Tell Me More About: Thai Bodywork

“Tell Me More About:” will be an on-going series that highlights types of bodywork you may have heard about, but might like more information on before pursuing a treatment. We welcome comments and questions with these posts, and encourage you to suggest future topics as well!

The first topic of our series will be Thai Bodywork. Also known as Thai Massage or Thai Yoga Massage, it is a traditional Eastern practice that helps the body regain its balance, both physically and energetically. It affects both the superficial and deep layers of the muscles, ligaments, joints and connective tissue to encourage deep yet gentle release.

The practice itself goes back thousands of years, and was developed by a physician named Shivago Komarpaj. It has a close relationship with Ayurveda (a traditional healing system in India), Yoga, traditional Chinese medicine, and Japanese Shiatsu. In fact, many of its movements are reminiscent of postures found in Yoga.

Two of our therapists practicing "Cobra," a wonderful stretch that opens the shoulders

Thai Bodywork works by encouraging you to release holding patterns in your breath, body, and energy. By using gentle rocking, breathing exercises, and facilitated stretching, the therapist helps you lengthen and open tight joints and muscles, which encourages the flow of energy, often known as “ki,” “chi,” or “prana.” You leave the session feeling relaxed, more open through your joints and muscles, and more energized.

Thai Bodywork sessions vary from practitioner to practitioner. Some prefer two- or even three-hour sessions; others keep sessions down to an hour or 90 minutes. Sessions are generally performed on a large floor mat, and you are provided with pillows and bolsters to ensure comfort. You remain fully clothed the entire time and loose, comfortable clothing such as t-shirts, sweats, or yoga pants are encouraged.

While the practice itself is appropriate for everyone, not all stretches will be. It is very important for you to let the therapist know of any recent injuries or medical procedures that have occurred in the last three to six months, or if you are pregnant. If an injury has occurred in the last week it may not be appropriate for that area to be treated. As any therapist will say, please let him or her know if something becomes uncomfortable or painful.

Stowe Village Massage has been offering Thai Bodywork in 60- and 90-minute sessions since December of 2012, and we also offer a Shiatsu/Thai Package deal. You can book treatments online or by calling 802-253-6555. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Our Thai Bodywork therapists

Welcome to Stowe Village Massage... Again!

Happy Independence Day and welcome to the new home of the Stowe Village Massage blog. As you can see, we have a new look and a new address. If you bookmarked our old address, please be sure to update your reading list.

If you visited our locations on Depot Street or in the Club House recently, you will have noticed that we’ve been changing and expanding. As part of Green Mountain Inn’s renovation project, Stowe Village Massage is taking over the second floor of our building and adding in three new treatment rooms. Our lobby and waiting area are also receiving a facelift. We are excited to unveil our new space and hope to do so within the next couple of weeks.

In addition to a new space, we will also be offering some new services. We now offer Thai Massage, Reiki, an Exfoliating Body Scrub and a Hydrating Wrap. We invite you to check out our full menu. If you would like to book an appointment, you can do so online or call us at (802) 253-6555.

In the coming months, we look forward to sharing informational posts about the benefits of our different treatments, re-introducing you to our staff, and answering any questions you may have.

Thanks for visiting the new Stowe Village Massage blog. We welcome comments and suggestions to make this a space that works for you.