Traditional Thai Massage

Thai Massage, also known as Thai Yoga Massage, is a form of bodywork that has been practiced in Thailand for over two thousand years. Sharing roots with Ayurvedic medicine and yoga practices from India, Thai Massage uses a combination of acupressure, energy meridian work, and yoga-like stretching for a uniquely invigorating and balancing experience.  Stretching and compression is used in gentle rhythmic movements to ease stress and tension from the body, while creating space within the muscles and joints to allow greater freedom of movement.

Thai massage is different from many Western forms of massage in that no oil or table is used. The therapist uses a mattress on the floor, the client remaining completely clothed throughout the session. It is so different from what we typically think of as "massage" that it is often described as having someone "do yoga to you." In fact, in Thailand, Thai Massage has sometimes been called "Yoga for Lazy People"! (but...don't stop coming to class!)
 

Like other Asian massage techniques, such as shiatsu and reflexology, Thai Massage is a therapy that promotes the flow of energy throughout the body. A practitioner can treat conditions or injuries by working on acupressure points that stimulate the body and promote its natural healing. It should be noted that in Thailand, this is not considered just a massage, but a medical art form. Physically, a Thai massage treatment can range from extreme flexibility work to gentle relaxation sessions with little to no stretching at all. A treatment can be completely customized for any set of needs, so anyone can enjoy and benefit from Thai massage regardless of their physical limitations (particularly when it comes to flexibility). 

Convinced? Make an appointment for a Thai Massage, you will be amazed at how you feel afterwards. Georgetown Yoga proudly refers practitioner Matthew Fratus. Matthew trained at the Tao Mountain School of Traditional Thai Massage and Herbal Medicine. Georgetown Yoga instructor Vanessa King also offers Thai Massage; Vanessa received her training in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Matthew (pictured) is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and is nationally certified as a massage therapist by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. He is certified as an Advanced Thai Massage Practitioner and as a Tao Mountain Instructor for Basic Thai Massage. Visit Matthew's website at www.truebodytherapy.com.
Former Georgetown Yoga Instructor Vanessa King also offers Thai Massage - visit her website at www.thaimassageworks.com

Contact the studio at 202.342.7779 or via email at info@georgetownyoga.com if you would like to make an appointment for Thai Massage.

Photos this page by James Kegley

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