As Asian Bodywork is becoming more mainstream in the spa and wellness industry, an increasing number of clients are asking about the Integrated Thai-Shiatsu massage therapy sessions I offer.

Being prepared for what you can expect during your massage session when you walk into it is a very important part of how you will feel when you walk out of it, so to learn more about Thai-Shiatsu, check out these great YouTube massage videos. Each is an excerpt of a massage session demonstrating the Thai and Shiatsu aspects of the Integrated Thai-Shiatsu bodywork modality.

Thai Massage

What you are not seeing in the above is the Shiatsu aspect of an Integrated Thai-Shiatsu massage session. The main difference is the amount of "point" work or acupressure involved.

Shiatsu Massage

Thai Massage and Shiatsu Massage, apart, are wonderful ways to reconnect with your body and surrender to your breath. In an integrated form, they are simply that much more powerful.

Try one today, and let us know what you think!

Labels: asian bodywork, integrated thai-shiatsu massage, massage therapy, shiatsu, shoshin shiatsu, thai massage, thai-shiatsu

Simply put, Thai-Shiatsu massage is a combination of Asian Bodywork modalities.

Asian Bodywork uses the energetic philosophy of Chinese Medicine to reduce stress, promote health and overall wellness. It is also one of the four branches of Chinese Medicine - the other branches being Acupuncture, Herbology and Qigong - and has been influenced by all of the major Asian countries - most notably China, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Bodywork's Integrated Thai & Shiatsu Massage

Clients should come to Thai-Shiatsu sessions in loose, comfortable clothing. Clothing will remain on throughout the session. The bodywork, which is composed of light stretches and compression will be performed on the floor on a massage mat. Bolsters, pillows and blankets should be available, as needed, as the client will be moved into many different positions during the massage.

Shoshin Shiatsu - Shoshin Shiatsu originates with traditional acupressure, Zen and Thai bodywork and is based on awareness and working of the classic 14 meridian channels of Chinese medicine.

Shiatsu is a traditional, hands-on Japanese therapy translating literally. Shi means finger and atsu means pressure.

Thai Massage - Thai massage is known in Thailand as "nuat phaen boran," literally, meaning the ancient-manner massage. According to Wikipedia, Thai massage originated in India and is based on Ayurveda and Yoga. It is believed that Thai massage art was actually brought to Thailand over 2500 years ago.

Thai massage techniques, using the thumbs, elbows, palms, forearms, feet and knees include: rocking, rhythmic muscle compression, assisted yoga positions and stretching. Therapists work along energy meridians called Sen lines. Three of the Sen lines run along the same areas as the yogic nadis, the Indian version of energy lines, affecting specific chakras or centers of energy.

You'll know how amazing this modality is the second your massage therapist lays a hand on you. It is an intuitive and incredibly focused work. If you've had a Swedish massage that left you wanting more, if you felt like your therapists wasn't paying attention to you, try a Thai and/or Shiatsu session.


Bodywork provides custom massage therapy and bodywork in the Austin area.

Labels: asian bodywork, massage austin, massage therapy, shoshin shiatsu, thai massage, thai-shiatsu