JR Swe-Thai

HISTORY OF THAI MASSAGE

Traditional Thai Medical Massage (Nuad-Boran) is thought to have originated in Thailand more than 2,500 years ago, and is still practiced in clinics, on beaches, and throughout therapist's offices today. Thai Massage is a whole-body technique that can increase the flow of energy through the body by releasing tension and energy blockages. It is characterized by deep compression on the receiver's arms, back, legs and feet through use of the therapist's thumbs, palms, forearms and feet. Typically, the massage is done on a mat, with both the receiver and therapist fully clothed. The receiver is placed in various yoga-like positions as the therapist stretches and massages the muscles. Breathe work, acupressure, soothing rocking and Thai philosophies are incorporated into the session, so that the massage works physically, mentally and energetically.

The postures and stretching in a Thai massage session help increase awareness of your body. With this gentle awareness comes a greater responsibility for one's well-being, resulting in easier movement, improved posture and even injury prevention. It is often effective in reducing low back pain, leg cramps and rounded shoulders. Benefits and increased range of motion tend to multiply with regular treatments.

AT JOHN ROBERT'S: "SWE-THAI"

We've taken Traditional Thai Massage and integrated it with approaches from a general Swedish massage, which is the basis for most Western therapeutic massages.  The resulting combination is a brand new massage modality that also seems familiar to our guests.  We use a normal massage table and draping with a sheet, and like any massage, communicate with the guest to ensure modesty and comfort.  Both 60 and 90-minute time slots are available.  When choosing whether to book a 60 or 90-minute session, please keep in mind that the longer session will include additional stretching to arms and legs, as well as a longer back massage.

Your massage begins with a general head, neck and upper shoulder massage while you lay face-up. From there, the therapist will place your arms and legs in bent and stretched positions, to better reach and compress your muscles. The therapist will be on the table during some of the session, in order to use a greater degree of pressure. Our therapists expect the utmost professionalism from themselves and their guests, and, therefore, always alert the guests before they place their own body weight on the table. Some guests have reported that they would never even know the therapist was on the table! Regardless, our therapists want to make sure you feel comfortable at all times, so expect quite a bit of communication during the session. To end, you will receive a general back massage that may remind you of a typical Swedish massage.

WHY THE COMBINATION WORKS SO WELL

Thai massage works with the muscles, bones and joints, improving circulation and increasing flexibility and range of motion. It reduces the effects of tension by lowering the heart rate, relieving muscle tightness, slowing the breath and initiating the relaxation response to calm both body and mind.

On a more energetic level, Thai massage is said to open up energy channels called sen, similar to those in acupressure. When sen are blocked, you may experience fatigue, pain or disease.

Paired with the long, soothing strokes of a Swedish massage, the body's lymph system is both stimulated and then cleared of unhealthy toxins that can get built up in the muscles. By beginning and ending with Swedish techniques that are familiar to the guest, our staff help create a relaxing atmosphere to encourage deeper healing and relief. Guests also comment that the enjoy the gradual increase of intensity as the therapist moves from Swedish to Thai, as well as the sense of calmness that comes as the session moves back from Thai to Swedish.

WHAT TO WEAR

After you are greeted by the serenity specialist, you will be shown to a changing room and offered a microfiber robe and sandals. Please undress to your own personal level of comfort, but leave underwear on (boxers, briefs or panties).  Most guests wear non-bulky shorts, such as running or gym shorts.   This allows for extensive stretching of the leg and hip muscles, while ensuring that you and the therapist both feel comfortable.

WHO SHOULD BOOK THIS MASSAGE

Guests who most enjoy this massage modality range from athletes to desk-bound people to those with very little body fat to those with a more substantial frame. In a nutshell, if you enjoy stretching and deep pressure, you will love this massage!  We do not recommend it for first-time massage guest.  

Please check in with yourself and make sure that you are comfortable with the idea of a therapist climbing on and off the table to create more pressure. While the session does begin and end with a typical Swedish massage to the neck, head and back, it is less "relaxing" than others. The therapist will frequently let you know what the next technique entails and will communicate verbally with you about the pressure.

As with any massage, if you have any history of abdominal aneurysms, recent broken bones, are on blood thinners or have another medical condition that prohibits the use of deep pressure, this massage is not for you.

AFTER THE MASSAGE

Our guests have reported feeling better than they have after any other type of massage, although the results usually take a day or so to feel. One runner told us she could run without pain in her thighs, even though she had been feeling that pain for the past several months. A guest with constant back pain said that it was the first time his back had felt relaxed. Our own therapists also report feeling stretched and relaxed after simply DOING this massage!

Your muscles may feel as if you had a great workout or stretching sessions, so please make sure to drink plenty of water and continue to stretch, per your normal routine.

Q&A

What's the difference between 60 and 90-minute Swe-Thai?

When choosing whether to book a 60 or 90 minute massage, please keep in mind that the longer time slot will include additional stretching to the arms and legs, as well as a longer back massage.

They get on the table??!

Yes, it's amazing! They do that in order to use a greater degree of pressure. Just to reassure you, our therapists expect the utmost professionalism from themselves and their guests, and therefore, they always alert the guests before they place their own body weight on the table. Some guests have reported that they would never have known that the therapist was on the table! Regardless, our therapists want to make sure you feel comfortable at all times, so expect quite a bit of communication during the session.

What do I wear?

When you are greeted by a serenity specialist, you will be shown to a changing room and offered a micro-fiber robe and sandals. Guests may choose to leave on non-bulky shorts, like gym shorts or cotton running shorts. This allows for extensive stretching of the leg and hip muscles, while ensuring that you and the therapist both feel comfortable.

Will I like it?

If you enjoy stretching and deep pressure, you will love this massage! However, if you are looking for a very relaxing, quiet massage where you can just zone out, this may not be the one for you. Remember that you can always let your therapist know if anything doesn't feel right or, more likely, if you are loving it.

Featuring Emme, Massage Therapist, John Robert's Spa Mayfield.

Call 216.839.4850 to reserve your JR Swe-Thai Massage experience today!

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