Though we live in cities full of people, we are a society that falls short in physical contact. I have recently discovered the magic that is giving my body over completely to someone I trust to take it into positions it has never been in before — an experience that is rich in disbelief. It’s hard to believe, yet fascinating to be eye level with parts of my body I have only before seen in photos.

What Is It?

It is Thai massage — designed as a physical and spiritual journey of twisting and manipulating the body to release physical and emotional knots. It is a practice developed to facilitate and stimulate life flow, energy or “sen” in an effort to attain a physical, mental, spiritual and social balance.

Thai massage is a cool combination of massage, acupressure and assisted stretches, mixed with the peace and calm inspired by meditation. Traditional Thai massage is a journey requiring 2 to 2½ hours.

Your practitioner works above you as you lie on the floor, using her entire body, her body weight and strength to guide you through movements to free the tension stored in your body — all in an effort to assist you to achieve the four divine states of consciousness that are a prerequisite for complete happiness in the Buddhist tradition.

Don’t be thrown by the Buddhist tradition: those of us bereft of a spiritual point of view respond equally to the visceral benefits of properly stretched muscles, increased circulation, complete relaxation and restoration of our auras.

Who Would This Appeal To?

Regardless of your status as a professional athlete, weekend warrior, monthly fitness missionary or potato of the couch variety, the benefits of Thai massage are universal.

Since sequences in Thai massage are assisted and supportive, those with limited ranges of motion or limited strength are capable of using muscles and promoting circulation in ways impossible to do alone.

Long-distance athletes, runners, cyclists, swimmers and paddlers will be greatly served by a massage that promotes and propagates muscle length and strength.

Who Would Hate It?

Who would hate a massage whose purpose is the “elevation of the human spirit?” If you are uncomfortable with the touch and level of intimacy and trust required in massage of any type, then Thai massage might not be something you want to explore.

What Do You Need?

You need a skilled practitioner; loose, comfortable clothing; and a couple of hours of faith in the process.

Due to the physical scope of Thai massage, people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, skin disease or other medical conditions should check with both their physician and therapist prior to any treatment.

Where Do You Find It?

Calgary has some phenomenal practitioners of Thai massage.

– June Round: 403-828-5395.

– Shaun Klassen: 403-228-6420; karmaproject. net.

– Annette Caesar: 403-281-0364; grecae@shaw.ca

– Surya: 403-660-6664.

– Oasis Wellness Center: 403-216 -2747; experienceoasis. ca.

A complete Thai massage ranges between $175 to $200; abbreviated sessions for the time-crunched can be less expensive.

Bottom Line

A little mentally, socially, spiritually and physically outside my comfort zone. I’m very glad I did it.