Thai Yoga Massage

Thai yoga massage is a hands-on bodywork practice that combines assisted stretching, slow rhythmic pressure and gentle movement. It's based on traditional Thai massage. One person, the giver, moves and stretches the other, the receiver, who lies relaxed on a floor mat, fully clothed and without oils. It's sometimes nicknamed lazy person's yoga, because someone else does the stretching for you.

The giver uses their palms, thumbs, forearms and sometimes feet to apply steady pressure, leaning in with their body weight rather than pushing with muscle. Pressure usually follows lines along the body, moving slowly from the feet upwards.

In between come the stretches. The giver might gently lift and rotate a leg, fold the receiver forward or draw their arms back into a supported stretch. It all flows together in a slow, rocking rhythm. Many people find it deeply relaxing, and it can feel a bit like a yoga session where you don't have to do any of the work.

You work in pairs and take turns giving and receiving. Your Activity Leader demonstrates each technique, then talks you through it while you try it with your partner. The focus is on simple moves, good body mechanics and clear communication. Givers learn to use their body weight, keep their own back comfortable and check in about pressure. Receivers learn to relax and to speak up, whether that's more, less or stop. It's relaxed, hands-on and suitable for complete beginners.

No problem at all. You don't need any massage skills, yoga experience or flexibility, just a willingness to work closely with someone and listen to what feels good for them. You can come with a friend or partner, or come solo and get paired up.

Loose, comfortable clothes you can stretch in, like joggers or leggings and a soft top, as you stay fully clothed the whole time. Avoid zips, buckles and chunky jewellery, which can dig in when someone is leaning on you. Clean socks or bare feet work best on the mat, and short nails make life nicer for everyone.

You might also like Acro Yoga, Yoga and Sound Bath.

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