I had the immense privilege of learning Thai massage, Shiatsu, and Swedish massage from purist masters and dedicated teachers, completely devoted to their art. These mentors were a constant source of inspiration, leading me to re-explore my approach to therapeutic movement. Recently, in my classes, I have deeply integrated the active stretches of Thai massage, which are reminiscent of yoga fundamentals. This discipline has become a part of my daily life; I hold immense respect for these practices, which, beyond their holistic identity, are rooted in a way of life. It's fascinating to observe the connections between culture, philosophy, and movement, to tell a story through a manipulation, and to embrace movement without altering its essence.

Shiatsu and Tui-Na

Healing through touch is the essence of Shiatsu, the first medicine practiced in Japan, with origins in China, where it is known as Tui-Na. The application of repeated pressures at specific frequencies and intensities on strategic points treats numerous ailments. These points are distributed along meridians, lines that traverse the body and are linked to the functioning of vital organs. In Shiatsu, pressure is applied (and measured) using the thumb(s), palm(s), and elbow(s), and the practice is performed without oil and on the floor.

Traditional Thai Massage

There are two schools of traditional Thai massage: the Northern school (Chiang Mai) and the Southern school (Bangkok). The Northern approach is gentle and slow, reminiscent of Ayurvedic techniques, while the Southern style is stimulating and energetic, similar to Chinese massage. Both employ muscle manipulations, stretching movements, and pressure on energy points along energy lines (similar to meridians). Traditional Thai massage is practiced under the same conditions as Shiatsu; the use of oil and a table are contemporary, Western additions typical of the spa environment.

These massages draw from ancient techniques and emphasize respect and courtesy toward the patient. This may seem obvious, but it's crucial to highlight. These techniques address muscle pain and more; they treat organs and calm the mind.

Swedish Massage

I approached Swedish massage by directly learning the technique at a holistic massage school in Vietnam, which was very "Thai-friendly." I discovered its more recent origins through discussions with a Swedish master of the discipline, who also introduced me to the concept of "deep tissue"—reaching the muscle fiber. The oriental approach to Swedish massage is intriguing; it incorporates fundamentals and inspirations from other Asian disciplines, particularly the "Beijing Style." The massage is performed with oil on a table, involving movements like effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration, which concludes a sequence. I would also add the notion of "flow," which is essential in all the aforementioned massages but takes on a special significance in this oil-based massage, where the hands never leave the patient's body.

Massage as a Tool for Self-Knowledge and Understanding Others

Knowledge and application of massage techniques are invaluable for movement practitioners: osteopaths, chiropractors, physical therapists, yoga teachers, etc. The multicultural and multi-technique inspiration offers numerous possibilities for personalized therapeutic adjustments. Personally, I believe in the benefits of combining the three previously described techniques.

Their combination is not driven by creativity but serves to achieve personalized well-being at various therapeutic levels. My experience with myself and my models has led me to integrate an enveloping effleurage, dynamic petrissage for muscle mobility, followed by vibrant and repetitive techniques preceding active stretching and specific pressure points. This approach refines precision as the movement settles and gains understanding of the other, always responding therapeutically and holistically. To the overall notion of well-being, I would add the concept of improved well-being, indicating that while massage does not claim to cure, it provides natural and infinitely reproducible keys to improvement.

Exploring Eastern and Western massage techniques from a comprehensive, global perspective is as much about treatment as it is about therapeutic support. What about the use of other massage techniques and their application to clinical cases? I believe that massage, when in the right hands, is a powerful and virtuous tool.