- How is Thai massage or Trager different from typical western massage?
For a detailed description of each of the modalities, please see the Services Offered page of my web site. Clients frequently report that after a Thai massage, in addition to feeling relaxed, they often also feel very energized (as opposed to sleepy) following their session. The resulting increased energy levels can last for several days or longer.
Clients who receive Trager, notice that there is much less direct pressure and invasiveness into the muscle tissues during the bodywork; however, they feel that there is also a deep unwinding of these same muscle tissues that happens because of the gentle, rhythmic, rocking, which simultaneously engages the fascial system and calms the whole nervous system.
- How long is a Thai massage or Trager session?
The length of the session varies from individual to individual. In Thailand a usual Thai massage lasts for two or more hours. To experience the greatest benefit from a Thai massage, a longer session is recommended, usually an hour and a half to two hours. A Trager session can range from an hour and a quarter up to two hours. In choosing the length of your session, you may want to consider the overall health and strength of your body, your prior experience with massage or bodywork, the time you have available, and the goals you have for the session. Please let Emily know what length of session you would like when you call to book your appointment.
- What do I wear when I come for a massage?
When you receive a Trager session, you will be between sheets on a massage table. You may choose to wear all of your clothes, or remove some or most of them, (underwear is the only clothing that is required), according to your own preferences and comfort levels. When you receive a Thai massage, you will be lying on a mat or futon on the floor. You are asked to wear a full set of comfortable, stretchable clothing (natural fibers such as cotton are preferable to slippery fabrics such as polyester) without any large hard objects such as belts or buckles. Typically clients will come wearing a t-shirt or long cotton shirt, with stretch pants or tights.
- Do I need to do anything in particular before or after a session?
When you call to book your appointment, Emily will ask you a few questions concerning your health, and give you some instructions such as what to wear and how to find Willowdance Wellness Centre. When you are planning to receive bodywork, especially with Thai massage, it is recommended that you refrain from eating heavily in the few hours before you come. If you want to eat something just before your massage, you are encouraged to have only a light snack. You are asked to refrain from using any drugs, alcohol, prescription or other painkillers, analgesics or anti-inflammatories for at least four hours before coming for your massage; this is important so that you will be fully present and aware of your bodily sensations throughout your session. Also, you are asked to refrain from wearing strong scents, as some clients have allergies.
Following your session it is recommended that you drink plenty of water so that the toxins that have been released from your muscles during the massage can easily flow out of your body. You may also wish to have a salt bath to help release these toxins. It is recommended that you plan some time for rest and relaxation in the time afterwards in order to receive the most benefit from your massage.
- What if I'm not that flexible?
Flexibility varies greatly from individual to individual, and is influenced by factors such as age and genetics, as well as exercise and frequency of stretching. Whether you consider yourself to have a lot of flexibility or not, you can benefit from Trager or Thai massage, because both forms of bodywork will improve your flexibility. Thai massage involves deeper stretching of all the limbs of the body, which are repeated and sometimes held for several seconds or longer. Trager® bodywork involves stretching which is often somewhat lighter; the stretches are also repeated, but not held as long. The most important factor of course, is your own comfort level. With either kind of bodywork, a lighter or deeper session can be provided, according to your preferences as well as the responses Emily is receiving directly from your body as the session progresses.
- How frequently do I need to come for bodywork in order to receive benefit from it?
How often you decide to have bodywork depends on your schedule, your body's response to the work offered and your goals. You may wish to come weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or only occasionally. That being said, it is also possible to receive many benefits from a single session of Trager or Thai massage. See Home page for Benefits of Thai massage and Trager.
