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  TRADITIONAL THAI FOOT MASSAGE

EXPERIENCE THE DEEP RELAXATION OF
TRADITIONAL THAI FOOT MASSAGE

Thai Foot Massage originated in Thailand about 2000 years ago. The massage starts with a warm footbath and then continues with light pressure from the giver’ s fingers, hands and a traditional  wooden stick.  All parts of the foot & lower legs are included and involves hands on stretching, massage, stimulating reflex points and follows the Thai energy lines (Sen).  It has elements of Shiatsu, Reflexology, Chinese massage and Yoga incorporated into the massage itself. It is said to stimulate the activity of internal organs and thus is hugely beneficial for optimum internal health.  It is still taught by Buddhist monks in the temples of Thailand. 

INFLUENCE OF REFLEXOLOGY

The science of reflexology is based on the premise that on the soles and on top of the feet there is a complete map of the human body. There are zones and reflex areas in the feet which correspond to all glands, organs, parts and systems of the body. The act of reading signs on the feet, understanding the client and of applying pressure using thumb, finger and hand techniques through specialized combinations of pressure are an art.

  

Text Box: The inside curves of the foot correspond to the curves of the spine

The therapist assists the body through the applied pressure which stimulates all the reflexes, nerve connections and energy pathways that extend from the feet to the rest of the body encouraging homeostasis.  The whole body is treated rather than treating symptomatically isolated problems which is unfortunately often the case.  The reflexologist assists the whole person body, mind and spirit with the object of inducing a state of balance.

INFLUENCE OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE
MEDICINE/SHIATSU


The points of the Meridians of Traditional Chinese
Medicine as found on the foot
 

SEN (MERIDIAN) LINES  FOUND IN LOWER LEGS
Spleen/Pancreas   Kidney   Liver  
Stomach  Bladder Gallbladder
 

THE TREATMENT

On the first appointment the Therapies will take a medical case history, in order to establish the pathway of illness and to determine where there are imbalances within the body and what the causes of these imbalances may be.

The Thai Foot Massage treatment itself takes up one hour. Begins with opening the Sen (Meridian) lines (energy pathways) and then into the treatment itself.  A wooden stick is used to gently open up and stimulate the reflexes, energy pathways, lymph and circulation. The therapist may  advise on future treatments and any other factors which may contribute to your well being.  In chronic cases two sessions per week are recommended until improvements are seen.  Once a week is recommended in milder cases.

WHEN TRADITIONAL THAI FOOT MASSAGE SHOULD BE DONE WITH CAUTION

Like any other health-care professional we have a responsibility to our clients and in some instances the feet and body need to be treated with care or another health care professional referred.

If the client has been immobile for some time Thai Foot Massage should be introduced gradually to invigorate the body.

If the foot has stitches we do not work on that particular area. AIDS  we stay away from broken skin and open sores. In hip or knee injures the leg must be held firmly in position.  Diabetics should have something small to eat prior to treatment and monitor blood sugar levels after treatment.  Osteoporosis is treated gently.  An epileptic patient should be on medication.

WHEN TRADITIONAL THAI FOOT MASSAGE CAN NOT BE DONE

Internal bleeding e.g. from accident or stomach ulcer. Conditions such as swellings of the calf or leg need immediate specialist referral. Also ulceration’s, phlebitis or thrombosis of the lower leg would denote caution on the part of the therapist. Severe conditions (e.g. bad varicose veins in the leg, open sores in the leg, oozing, cracked athlete’s foot would not be appropriate. Fracture in foot/ankle area or swelling due to break or sprain.  Infectious illness – to avoid cross-infection with other clients e.g. colds, flu, etc. In the first Trimester of pregnancy it is not recommended simply from a liable issue should there be complications, although the treatment will not cause any harm.

SO WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRADITIONAL THAI FOOT MASSAGE?

To improve the functions within the body systems for health promotion such as stimulating the circulatory system of blood and lymph. To prevent and relieve some problems such as constipation, asthma, gall bladder problems, cystitis, headache, renal disease, migraine, sinusitis and stress.

Other Benefits: 

  • Stimulation of the mind

  • improved circulation in legs and hands

  • stimulates lymphatic drainage

  • helps remove toxins

  • helps boost the immune system

  • reduces stiffness and improves flexibility

  • detoxification of the immune system

  • Accelerated physical healing

  • Stress relief and Improved sleep 

YOUR HEALTH BELONGS TO YOU
Even though treatments can restore the body balance, you will not seriously get better until there is an overall balance. Your emotional well-being, lifestyle and nutrition are important factors, which all play important roles in connection with your health.

The therapist indicates which factors may be likely causes of possible imbalances. By following the advice of the therapist, you play an important role in achieving and maintaining your good health.

The therapist readily co-operates with doctors and other therapists.

REACTIONS WHICH MAY OCCUR AFTER TREATMENT

The object of all true natural healing is to assist the body to eliminate waste and poisonous matter. When the vitality has been raised to sufficient strength the body will create conditions necessary to throw off this morbid material. The term for this reaction is a ‘healing crises’.

When you have a ‘healing crisis’ it means that the vitality of the body has been increased by the sessions, subsequently creating detoxification. The body will only be able to create the necessary conditions to bring about a healing crisis if it has enough available vitality.

Reactions may be different.  Any reaction is connected to a better balance and general condition. It is impossible to predict exactly how the body reacts, as the reactions are individual. Herrings Law of cure states that “all healing takes place from within, out, from the head down and in the reverse order that they appeared”.  It is important not to suppress these healing symptoms as it is the body’s way of healing and suppressing will create further congestion.


Some typical reactions may be:

  • Relaxation, tiredness and deep sleep

  • Increased discharges ie. Catarrh, sinuses, vaginal

  • Turbid, dark urine

  • Increased bowel movement

  • Change in bowel movement pattern

  • Secretion from nose, throat and ears

  • Previous disorders, which have not earlier been healed, may reappear

  •  Mood changes

These reactions should not be regarded as worsening, on the contrary they are signs of the treatments showing results, and that improvement is on the way.

A NEW WAY TO LOOK AT YOUR FEET!
Each foot has over 7,000 nerve endings, 26 bones, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles. This type of drugless therapy creates a physiological change in the body by naturally restoring homeostasis.

The Fountainhead

P O Box 107, RiverClub, 2149, Sandton, South Africa
670 Pretoria Main road, Wynberg, Sandton, 2191, South Africa
Phone: 086 111 2054 Fax: 011 887-7213 :: E-mail: florence@thefountainhead.co.za