Work, gym, school, trying to maintain a social life, family life, etc. Life as a millennial can be exhausting at times, so it’s important to find our moments for self care and maintenance. Over the course of the last 10 years I’ve had sports injuries, broken bones, and carried 110+ lbs of gear through the mountains of Afghanistan, never really taking much time to think of the toll on my no longer 21-year-old body. I met Kate Powers during a photoshoot advertising her new practice, she specializes in Thai Bodywork, and suggested to me that I might need some realignment in my life, and she could help with that. I figured I could use a massage, so I took her up on her offer. Turns out she does more than massage.
Thai Bodywork gives the benefits of massage, yoga, and energy work in one nurturing “dance”. It is an ancient healing art form practiced in Thailand.
The name in Thai language is Nuat Boran [noo-ut bo-rahn], but in America it is variously called "Thai Massage," "Thai Yoga Massage," "Traditional Thai Massage" or "Thai Bodywork." Boran means "ancient" or "classical" and Nuat is often translated as "massage", though it is not really "massage" as Americans think of it, but a holistic bodywork.
Traditionally given on a floor mat with clients fully clothed, Thai bodywork is a whole-body treatment. It combines passive stretching and movement of joints with several touch techniques and work along energy meridians (called sen in Thai). The whole treatment is a graceful, nurturing, interactive “dance” that is sensitive to the condition of each person. Basically I laid on the mat, and I let her move my body into different positions, applying pressure as needed. The effect of Thai Massage is greater flexibility, flow of energy, deep relaxation, and feeling of well being.
The art of Thai bodywork achieves a deep therapeutic effect without harsh physical force through efficient use of movement, conscious touch, breathing and rhythm. Since it was given on a floor mat with me fully clothed, Kate used her whole body in leverage and interactive work as she moved and rocked me into various positions, applied rhythmic touch as well as some cross-fiber stroking of muscle and tendons. From what I understand, some treatments can be vigorous or gentle depending on the need or preference of the client. Always respectful and caring, it is adjustable to suit most clients, young or not-so-young, athlete or spectator.
You do not have to already be flexible to get and enjoy Thai Bodywork. And it does not have to hurt.
A complete Thai Massage treats the whole body in four positions: supine, side-lying, prone and sitting. The process itself is meditative for both client and practitioner and takes between 1½ to 2 hours. Mine was just over an hour, after a brief interview so she could focus and tailor her efforts.
Clients often report feeling "longer," "expanded," "looser," "deeply relaxed," "refreshed" and more aware of their body. It can have therapeutic benefit for many conditions, especially tight hamstrings and general stiffness, muscular aches in low back, hips, and shoulders, as well as mild rheumatoid arthritis. The deep relaxation and energy work impart a long-lasting afterglow of well-being. A great aid in both recovering and maintaining good health. After it was all over I did feel much lighter and more flexible, but was told regular sessions would get my body and spirit the fullest benefit long term.
I fully support and recommend booking a session with Kate!
Contact her at Itskatepowers@gmail.com
On her website http://www.itskatepowers.com
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Let her know HotSpot sent you 😊