YOUR wellbeing editor Kate tries out a treatment or event or activity each issue this time it is Thai Massage.
THERE is something blissful about being in the hands of a highly experienced practitioner and this issue’s Kate Does, with Emma Cayless, was a fantastic introduction to the dynamic body workout and relaxation treatment that is Thai Massage. Emma first trained in Thai Massage 20 years ago in Sydney. Since then, she has completed a number of different courses around the world, including Osteo Thai (Thai Massage with Osteopathic techniques) at The Sunshine House Greece, in France and Thailand. In 2013, she began training other practitioners and is preparing to teach her next beginners’ Thai Massage course this autumn. Alongside a friend who is a Yoga teacher, she also runs Thai Massage and Yoga retreats in Portugal and Italy (and hopes to run them again soon once Covid restrictions are lifted). In 2019, Emma completed her own Yoga teacher training in India. At the start of our session, Emma explained that Thai Massage resembles the Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine systems and has similarities to Yoga, but that it also stands alone as its own practice. Thai Massage helps with the release of blocked or unwanted energy, tension and stress from the body. The technique is sometimes referred to as “lazy person’s Yoga”, a description that made me smile as my intentions with Yoga have always far exceeded my attendance at any classes. Yup, this is the treatment for me!
Emma practises at The Practice Rooms in Exeter, a beautiful space at the very heart of the city, in a historic building close to the castle. With its large rooms, big windows and simple décor, the space is relaxing and peaceful, despite being only minutes from the main high street. Treatments take place on futon mattresses on the floor and last between one and two hours, depending which you choose. The massage reminded me of Shiatsu. Rather than simply lying on my back or front as a passive receiver of the treatment, I was encouraged to engage actively in a process of stretching, gentle rocking and breathwork. Along with the use of acupressure, this is designed to encourage the release of unhelpful patterns and postures in the body, as well as supporting a shift in energy and improving circulation.
The main difference between Thai Massage and Shiatsu is the way the practitioner uses their whole body – including their feet – to encourage the flow of energy and the release of tight muscles. Treatments vary depending on the needs of the client so no two sessions are the same and as one move flows into the next, it almost comes to resemble a dance. Whereas some massage leaves me feeling like I need to sleep afterwards, this one left me feeling energised and somehow lighter in my body. Aching joints felt easier and I felt deeply relaxed. I can see why this is promoted as a treatment for a whole range of issues including injuries, muscle pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraines and sleeping disorders. It increases the flow of blood, lymph and breath and supports the release of toxins and waste from the body. I still have the remnants of a frozen shoulder, which has left me with painful adhesions in my upper arm and I found the arm and shoulder stretches – while not always the most restful – wonderfully mobillising and releasing. I can imagine that a series of massages over a period of time would make a profound difference.
Emma is running her 12-day beginners’ Thai Massage course at The Estuary Clinic in Topsham over four weekends in Autumn, starting in September. Experience in massage is beneficial but not essential and practitioners will also need to complete Anatomy and Physiology (level 3) before practising professionally. The course is APNT (Association of Physical and Natural Therapists) accredited and successful completion includes APNT membership and 12-months insurance.
• For more information email Emma at: exeterthaimassage@gmail.com or call 07971 101332 or visit www.devonthaimassage.com