In Thai Massage (Nuad Boran) the practitioner places the recipient in yoga postures while massaging along the body's energy ("Sen") lines and pressure points. This full body treatment relieves muscular tension, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation. This meditative practice is the physical application of "metta" (loving kindness).
Thai Massage Workshop at McGill
Saturday 17 October 2009 (12-4 pm)
with certified teacher Stephanie Golden
4-hour beginner class hosted by McGill Student Union (SSMU)
Open to the general public, no experience necessary
Inquiries: info@goldenthaiyoga.com
Scroll down for Thai massage videos & info or
click here to book a massage.
VIDEO: Seated postures
Music: "Metta" by Uwe Neumann, exclusively at Lotus Palm
Often referred to as the "lazy person's yoga", all that is required of the recipient is that they be present and mindful of their breathing. The practitioner does the rest!
If you've always wanted to try yoga but don't know where to begin or perhaps find it intimidating, Thai Yoga Massage is a great introduction to the healing benefits of yoga.
Stretching and massage at the same time. It doesn't get any better!
VIDEO: Feet and Single Leg postures
Music: "Crossing the Desert" by Desert Dwellers available both on In these videos, I'm working on Anne-Marie who is a yoga instructor, so she's very flexible - it makes for good video effect :-)
But if you're thinking, "Oh, I'm not flexible, that's not for me", then Thai Yoga Massage is exactly what you need. Thai Yoga Massage is the world's oldest form of physiotherapy.
VIDEO: Lotus Flip & postures for back, legs & feet
Music: "Pranafestation", available on
Desert Dwellers' "DownTemple Dub: Flames"
Demystifying "Energy"
We take in "prana", or energy, when we inhale air, and we exhale stale energy, depleted of oxygen.
When we are tired or lethargic, our "energy is low". When we are excited or nervous, our energy is high. Kids often have too much energy!
Long ago, when tension, cramping or spasms occurred, "energy" was only one of many ways to define it. When a muscle trembles or spasms as it is relieved and relaxed, energy is released or unblocked.
What we refer to as "energy lines" (or Sen lines) are actually muscle tissues, nerves and blood pathways. As such, Thai massage improves circulation and mobility, and the recipient feels "energized" for several days following a session.
Read more about why & how Thai Yoga Massage works!
VIDEO: Back-work, flip & double-leg postures
Music: "Satyam Shivam Sundaram" by Thievery Corporation
You can watch my favourite Thai massage and yoga videos on
my YouTube Channel, GoldenThaiYoga
Last updated: 17 June 2009