What is Thai Massage?

Thai massage is nothing like any other form of bodywork and it can be really revealing as to where you hold tightness and blockages in your body. I had no idea my hamstrings were so tight  until my therapist stretched my leg out and used her foot to apply pressure deep into the back of my thigh. 

Sessions can be done in an hour, but because many positions are held for a long time to allow the body to open up and the muscles to relax, most sessions are 90-120 minutes. A Thai massage session is pure heaven, although a bit pricey when compared to your run-of-the-mill deep tissue massage. But thankfully, the Chicago School of Thai Massage offers 90-minute sessions for just $65, about 50% less than what you'd pay at a spa! Started in 2008 by Paul Fowler and Paul Weitz, the school wanted to bring together Chicago's Thai therapist while also providing students with a well-rounded understanding of the body and how Thai massage works (the 6-month curriculum includes yoga, meditation and the study of Western anatomy and energetic anatomy).

Both Fowler and Weitz are amazing and very passionate men. Just watch the video of Paul Weitz above talking about the roots of Thai massage and you'll see how knowledgeable he is about the ancient therapy. 

When you're ready to try Thai massage, contact the Chicago School of Thai Massage for info about free sessions, open houses and the student clinics, which run near the end of each 6-month training program.