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Frequently Asked Questions -Thai Massage

What is Thai Yoga Massage? 

Thai Yoga Massage is widely considered the ultimate Asian bodywork modality.  Thai Yoga Massage is traditionally performed on the floor with a futon style mat.  Working on the floor allows the receiver to fully relax and ground in ways I believe are not possible on Western massage tables. 

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It can be helpful to think of Thai Yoga Massage as a way of receiving the powerful combination of yoga and massage while remaining passive, relaxed and grounded.

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Why would I choose Thai Yoga Massage over other massage modalities? 

I think you will be able to see, feel and experience the deepest benefits from Thai Yoga Massage.  Clients are often surprised by the longer lasting benefits of Thai Yoga Massage, in contrast to the often-short-lived relief of other modalities they have tried. 

Here is a sample of some benefits my clients have reported:

  • General injury prevention

  • Greater flexibility and mobility

  • Better overall stress management

  • Weight loss

  • Relief from anxiety and depression

  • Better digestion and elimination

  • Improved motivation to exercise and eat well

  • Lower resting heart rate and blood pressure

  • Improved sleep quality and daytime energy levels

 

Sound good?  I believe Thai Yoga Massage is the best value in Bodywork.  The benefits are cumulative.  Instead of short-term relief, long-term preventative maintenance of health and healing are possible by receiving Thai Yoga Massage regularly.

   

What can I expect from my first Thai Yoga Massage session? 

Before your massage begins, we will check in on what you want to address, as well as any health conditions or injuries you may have.  I will guide you in a brief, breath-focused centering and then the massage will begin.  As the receiver, you will remain as passive and relaxed as possible.  If I suspect you are holding tension in a limb, I may gently jostle it to nonverbally help you to relax it.  Sometimes it is very important that I guide you to inhale and exhale.  Occasionally, I might ask you to straighten a leg, take hold of a wrist, etc.  Overall, relax, receive and gently meditate on your own breathing throughout your Thai Yoga Massage.  Please feel at ease asking for anything you might need to ensure the quality of your experience.  I will check in periodically to ensure you are getting what you need and are as comfortable as possible.

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How can I prepare for my Thai Yoga Massage?

Be well rested, relaxed and as well hydrated as possible.  If can be helped, avoid coming straight from work or stressful environments.  Allow at least two hours for your previous meal to digest before your appointment.  Consider limiting caffeine, especially coffee, soda and energy drinks.  The reward of following these guidelines will be an even more impactful and effective healing session.

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Do I need to do anything after my massage?

If your schedule permits, allow yourself a restful and relaxing day of self-care.  This will help you fully receive and assimilate the therapeutic benefits of your massage.  Eating healthy food and a gentle walk in nature are examples of activities that will support the integration of your massage experience.

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What do I wear for Thai Yoga Massage?

If you practice yoga, wear your yoga clothes.  Light, comfortable workout clothing is fine.  Avoid busy racerback style tank tops, as it can be difficult to work on the back effectively.  Avoid shorts, instead choose long, light exercise pants.  Leggings are very well suited.

Short sleeves are certainly fine and facilitate a wide range of massage techniques.  Keep in mind that your body temperature will drop.  If you tend to run cold, consider a very light workout style long sleeve.  I have blankets and heating pads to help support your comfort while you receive the massage.

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Will my massage be painful?

Thai Yoga Massage does not need to be experienced as painful to be effective.  I’ve found that people have different relationships with pain, discomfort and intensity.  What is effective for one might be way too much for another.  I will communicate and work with you to optimize your experience for a balance of comfort and therapeutic benefit.  There is a threshold space that we could call “delicious pain” or a “happy ouch” that often indicates deep healing and release in the body.  You may experience this as surprisingly pleasant.  Once again, everyone experiences this in a way unique to them.  I will guide you through these occasional moments of intensity as gently and compassionately as possible.  I will not ask you to endure or push through any deep intensity (pain thresholds) unless you’re sure you want to go there.  Overall, I believe pain (as it is commonly experienced) is counterproductive and intentionally generating it is not a hallmark of my approach to Thai Yoga Massage.

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Thai Yoga Massage is a powerful modality.  It is possible to generate a lot of intensity and power when appropriate.  It requires a great deal of sensitivity, awareness and presence from the therapist.  Overstretching and painful levels of massage pressure are usually due to poor communication.  I prioritize checking in with you throughout your massage to make sure you are getting comfortable and effective treatment.  Additionally, please feel comfortable asserting any needs you may have during your massage without being prompted.

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Can anyone receive Thai Yoga Massage?

Thai Yoga Massage is highly adaptable to injuries and physical limitations.  Four classic positions (known as “attitudes”) are used:  Side Lying, Seated, Prone and Supine.  Among the four, it’s possible to create a comfortable experience for the majority of clients. 

 

Do I need yoga experience to receive Thai Yoga Massage?

No.  Thai Yoga Massage includes passive yoga, which does not put load on muscle and bone the way active yoga practice does.  In this way you are “receiving” yoga rather than “doing” yoga.  All you will need to do for the majority of the massage is relax and breathe.  If you are open to it, I will “prescribe” yoga for you to do on your own.  This will go a long way in sustaining and enhancing benefits of receiving regularly.  It may also open some doors for you if you don’t already practice yoga. 

 

Do I have to be flexible or physically active to receive Thai Yoga Massage?

No.  Thai Yoga Massage will help you become more flexible and facilitate being more physically active.

 

How long is a typical Thai Yoga Massage?

I usually do either 90 or 120-minute sessions.  I recommend at least 90 minutes to get a full therapeutic experience.  My rate is $100 per hour.

 

How often should I receive a massage?

The majority of my clients receive massage one or two times per month.  The more often you receive, the greater the cumulative benefits.  If time and budget permit, plan to receive Thai Yoga Massage no less than once per month. 

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What types of payment do you accept? 

Cash, Check or Venmo.  Gratuities are accepted.

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Will my insurance cover my massage?

Thai Yoga Massage is accepted for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) in Virginia.  However, a letter of medical of medical necessity from your doctor is required in order to be reimbursed by your insurance company for this service.  I do not file with your insurance company, and the massage must be paid in full at the time of service.

Frequently Asked Questions -Private Yoga Instruction

​Do I need my own equipment?  If so, what should I bring?

If you have it, bring it. While we have all the necessary props and a selection of mats in the studio, I would like to encourage you to go ahead and get your own yoga mat.  Making the investment will encourage you to stick with the practice and enable you to have a more successful home practice.  If you are not sure what to purchase, you can consult with me.

​Definitely bring water.  Hydration is important before, during and after yoga.

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How often should I schedule private yoga sessions?

I want to make sure when I work with someone privately that they are getting enough to establish a home practice.  This will get them to a point where they are confident for group classes. Choose a frequency that will work with your schedule and stay within your budget. If you are new to the practice and are trying to establish a routine, it can be helpful to come at least twice a month.  However, if you can afford to come once a week, it may help you to establish a routine and guarantee that you are going to practice.  I do not want to teach dependence on private instruction or classes.  The intention is to give you the tools to do it on your own.  I often work with a student for three to six months and then transition them to group classes.

 

What should I wear for my private yoga session? 

Dress for fairly robust exercise.  Wicking athletic clothing is preferred, but wear whatever you are comfortable exercising in.  Do not wear shoes or socks.  We are building sensitivity and body awareness, and anything between you and the floor inhibits energy flow.

 

How do I physically prepare for my private yoga session?

It is good to not have large meals two hours prior to the session, to be well hydrated and to show up as well as you can be, depending on the circumstances of your life.  Wherever you are, that is where you are. 

 

 

What can I expect for my first yoga session? 

In the first session, we will discuss what brought you in, what your objectives are and where you want to go on your yoga journey.  The objectives can be to help with physical issues, anxiety, depression or many other areas.  Yoga is for the entire person.  You can expect to feel better after the session and to have a basic repertoire for what will work for your particular needs.  We will also identify things which may require more focus or time from you.  Just getting through the door is a great first step.  As your frequency of practice increases, you will naturally redefine your goals. Scheduling some sessions in advance can help you to establish a clear routine.

 

What are the benefits of private yoga instruction, versus just attending group classes? 

It is really uncommon to get a lot of individual attention in a group session.  Working privately with a teacher is like building your yoga house on a solid foundation.  Private yoga gives you the opportunity to really work with the teacher in a way that will be appropriate for your body and will give you a solid foundation for alignment.  When going straight to a class, they may not be talking about the finer points and your personal objectives.  The private lessons give you the opportunity to start from a better place and give a greater understanding of the asana.  This is not just what it should look like but what it needs to feel like in the body.  Ideally, a good stepping stone from a private lesson is a smaller class, where the instructor is invested in giving more individual attention.

 

Can my classes be tailored to a specific goal? 

Yes.  In fact, I would appreciate that level of clarity if someone came to me with that.  Most of us come to the practice for a physical reason, such as anxiety, depression, addiction, poor body image or poor lifestyle habits.  Whatever that reason is can be something to work on.

 

What is the price of a private yoga session?

$80 per hour, and you can schedule 60, 75 or 90 minute sessions.

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