A Terrific Thai Experience by Laura Merry

We all know what a massage is and how relaxing it can be, but Aspire has come across an amazing form of this ancient treatment - Thai Massage.

Based on Buddhist principles, Thai massage is a combination of rhythmic compression, mobilisation, and deep stretches. Traditional Thai massage is not based on the anatomical system known in the West, but has its own logic and methodology; the idea is to work on the totality of body, mind, and spirit in order to rebalance the energy.

I was lucky enough to be treated to this amazing treatment by Claudia Walker, who trained at the Bodyharmonics Centre in Cheltenham, under world-renowned oriental massage and acupuncturist specialist, Maria Mercati.

Thai massage is a passive work-out that stretches your muscles with deep palm pressing and moves your joints with gentle mobilisation techniques, a bit like yoga; however, you don't have to do anything.
Claudia took control, moving my limbs as and when needed in order to stretch my muscles, as well as rhythmically pressing her thumbs into my 'energy lines, called Sen', which correspond widely with the meridians of Traditional Chinese medicine. Stimulating the energy in these lines and removing blockages (both physical and psychological) within this energy system helps to harmonise the energy that supports and maintains all vital functions of the body.

It might sound like an awkward and painful way to spend an hour, but I can assure you it was anything but; it was a deeply relaxing treatment that seemed to rid my body of the stresses of working for a weekly publication.

It was amazing how relaxed, energised, and thirsty the treatment made me - I drank far more water than I normally would, which Claudia assured me was normal, as the treatment had released the water stored in my leg tissue/muscles - suppose that's what you get for sitting down all day!

I'd highly recommend this treatment to anyone who not only wants an hour of pampering and relaxation, but also people looking to iron out any knotted muscles, correct their posture, or even alleviate water retention.

Claudia Walker can be found at Ashleigh Clinic, 26 Stoneygate Road, Leicester, LE2 2AD.
Alternatively, you can visit her website at
www.e-centraltherapy.com.

All new customers get their first treatment half price when mentioning Aspire.