By Richard Gold, Ph.D., L.Ac.

As with traditional Chinese medicine, traditional thai medicine is also based on an energetic paradigm of the human body and mind. In the Thai medical model, bio-energy (chi or prana) travels throughout the entire body on what are designated as Sen lines. The functionality of the Sen lines is similar to the role of the meridians of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medical theory. Ten primary Sen pathways are identified in Thai medicine.

Essentially, the ten primary Sen originate deep in the abdominal cavity in the vicinity of the navel and connect the center of the body to the sensory and excretory orifices, the brain and neurological functions, the glands, and the extremities. Because of this energetic understanding and placement of the origins of the primary energy conduits in the abdomen, the practical, therapeutic application of traditional Thai massage emphasizes abdominal treatment. The utilization of traditional Thai massage techniques for attaining specific therapeutic outcomes always includes direct treatment of the abdominal region.

In treatment, direct work on the abdomen is always preceded by distal work on other parts of the body. These therapeutic procedures will take the form of direct point and Sen pathway stimulation and also include therapeutic stretching. According to the Western theory of peripheral stimulation, by effecting points and areas on the surface of the body, specific physiologic influence can be attained on the functionality of the organs and glands in other parts of the body.

During treatment, the practitioner will work with the client to establish an awareness of breathing deeply into the abdomen. With each inhale, the diaphragm drops and the abdomen swells. With each exhale, the diaphragm contracts and the abdomen recedes. The practitioner supports this process with a combination of specific, encouraging verbal directives and focused touch. The breathing is not forced and the client remains relaxed.

The preliminary distal stimulation procedures and stretching techniques are applied. These techniques of Thai massage are accomplished with the practitioner utilizing their fingers, palms, elbows, forearms, feet, and knees as therapeutic tools. With the application of these techniques, an energetic and physiological shift begins to occur in the abdominal region. Now, the client is breathing deeply and the internal organs are in a heightened state of function. Next, the practitioner will proceed with a series of gentle palm circles, followed by deep palm compressions and deep thumb presses into specific areas and points on the abdomen.

All these procedures are designed to invigorate the functioning of the organs and to eliminate energetic blockages and the stagnation of blood and lymph throughout the entire body. Although some of the deeper work on the abdomen can be quite painful, the practitioner works very slowly and with sensitivity to the client's needs and concerns. If at anytime during the session the recipient feels too much discomfort or simply needs a break, the practitioner gladly cooperates. At all times, the recipient needs to know that they have the option of direct communication with the practitioner and the ability to influence the treatment session. The improved functioning of the abdominal region has positive implications for the overall health and vitality of the client. For many recipient's, deep abdominal release work can be a powerfully transformative experience. OM