Techniques

Western Techniques:

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Aromatherapy

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Aromas are incorporated via essential oils, incense, and herbs for therapeutic benefit. When inhaled, the scent travels from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and especially impact the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain. 

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Benefits: Aromatherapy can be used to help a client who has trouble 'letting go' during a treatment to relax. Aroma can be used to rapidly promote stress relief or an uplifted energized mood. 

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Cons: Aromatherapy might not be suitable for those who are pregnant, prone to headaches or with perfume allergies.

 

Hot Stone

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Hot Stones are incorporated into massage to deliver targeted heated relief to your muscles.

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Benefits: Massage with Hot Stones can promote rapid muscle tension release and a deep sense of relaxation. 

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Cons: Massage with Hot Stones is not suitable for clients with high blood pressure, temperature sensitivity or during pregnancy. 

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Relaxation or Swedish 

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Swedish massage techniques are longer and with more fluid strokes. Swedish massage is often considered gentler than deep tissue massage and better suited for people interested in relaxation and tension relief. However, the pressure of Swedish massage can be adapted to soft, medium or firm pressure. 

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Benefits: Swedish massage techniques may provide a more overall experience of relaxation and general maintenance to the body.

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Cons: Swedish massage techniques might not provide as effective targeted relief to areas of concern.

 

Deep Tissue

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Deep Tissue massage techniques are intended to relieve targeted muscles of tension, knots or trigger points and scar tissue which may be inhibiting circulation or posture and causing pain or discomfort. Contrary to popular belief, the pressure of deep tissue massage can be adapted to soft, medium or firm pressure. 

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Benefits: Deep Tissue massage is a focused therapeutic treatment that aims to provide pain relief. Deep Tissue massage is suitable for those who need a strictly upper or lower body focused treatment. 

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Cons:  If you have a delicate or sensitive body some techniques may nee to be modified or skipped. You may not have a complete body massage if more time needs to be dedicated to relieving specific areas of the body. ​

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Trigger Point Release

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A Trigger Point is what a client often to refers to as a 'knot.'  Trigger Point Release involves resetting the circulation of an area of stagnation and tension in the muscle by applying sustained pressure. 

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Benefits: Trigger Point Release is coupled with Deep Tissue massage and can promote precise targeted relief. 

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Cons: Trigger Point Release can sometimes be uncomfortable or painful, and may need to be modified to safely accommodate pregnancy, high blood pressure, diabetes, and fragile bones. 

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Myofascial Release

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Myofascial Release targets the broad superficial layers of the muscle with segmental stretching techniques. 

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Benefits: Myofascial Release is coupled with Deep Tissue massage and can promote relief to the full muscle or muscle groups.  

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Cons: Trigger Point Release can sometimes be uncomfortable or painful, and may need to be modified to safely accommodate pregnancy, high blood pressure, diabetes, and fragile bones. 

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Active Release or Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

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PNF is a resistance stretching technique that promotes rapid increase in muscle elasticity, and therefore enhanced flexibility and range of motion. 

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Benefits:  PNF is coupled with Deep Tissue massage and can promote relief to the full muscle or muscle groups resulting in improved flexibility, strength and posture.  

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Cons: PNF is a collaborative technique, you will need to provide resistance so you will need to retain some presence.

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Origin  Insertion Technique (OIT)

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OIT is a targeted approach towards the attachment points of the muscle to the bone. 

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Benefits: OIT is coupled with Deep Tissue massage and can promote relief to the full muscle. This is a more gentler technique and can be more suitable for stubborn painful tensions or for clients during pregnancy, with high blood pressure, diabetes, and fragile bones. 

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Cons: OIT might not be relevant or easily applicable to deeper or broader muscles. 

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Golgi Tendon Organ (GTO)

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The GTO is a targeted approach to the spindle of connective tissue where the muscle tendon meets the muscle belly. 

 

Benefits: GTO is coupled with Deep Tissue massage and can promote relief to the full muscle. This technique is particularly useful for concerns relating to the calve muscle and foot pain. This is a more gentler technique and can be more suitable for stubborn painful tensions or for clients during pregnancy, with high blood pressure, diabetes, and fragile bones.

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Cons: GTO might not be relevant or easily applicable to deeper or broader muscles. 

 

Joint Manipulation & Traction

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Joint Manipulation provide by a massage therapist is low grade and low velocity - a gentle, slow and controlled action that helps increase mobility in the joint. Chiropractic Joint Manipulation can range from low to high grade, which means slow to higher velocity and potentially more cracking as gas releases from the joint spaces. 

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Benefits: Gentle Joint Manipulation can be incorporated into a Swedish or Deep Tissue massage to promote relaxation or to enhance joint health and range of motion. 

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Cons: Joint Manipulation is contraindicated during pregnancy, advanced arthritis or other joint disease, joint replacements, and for those with frail bones. 

Eastern Techniques: 

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Reiki (Energy Healing)

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A healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physical and emotional well-being.

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Recommended: For those interesting in physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing and well-being. 

Thai Oil Massage

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Thai oil massage combines Swedish, Thai, Tibetan and Indian massage techniques for energizing or relaxing the entire body.

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Recommended: For general relaxation, for everyone. 

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Thai Deep Tissue Massage

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Using the thumbs, elbows and palms for digging deeply into the various aches and pains often associated with strenuous bodily activities.

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Recommended: For those with acute or chronic muscle tension. 

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Thai Sport Massage

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Sports massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The purpose of the massage is to prepare the athlete for peak performance, to drain away fatigue, to relieve swelling, to reduce muscle tension, to promote flexibility and to prevent injuries.

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Recommended: For those with acute or chronic muscle tension. 

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Thai Traditional

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Thai yoga massage employs stretches, acupressure points, and proper use of body weight using thumbs, palms, elbows, knees and feet. Thai massage is traditionally performed on the floor, dry (without oil), over the clothes. 
 

Thai Table

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A combination of Northern & Southern style Thai Massage movements as it can be applied on a massage table without the practitioner moving on and off the table. 
 

Thai Hand Reflexology 

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Working with the reflex points on the hands which corresponds with each organ and system in the body. Emphasis is placed on a hands-on technique used to loosen up and relax the hands as well as to encourage the body to naturally restore its own healthy balance. Thai-style application technique using a Reflexology stick. 

 

Recommended: For those with jobs that are hard on the hands, such as prolonged computer work.
 

Thai Foot Reflexology

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Working with the reflex points on the feet which corresponds with each organ and system in the body. Emphasis is placed on a hands-on technique used to loosen up and relax the feet as well as to encourage the body to naturally restore its own healthy balance. Thai-style application technique using a Reflexology stick. 

 

Recommended: For those with aches and swelling in their feet and legs. ​

 

Thai Cloth Stretching (Pa Ka Ma/ Pha Khao Ma/ Pa Khaw Ma)

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"Pa Ka Ma” massage stretch or “Pa Khao Ma” massage stretch is the technique utilizing Thai-style cloth band to give a soothing stretch and massage. Originally from a Persian word “Karma band”, “Pha Khao Ma” is widely used across every region in Thailand for multi purposes. It can be used as a towel, tied around the waist of Thai men as a belt, wrapped around a mother as a baby carrier, etc.

 

Recommended: For everyone, especially those who want a gentle stretching and detoxing treatment. 
 

Thai Herbal Hot Compress

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Thai herbal ball compress treatments that combine a concoction of Thai herbs and steam with traditional, Nuad Bo-Rarn techniques.

 

Recommended: For relaxation, for everyone. 

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Bamboo

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The technique of Bamboo massage is good for circulation, sensory nerve perception, and lymphatic drainage and provides a deep sense of relaxation and well-being. 

 

Recommended: For deeper relaxation, for everyone. 
 

Thai Tok Sen (Ancient Tradition)

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Tok Sen is the use of a special, wooden hammer and wedge for creating rhythmic vibrations that stimulate a wide range of health benefits – relief from tired muscles, to more serious ailments such as rheumatism, pinched nerves, energy lines disease and paralysis.

 

Recommended: For those with nerve pain or stubborn chronic issues that previous treatments have not helped. 
 

Chi Nei Tsang (Abdominal Care & Detox)

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Gentle, deep, detoxifying, and energizing techniques for the abdomen to release tensions, toxins and emotions from the organ systems. This treatment can help alleviate back pain. 

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Recommended: For those interested in the wellness of their organs. 

Thai Yufei (Women's Care - Menstruation, Prenatal, Postnatal, Menopause)

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The Thai tradition of restoring and maintaining a mother's overall state of biological, psychological and spiritual well-being. Thai massage and a cloth wrap treatment for slimming the waist area and firming the skin is also a component.

Recommended: For those struggling with hormonal and / or abdominal discomfort relating to women's health or bloating.

 

Thai Enfant (Baby & Child Care)* (Training Only)

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This course is infant centered, in the sense that properly massaged babies are more relaxed, sleep better and are more alert when awake. This nurturing also assists with healthy bodily and psychological development, resulting in improved self-esteem and overall health.

Watsu (Shiatsu Hydrotherapy)*

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Watsu® is a form of water therapy, which is also called hydrotherapy. It involves stretches, massages, and acupressure in warm water.