Thai Massage Founded by Buddha's physician, Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, more than 2,500 years ago in India, the Traditional Thai massage has been performed by monks as one of the main components of Thai medicine for over centuries. Thai massage is also known as 'Thai yoga massage' because the therapist includes the use of hands, knees, legs, and feet to move you into yoga-like stretches. (Many people say Thai massage is like doing yoga without any work). Furthermore, it is more stimulating and rigorous than more classic forms of massage. Treatment through Thai massage involves muscle compression, joint mobilization, and sometimes acupressure. People describe Thai massage as both relaxing and energizing. Benefits: increases energy, reduces stress, relaxes, improves circulation, increases flexibility, improves range of motion, centers the mind and body Tips: Don't eat a heavy meal before the massage. If you feel discomfort at any time, let your massage therapist know. Swedish Massage Swedish Massage is the technique of applying oil onto the skin and working it smoothly and slowly over the muscles. The amount of pressure used is determined by the client. You can choose a whole body massage or request work on just a specific area such as neck and shoulders. The techniques used in this European massage is intended to relax muscles and improve circulation with the use of massage oils and gentle manipulations such as long strokes, kneading and tapping. Thai-Swedish Combination Experience the best of both worlds with the Thai-Swedish combination massage. This unique combination requires at least 1 hour of your time. If you're not sure what type of massage you'd like, the 'combination' is usually the way to go! Deep Tissue A phrase which indicates client-directed area-specific massage, as opposed to relaxation massage. Little or no oils are used to promote access to the deeper muscular and facial structures, below the surface. Hollywood Thai Massage 2008