Thai Hand And Foot Massage

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 passed down between family and friends. 

The massage is carried out on the feet, lower legs, hands, and lower arms. 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 techniques, I will also use my hands, knuckles, thumbs, and palms to massage the areas. The traditional Thai massage stick will be used, on the souls and palms, 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 an overall experience, 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.  

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.

As well as the general benefits of massage, a Thai Hand and Foot massage can stimulate the 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. It can also help to balance and restore a healthy flow of energy in the body by working on Sen lines to clear blockages.

Things to consider –  would be any foot infections, verrucas, open cuts or blisters, eczema, rashes, and warts. The therapy may not be appropriate in these circumstances or at least delayed until after any infection has cleared. 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. 

What to expect during a Thai Hand And Foot massage

The massage will be carried out on my table in a face up position. I will be working on your feet, lower legs, hands and lower arms, so please wear suitable loose clothing that can be moved away from these areas. After some initial stretching of the hips and feet, I will begin with a foot massage before introducing the Thai stick. This will work the reflex points helping to clear any energy blockages, giving the feeling of a whole body experience. The massage will continue with work on the lower legs by the application of pressure along the Sen lines. Once complete I will then move on to the hands and perform a similar routine of massage and reflex point stimulation with the Thai stick.

Please note that this is not meant to be a soothing or soft massage, it is intended to be firm, refreshing and revitalising. With this in mind each technique will start gently and pressure will increase with repetitions of the technique. Please let me know, throughout, if this pressure ever exceeds your comfort levels.