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"Thai"
This One On!
"THAI THIS ONE ON!
by Lynn Allison
Thai food is all the rage, and I predict that Thai massage
will be just as hot. This ancient Eastern form of massage is the most exhilarating and
healthful way to open up the body, get rid of aches and kinks and re-channel positive
energy flow through your entire being.
 "We stimulate the flow of energy throughout
the body through lines called sens," explains Jim Fliakos, 40, who actually traveled
to Thailand to learn this unique form of massage. Jim, who offers Thai massage at Aegean
Therapies, down the corridor from MBS, says that everyone can benefit from its power,
especially weight lifters who tend to compact muscle.
"I use special techniques to stretch the muscles and open the joints so you gain
flexibility while opening blocked energy flow," he explains.
Some people call Thai massage "assisted yoga" because therapists use their body
weight to facilitate poses such as tree pose. The result is that your body responds in an
amazing fashion to the action. The reaction is to open up and let go. In my case, stiff
hips and resulting sciatic problems were greatly alleviated as Jim deftly helped ease the
hip joint.
The focus is mainly on foot and legwork, but Thai massage also addresses shoulder and neck
problems as well as wrist issues caused by too much time at a computer desk.
Jim, himself, suffered from "computer cramp" that made him lose feeling in his
right arm. After seeing the benefits of massage in alleviating his own discomfort, he left
his desk job and began pursuing a career in the healing arts.
Jim, along with his wife Elizabeth, believe in holistic healing.
"Massage helps rebalance the body to prevent illness and to relieve stress," Jim
explains. "In Thai massage we use a number of moves to get right down into the
muscle."
For those who are squeamish about the "get naked" part of traditional massage
therapy, Thai massage offers a fully clothed alternative. You're lying on a cushioned
floor so the therapist is able to use his or her body weight without undue force or
pressure.
While the techniques are decidedly active, the result is total relaxation without the
sleepy feeling of Swedish massage. Indeed, you feel revitalized and ready to go, although
you're joints and muscles are softer and more relaxed.
Thai massage is an excellent therapy for all athletes as well as those who have specific
problems such as arthritis. It's something I definitely will try again since it uses my
love of yoga and enhances some of the more difficult poses I need to master.
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