The Art of Massage

One thing I felt I wouldn't get another opportunity to do authentically is a Thai massage course. As I have only read books on massage before and not taken part in any courses, I was very excited to finally get some hands-on experience in Thai Massage.

Thai massage works in a strange way. Rather than focussing on relaxing muscles by kneading them, it follows a set of energy lines around the body. Over the period of my five day course, I got to learn where each of the major energy lines are in the body and the energy points to press. Main Thai massage techniques include pressing down with the palm onto muscle, and pressing your thumb along the energy lines in the body. To facilitate this, the body is manipulated into various contortions, hence it being referred to as 'yoga massage'.

I had a great time that week with my two massage intructors, Oui and A. Apart from teaching me massage, A also told me how to make Pla Chu Chee, one of my most favourite of Thai dishes. Learning that I loved it, she also made it for me on the second last day of my course. What lovely women!

Another great skill to put in my repertoire, can wait to try it out on willing volunteers!!