Traditional Thai massage is quite passive for the receiver, but very active for the giver, who by giving treatments, in time, will develop strength and flexibility.
I believe it to be a real discipline of health, meaning, it requires good self-discipline to be sustainably performed.
Practitioners need to use their body weight correctly, in the most functional way and with the least effort (effective). This requires constant awareness of their own body, posture and movements.
My biggest struggle in my teaching is to convey the importance of ‘moving from the core’.
Not in a theoretical way, obviously, but the practical use of it. Leading the movement with the body structure, rocking in and out of the central position, instead of the intentional force applied locally are the bases to a good Thai Massage, in my opinion.
Practitioners need:
To keep flexible: stretch, practice yoga, receive treatments.
Even more, they need strength and stability: weight training, Pilates, martial art, dance, all disciplines that strengthen the stabilizer muscles.
They need to learn to breathe deeply, rhythmically, exhaling entirely.
Calm the mind and focus the attention on what they are doing, on the present moment, the now.
Keep a good, positive intention, outcome, so that the energy can flow between the practitioner and the receiver and healing can occur.
Eat healthy, don’t smoke, or drink as you are on the path of health.
Those are all my personal opinions and if you resonate with them and are interested in adventuring down this path, then get to work and have fun with it!
Just get in touch.