Thai, Balinese & Hawaiian Spa
- Joy Watt
- Jan 13, 2022
- 4 min read
Contemporary Spa Massage
Contents
1: Introduction
2: Thai
3: Balinese
4: Hawaiian
5: Conclusion
6: Bibliography
INTRODUCTION
Massage techniques from the South Pacific are world widely famous for their soothing and calming effects on the body, using blends of oils distinct to the local areas in the Hawaii Islands, separated by the Kawai Channel and Alenuihaha Channel, of which Honolulu is the most populated area. The beautiful landscape of sea, sands and vibrant, exotic greenspace influence and inspire the massage therapies which often use a lot of forearm and elbow and mimic the rolling of the sea and the waves splashing. These techniques have been developed over centuries and routines have been passed down through the generations where it is often normal for families to practice complementary therapy techniques together as part of personal health and wellness, but also as a spiritual experience.
The main technique I will be looking at in this report is Lomi Lomi (meaning rub rub) which is known as the loving hands massage. The effect gently and deeply spiritual strokes the body using a swaying motion and nurturing touch, helping the client to relax through continuous effleurage, petrissage techniques using elbows and knuckles can be used and feet, sticks and stones have also traditionally been part of the routine. Products are naturally derived, mainly fruit, nut and coconut based oils from the Islands.
Balinese Massage uses similar swaying, sweeping, drainage effleurage techniques to Lomi Lomi, and works from head to toe in one move, the client is normally naked to allow for easy gliding across the skin. A spiritual technique, based in the Hindu religion with a focus on physical healing through spiritual balance. There is no time limit to this technique and repetitive movements can be used for hours at a time to soothe and heal the recipient, while the therapist can use smooth and gentle sweeping movements. Palms and forearms are mainly used so that fingers/hands do not tire and the massage can be safely extensive.
Thai Massage uses basic equipment and can be performed on a mat on the ground, and adopts yoga techniques to relax the body, reduce tension, stretch muscle and revitalize natural energy. Much inspiration is taken from the Buddhist practices for natural healing, kindness and synergy with seasons, elements and anatomy for a greater sense of health and wellbeing through living a humble life for a richer and abundant positive energy, focusing on your own path of loving yourself to be able to share that with others through these caring and kind massage techniques.
‘You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire Universe, deserves your love and affection’ Buddha
THAI
1: Introduction
Geographically, Thailand sits between India and China, which is an important location in the history and practice of massage and techniques relating to the popularity and healing elements used in massage from South East Asia.
Thailand is a beautiful and peaceful place, famed for Buddhist practice, yoga and natural healing methods. Thai methods have taken much inspiration from Indian Ayurvedic methods and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Buddhist Monks and Physicians founded and developed the Thai medicine system over 2500 years ago, Shivago Komperaj originally from Northern India, worked alongside the Sangha, a group of professionals including nuns, monks and royal advisors who reported to the King kept good records of treatment based on the four branches of traditional Thai medicine, and adopts various deep tissue techniques, working on firm surfaces or mats on the floor.
Thai massage is different because it uses the bodies’ energy lines, known as Sen Lines, working to the theory that there are seventy-two thousand energy lines that form and frame the physical body. These energy lines correspond with Chinese acupuncture meridians and pathways from the ancient Indian Ayurvedic practice. The theory is that the body can be healed using cosmic energy flowing through the 12 Sen Lines within the body, which opens or contracts within the 72,000 yoga meridians to unblock channels and heal the body using stretching methods, which is known as Tok Sen.
There are limited historical records on ancient Thai techniques due to destruction of records over time with wars and destruction of artefacts. The popularity of Thai massage rose post WW2 up to the late 1980’s, although a blip in legalities outlawed the treatments for a short period until scientific evidence was found to deem the treatment safe at Government level in the mid 1990’s.
2: General and Specific Effects of Methods
Using very simple and basic
3: Benefits and Effects on Body Systems
The sen lines carry through the whole body and take account of each body system and how blockages can have a negative impact on our health.
4: Contraindications
Conditions which prevent treatment:
Cancer – cell division can be increased and there is a risk that over stimulation can further encourage cancer growth.
Thrombosis – the potential risk of an embolism can be caused by breaking up a clot and the over stimulation could be fatal for the client.
Circulation/Heart Condition/Pace Maker – cannot risk any sudden changes that may weaken the heart and disrupt the pulse, beat or pressure which may be caused with vasodilation.
Intoxication – the metabolism is speeded up with massage making the absorption rate of drugs or alcohol much quicker and at a rate that can make the client very ill.
Fever/Nausea – any unknown illness, sickness or fever should be referred to a doctor.
Infectious or Contagious Diseases – Bacterial, viral or spreading infections should not be treated by a therapist who may catch something then spread to other clients, causing a chain reaction, Risks need to be contained.
Disorders of the Nervous System – Parkinsons, Stroke, MS. ME or any condition where sensory nerves can be affected require permission from a doctor as the client may not be able to feel pressure or bruising.
5: Contra-actions
This may occur during a treatment and risk should be avoided:
Headaches
Heightened emotional state
Worsening of symptoms and current ailments (healing crisis)
Aching and soreness
Tiredness or energy surge
Cleansing reaction
Passing more urine, more frequent stools
Cold-like symptoms
Special Care:
Undiagnosed Lumps or Swelling
Recent Scar Tissue
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Epilepsy
High/Low Blood Pressure
Metal/Electrical implants
Psoriasis/Eczema
Open Cuts/Abrasions/Bruising
Warts/Skin Tags/Raised Moles
Botox/Fillers
Asthma
Allergies
Sunburn
After Care
The advice given is individual for each client and general aftercare is listed below:
Drink plenty water over the next 24 hours
Avoid Stimulants – caffeine/ nicotine/alcohol for 24 hours
Avoid strenuous exercise for next 24 hours
No exposure to direct sunlight for 48 hours
Eat a light meal as anything heavy may affect digestion
No other body treatments for 24 hours
Detoxifying may mean you go to the toilet more often
You may have headaches which should subside in 24 hours
Healing Crisis may make you sleepy for 24 hours
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1: Introduction
Comments