Thai massage; The Champion mindset and challenge of competitive sports

Sports have been an essential and natural part of who I am. I started playing Cricket right after I learned to walk and have played competitively since I was 13. At age 50, I still play Cricket competitively and it is my goal to be playing in my twilight years.

When I started studying Thai massage in 1999, very few people knew about this healing art. In those days I saw the power in Thai massage and just like Cricket, It became a big part of my life naturally and organically. It is the love of sports and my passion for this sacred art that makes me write this article.

In 2020, Contemporary Sports has become more competitive than ever. To compete, the modern athlete must have a hardcore body, a vigorous mind, and a courageous spirit. Thai massage can be invaluable in conditioning athletes for the rigors of todays competitive sports.

This healing art that was practiced in the East for a thousand years goes parallel with the philosophy of yoga. Some call it a Thai yoga massage. This leaves many with the impression that Thai massage consists only of stretches. Stretches are just one ingredient. Thai massage is much more than that.

*Massage (Kneading, Pressing, Squeezing)

*Yoga (Stretches and Tractions)

*Acupressure ( use on energy channels)

*Reflexology ( Most sessions start with foot massage, and there is a Thai Reflexology system as well )

*Energy Channelling ( Thai massage along with the concept of balancing and improving energy, life force or Prana flow in the body)

*Rocking motions ( Unlock and help Alignment)

*Physical therapy ( Thai massage uses many-body manipulations. Which are similar to the ones that are used by physical therapists to rehabilitate movements restrictions and increase of range of motion)

*Chiropractic ( several spinal twists techniques produce releases which are similar to Chiropractic releases, however with less sophistication )

 *Breathwork ( Increase breathing capacity )

This healing art can specifically address imbalances in body parts such as backs, legs, knees, necks, shoulders, or hips. These are the main energy reservoirs in the human body. If they have stagnated energy, Chi or prana don’t flow freely.

Thai massage has all the ingredients to unblock this energy in a very effective way. A skillful and passionate practitioner is much more versatile than one who uses just their hands. The therapist would skillfully use hands, elbow, knees, feet, and body weight to dig deeper into the body very gracefully and rhythmically. This sacred art doesn’t just look at parts of the human body individually. It treats the whole structure as the connection between the body, mind,  and spirit.

In today’s competitive sports world, the physical body is overused. The overuse of muscle and the abundance of muscle-related injuries are a great example of this. Physical ailments have psychological ramifications; The mental energy required for the competition is usurped by the pain resulting from bodily injuries. To prevent injuries, the body needs flexibility, agility, mobility, and alignment. To achieve a dynamic spirit, Athletes need physical confidence, energy, chi, or prana to flow freely and for mental stability.

The competitive athlete commits both physically and mentally to these sports. When sportsperson fully applies themselves, they have the mindset of champions. Thai massage enhances the connection between the body and the mind facilitating the freedom of movement and the nimbleness of thought.

It is my passion to share the knowledge of the ancient art of Thai massage to help today’s athletes master the challenging and competitive world of modern sports.