Frequently asked questions about Thai Massage:
What is Thai massage?
Thai massage is a holistic approach aiming at bringing harmony and balancing the whole body, as well as the nervous system and the mind. It is practised fully clothed on a floor mat, and makes use of deep pressure, assisted stretches, and rocking motions.
These techniques aim to create the space for the body and mind to heal themselves. As tensions and restrictions are removed, the organism may find opportunities to replace them with new pathways that might be freer, more efficient and relaxed. The massage acts as a way to reestablish and enhance the body's homeostatic's properties: the capacity to auto-regulate, heal and maintain inner balance.
How can it help me?
The deep relaxation that Thai Massage can bring, both on a physical and emotional levels, can help to let go of harmful patterns and replace them by healthier and more efficient ones. It can also enhance recuperation, sleep quality, and support the body and mind to heal themselves.
What if I am shy?
As any massage, Thai massage does involve touch, of course! It is however a completely non-sensual touch, focusing on pressure points and stretches, and it is practised fully clothed, meaning that skin to skin contact if easy to avoid.
If you feel uncomfortable about any areas of you body being touch, it is important to respect that and to not hesitate to share it openly. The first rule I make sure to respect during my sessions is that everything should feel safe and comfortable.
Are there contra-indications to receive Thai Massage?
It is important that you inform me of any conditions of problematic that you may have, so that I can take the necessary precautions and adapt my practice to your specific needs. If in doubt, it is a good idea to ask your doctor about it, and feel free to talk about it with me. I would always prefer to be too cautious rather than take risks.
A few common things that you should share before a session, they are not incompatible with Thai Massage, but require adjustments to maintain complete safety:
heart or circulatory conditions, high blood pressure
pregnancy
first days of the menstrual cycle, especially if there is a lot of bleeding
any particular issue with a joint or past injuries that are not fully healed
cancer
osteoporosis
How should I dress?
Ideally, light and stretchy clothing, such as a jogging or leggings, as they allow for a full range of movement. I recommend long sleeves and trousers as the body tends to get colder while it relaxes, but shorts and tee-shirts are absolutely fine if you feel more comfortable in them.
Nothing is absolutely necessary, however, and I have no problem adapting the massage to receivers who arrive out of their office wearing jeans!
Does it hurt?
A common misconception is that Thai Massage is painful, as it is sometimes practised in a harsh way in Thailand, mostly in businesses that focus on attracting tourists.
Thai Massage can however be absolutely gentle and relaxing, and this is how I strive to practice. The more the nervous system relaxes and feels safe, the more it is ready to accept deep pressure and create the necessary space for positive change to happen.
Sometimes, we can reach a sensation of "good pain", a non-invading sensation that still allows the receiver to relax into it, as this intensity can be useful on specific trigger points in some locked areas of the body. You can however always talk to me about whether this is something you are OK with, or not... And I will always prioritise listening to your needs on the present moment, even if it means going a little less deep, slower, and more gently.
How much does a session cost?`
Thai massage is a devotional practice and an act of caring. I decided, at least for the present time, to make my sessions accessible to anyone by accepting voluntary donations, on a "pay what you want system". Please bear in mind that this is my job and I have to make a living of it, as well as pay taxes and expenses. Feel what is just for you, and I will always do my best in the massage session to make you feel better, regardless of the "money aspect".
For more detailed information, please visit this page: Pay what you want - Why and how?
You can also save 50% on what you invest by paying using the "CESU" system. If you reside in France and the session is done at your residence, you can use this system to get an tax deduction (that works as a refund, even if you do not pay taxes) of 50% of what you paid. Note that this only applies for sessions at your residence, as it has to qualify as "service a la personne". If that matters to you, know that this system also allows me access to slightly better healthcare and social conditions compared to my freelance status.
How can I pay?
- via Bank Transfer to my professional account
- in cash
- if you use CESU, you can simply declare the amount owed at the end of the month and the "URSSAF" organism can withdraw the amount, already applying the 50% tax deduction automatically. Cash and normal bank transfer are also possible with CESU.
How long should a session last?
Ideally, a session usually lasts 2 to 2,5 hours. This duration allows for deep relaxation and integration of the changes that take place in the body and nervous system. Longer allows for even deeper work, and 1,5 hour sessions still allows to work at a deep enough level to bring positive change.
Shorter sessions of an hour focus mainly on bringing about a pleasant general relaxation, rather than working on specific unbalances.
Therefore the session's length depends mostly on your goals and the possibilities you have with your schedule. If in doubt, try with around 2 hours!
How often should I get a massage?
You can simply do it as often as you like! You can decide to receive Thai massage now and then, when if feels like the right time or that you feel tense... Or you can choose to come with regularity, once or twice a week, to try to really improve how you feel and create space for change to take place over short period.
Where do the sessions take place?
Session can be at my studio in my residence, or at yours.
If the sessions takes place at your residence, please contact me to discuss how much should be the fee related to the trip and carrying the necessary equipment to your location. If you are located in France, this also makes you eligible to pay using the "CESU" system, which allows you to get back 50% of your investment, and takes up only about 10-15 minutes to set up the first time you use it.