Thai Yoga Massage with Stephanie Golden
On staff at Lotus Palm School in Montreal
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).
Scroll down for videos and information, or click here for courses.
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.
During active stretches, as in (unassisted) yoga, our brains limit our mobility to make sure that
we don't hurt ourselves. If we over-stretch (hyper-extend), the brain may tell the muscle to contract,
in order to protect itself - causing a "cramp".
Physiologically, passive stretches (like Thai Yoga Massage) send different signals to the brain,
allowing the muscles to relax and extend, basically informing the brain that the body is able to move
in directions it is unaccustomed to and not controling.
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.
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: 16 October 2008