Techniques

Savoir-Faire. With much gratitude, it is a gift to share words of a beloved Thai instructor: Its not what to do, its how to do it. And, this wisdom trickles into the work of Thai practitioners everywhere.

Strikingly, Thai techniques are unique in that the way the therapist moves their entire body throughout the session with intention and feeling. This style greatly benefits both the therapist and the client. A bit like yin & yang.

Nuad Boran or Thai Massage incorporates elements of reflexology (pressure points on feet, hands, head and face), and compression on energy lines with palms, thumbs, elbows and other parts of the body). Thai massage utilizes assisted yoga postures to stretch and relax the body, tone muscles and internal organs. The roots of this traditional and ancient healing system date to 2,500 years ago at the time of Buddha. This tradition brings honor to healing practices. Dr. Jivaka Kumar Bhacca, the personal physician to Buddha and the Sangha is the father of healing. Even Buddha is said to be a doctor of healing. Epigraphs at Wat Po in Bangkok feature Nuad Boran and contain over 60 carvings that describe the Sen channels. In Thai healing, all life is sustained by a vital force (lom) that is carried in pathways in the body (sen). Disease comes when blockages occur on these pathways. Thai relies upon the free flow of energy, Thai massage helps to release these blocks and return energy flow back to the whole body. Thai emphasizes delivering technique from the hara or dantiane while using body positioning as well as entire body, from the pad of the palm to the outside edge of the foot with incredible strength and softness. Clients will appreciate and benefit from the range of touch, positioning and techniques from any Thai practitioner. Relax. Metta.

Sara Cotton is a certified instructor and registered Thai Therapist and member of the Thai Healing Alliance International. She is also licensed and board certified massage and bodywork therapist. saraphim practices Northern style of Traditional Thai massage. Her unique Thai treatment style is distilled from various Asian styles of movement arts and therapies including her practice of tai chi, yoga, TuiNa and partner acrobatics. Differences in Thai style vary greatly with each practitioner. A practitioner may employ position, compression or point pressure on energy lines, deep or gradual, the gentle rocking movements and stretching to stimulate a flow of energy. saraphim's meditation practice focus on Thai elements to help her facilitate a traditional Thai bodywork session. She also bases her abdominal work on the understanding of Thai energy sen. saraphim will apply herbal compresses used during her treatment sessions: lemongrass, eucalyptus, galangal, ginger, kaffir lime, turmeric and other medicinal herbs like camphor, peppermint, lavender. Compresses combine the herbs in a small bundle and then are steamed and applied to the body on the energy lines or Sen lines.

saraphim emphasizes a keen attention to the breath, lengthening and slowing down the breath, gently guiding the breath to connect body with movement. saraphim gives clear cues with professional touch, communication and visualization techniques, often times these relationships will exaggerate the breath and movement. Daily Thai Rishi, Taiji practice clearly inform her bodywork.

saraphim balances & harmonizes.

saraphim says, as long as it takes.

always check with a professional and let saraphim know any concerns you may have. saraphim helps you connect.

Earth, Water, Wind, Fire & Space