I apply stretches with specific, assisted yoga poses. The philosophy behind Thai yoga massage techniques focuses on energy points called “sen.” The Sen lines of the body are similar to the meridians in TCM, and are thought to directly correspond with a person’s “qi”, or energy. As I stretch the customer, I also press and massage along the sen lines or points. This can release stagnant qi from the body to resolve specific problems.

Similar to yoga, when the customer is held in a pose, blood slows to the targeted area. When I release the pose, fresh circulation rushes back into that area, improving movement of qi and blood. Twisting and inverted Thai yoga massage positions, such as a spinal twist, are particularly effective in renewing circulation. Inverted poses, in particular, can help with lymphatic drainage, the return of blood to the heart, and digestion.