I tried Thai massage: I hoped this ancient form of bodywork would ease my sore muscles. Here's how my first session went - Test Run

Natural Health, April, 2003 by Ann Howard

I'VE BEEN CYCLING A LOT LATELY, AND my legs often feel tired and sore. I also suffer from neck and hand strain from working at a computer all day. I had heard that Thai massage might help, so I signed up for a session with Maxine Shapiro, L.Ac., a licensed acupuncturist and Thai massage therapist in Newton, Mass.

A Massage in Motion

When I arrived at Shapiro's home office, she had soothing music playing in the background. She asked me to lie fully clothed on my back on a futon mattress on the floor. Kneeling on the floor at my feet, she alternated between gently pressing her fingertips into the tops of my feet and then holding my feet and rocking back and forth, which made my lower body move from side to side. Shapiro told me this rocking motion would relax me and help prepare my legs for stretching by adjusting my hips.

Then she began working on my legs. Again, she rocked my body as she massaged and pressed on points along my legs. As Shapiro continued up my body, she had me move into different positions (some on my back, some on my side) designed to stretch tight muscles; many of them resembled yoga poses. In each position, she'd spend a few minutes helping me deepen the stretch: Sometimes she would gently lean her weight into me or even stand on a part of my body while rocking me back and forth. At one point, as I lay on my back with my knees pulled tightly into my chest, Shapiro kneeled on my shins, her face about 8 inches from mine.

Tension Escapes

At first the close contact made me nervous, but Shapiro explained what she was doing as she went along, unlike other massage therapists I've worked with, who remained quiet throughout the session. This dialogue put me at ease and soon I began to relax and not think about the different moves or how near Shapiro was. I could feel the tension, especially in my neck muscles, leaving my body, and it felt great. When the session ended, I felt relaxed and pain-free. I also noticed that my posture was better.

My Verdict

The best part: How energized I felt at the end of the massage.

The worst part: At first, the close interaction. But I got used to it.

Would I do it again? Yes.

At a Glance

Ann Howard, 39

The Practice: Practitioners of Thai massage use techniques from massage, yoga, acupressure, reflexology, and energy work to stretch and heal the body.

The Cost: $75 per hour.

My Motivation: To loosen tight and tired muscles and to relax.

Fear Factor: None.

Fast Facts

History: The principles of Thai massage come from medical traditions developed by Buddhist monks in Southeast Asia more than 1,000 years ago. Thai massage therapists first began practicing in the United States in 1984.

Today: Nearly 300 certified Thai massage therapists practice in the United States.

For More Info: To locate a certified practitioner in your area, contact the International Thai Therapists Association (231-861-0481; www.thaimassage .com/itta/ittaindex.html).

Ann Howard is the associate art director at Natural Health.