Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is Thai Yoga massage? A Thai yoga massage is an ancient healing art used in Thailand for 2 500 years, it is influenced by Indian, Chinese and Japanese medicine, Buddhist and local Thai culture. It is the only massage inscribed in UNESCO cultural world Heritage list, as part of the art, science and culture of traditional Thai healthcare. There are differences between Eastern and Western massages. The Eastern approach to massage is based on promoting a free flow of life's energy - Sen or Qi in Chinese culture, Prana in Hindu - describing the same thing - the life force which runs through over 72 000 invisible channels in our bodies. Thai Yoga Massage aims to keep the channels open, as blockage can cause illness, diseases, dicomfort and aches. This massages uses the therapist intention, cultivating loving kindness - metta, compassion and full awareness of your body in the moment. It is a meditation. It is a dance of mutual responsiveness. Whilst the Western approach is based solely on anatomy and working exclusively on a section of muscles and joints to promote wellbeing.
Q What is Dynamic Thai Osteo Massage? A Thai osteo massage is an integration of western physical body knowledge and the heritage of the art of Thai massage delivered dynamically. Dynamic Osteo-Thai is a fusion between Asian and Western healing modalities. It merges the Yoga postures of Thai massage with Osteopathic principles and soft touch techniques and uses a spiralling dynamic rhythm. Mind-body energy system is a holistic principle which embraces the polarity and duality of being, the relationship between the body and the mind, between emotions and wellbeing, between stress and physical conditions. Our physical body absorbs and stores trauma. Fascia, connecting the whole of our physical body, is more susceptible to it - it weakens or tightens, which in turn can limit movement and muscle function, which can lead to misalignment of the skeletal system and it can be extremely painful. This treatment is nurturing, relaxing yet energising, delivered with loving kindness and care. I use Thai massage principles and techniques working the sen lines. The stretches are done dynamically,usually in an oscillating manner, varying the intensity of the pressure, according to your body’s needs to leave you feeling light and truly cared for.
Q What are the benefits of Thai massage? A Thai massage promotes physical, mental and emotional equilibrium, relaxation and calmness. Helps to relieve stress, anxiety, depression. Relieves and releases headache, backache, neck shoulder ache and stiffness. Balances energy flow. Detoxifies the organism. Helps with the lymphatic drainage. Reduces muscle tension. Increases joint mobility. Whole body indulgent balancing experience. The massage can help you relieve symptoms but you need to work on maintaining the balance, I will give some advice to aid you on the way.
Q How do I prepare my home for the massage treatment? A Thai massage is performed on the floor on a mat. It is a dry massage, there is no oil used, only sometimes a scented balm or essential oils on the face, if tolerated. The clear floor space needs to be at least 3m by 3m to allow me to work around your body. Please have some cushions and a light blanket at hand to cover you with during the massage. Make sure the room is comfortably warm and there are no draughts. I will bring a clean mat, you might want to cover it with your own sheet or blanket.
Q How do I prepare for my massage treatment? A Please have a shower, put a smile on your face. Make sure there are at least a couple of hours since your last meal, and make it a light one. Wear something loose fitting, stretchy, comfortable, light, like yoga leggings, tracksuit bottoms, or baggy Thai fisherman pants, clean cotton socks, long or short sleeved t-shirt so you are comfortable and warm. Remove all your jewelery. watch. Leave all your worries behind, take some deep slow breaths. If you are having a foot massage only please ensure that your feet are clean before the treatment. I reserve the right to refuse treatment if your clothes and/or feet are dirty and you deposit will be retained. Please inform me about any pre-existing health conditions that you might have.
Q How do I make a booking? A Please email healrestorerelax@gmail.com or call 07763 060280. To secure your booking £40 deposit is to be paid, I will provide you with my bank account. If you need to cancel the booking more than 24hrs in advance, a full refund will be issued.
Q What if I need to cancel? A Sometimes unforeseen events come up and you may need to cancel. If you provide at least 24 hours notice you will receive a refund of your deposit, or you can reschedule for another date/time. If you give less than 24 hours notice you will not receive a refund of your deposit, as it's unlikely I will receive another booking at such short notice.
Q What should I do after my massage? A First and most of all listen to your body! Do keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water, warm if possible, however allow a couple of hours first in order the energy flow to adjust freely. Do take it easy if possible. Avoid alcohol. Thai massage is a powerful energetic bodywork aiming to balance your physical and energy body. After massage you might feel tired, you might experience some aches and some discomfort, or you might experience a surge of energy, all of which is normal. Please listen to your body and respect it. The full benefits of the massage are usually felt after a couple of days, it takes time to balance depending on your state and condition.
Q I've heard that Thai massage is painful. A Thai massage is an art, working the physical and energetic body using compression, passive or dynamic stretches, movement, pressure points and metta. It is very personal and my approach to it is working with loving kindness and connection with the body I am treating, giving it my full attention and care. Thai massage can be potentially painful, traditionally in Thailand massage can be a rough affair. I aim to feel the person's body and their energy. Having a two-way communication helps avoiding going into the pain zone. There might be a temporary discomfort at times as the body is manipulated, which disappears, eventually being replaced with relief , comfort and even bliss.
Q How often can I have a Thai massage? A There are no set limits to the massage treatments you can have. For acute problems it can be a few times weekly , or for maintenance less frequent, once a week or fortnightly but at least once a month to be able to maintain the joints mobility and allover wellbeing. Movement is essential for our circulation and wellbeing.
Q How long is the recommended treatment duration? A Each full body Traditional Thai Massage lasts at least two hours, it is a complete bodywork - feet, legs, glutes, abdomen, back, shoulders, arms, hands, head, face, no part is ignored, apart from your private parts. I do not offer such services, strictly non sexual! A good effect can be achieved in 90 minutes too. For prenatal treatments the lenght will also depend on the stage of pregnancy. Earlier period can be needed andcomfortable with 2hours treatments, whilest towards the end and hour or 75minutes but more frequent will be more beneficial. There are options like 60mins taster, Shoulders and back massage, Foot massage only, or Abdominal treatment only. Even a Lunchtime Special 30 minutes. Please contact me to discuss your preferences.
Q What training have you had? A I have trained with Kira Balaskas, creator of School of Thai Yoga Massage, an amazing practitioner and teacher with over 20 years of experience, in 2020 Thai Yoga Massge and again in 2022 Pregnancy Massge. Also 2022 with the awesome Cosmo Dynamic Osteo-Thai Massage. I am training with the Thai Healing Massage Academy ongoing since 2019. I regularly take courses to expand my knowledge.
Q Where are you based? A I am based in London, SE16. I do home visits. I can also give treatments in Hoxton Square studio, N1. Or I can arrange a studio in SE16t at an additional cost.
Q Can I visit you? A I have a clinic in Hoxton Square, N1 on Tuesdays 9am - 3pm or I can arrange a studio in SE16 at an additional cost.
Q Do you have any discounts? A Yes, please take a look at Promotions page. The offers will be updated at various intervals.
Q What are your rates? A The prices shown are the starting price for homevisits near me. The price will vary dpeneding on the distance, duration and if it is a weekend (extra cost) or a weekday. Or of course, if it is in the studio.
Q Do you offer any "sexual extras"? A All massage by default is sensual, in its purest meaning of acting on our senses, releasing stress and feel-good hormones. My aim is to balance the energy that runs through your body and promote wellbeing. My style is focussed, caring and nurturing. However I don't aim to sexually stimulate you. You will remain fully clothed at all times. I will terminate the treatment immediately if there is any sexual attempt and the treatment will be paid in full. Please do not embarrass yourself by asking for any form of sexual services.
Q Do you offer pregnancy massage? A Prenatal and postnatal Thai massage is something close to my heart. Having had two pregnancies myself I know first hand how important and essential it is to have massage. This is why I had to train and offer that to my clients and help women feel comfortable and confident.