced, you feel happy, relaxed, energetic and free from stiffness and pain. Thai massage is unique in its ability to preserve youthfulness. Thai massage can give a wonderful rhythmical workout that balances the body’s need for movement and stretching while providing a relaxed state of mind. Thai massage incorporates some Hatha Yoga stretches, without the work and sweat and is sometimes referred to as “Lazy man’s yoga”.

Balinese massage uses oil and will relax your muscles, leaving you perhaps sleepy. Usually administered on a mat on the floor, Shiatsu and Thai massage works on your energy and is performed with clothing leaving you feeling revitalized. Try it you’ll like it.

For further information about Shiatsu or Thai massage, contact me at spa.inspirations@gmail.com or visit: The Heavenly Spa at the Westin Resort Nusa Dua for an excellent 90 minute Shiatsu treatment performed by well trained staff in a special Shiatsu room or in a bale in the beautiful garden. T: 361-8498888.

Cosmo Salon and Spa is another great spa for both Shiatsu and Thai massage. They offer 1 and 2 hour treatments in their quaint allocated room with 2 mats on the floor. Only the senior staff perform these massages, so you’re assured you’ll get a marvellous experience with rhythm and power but with an intuitive touch for each client. Jalan Danau Tamblingan, #176, Sanur. T: 361-286330.

Copyright spa inspirations 2015
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