Thai Elements: A holistic art form, a dance, yoga & massage

Steffie Ellis
Jun 17
3 min read

My Journey with Thai Yoga Massage

My introduction to Thai massage began in 2003, during my time as a yoga instructor and massage therapy enthusiast. From the very first experience, I was captivated. Thai massage felt like the perfect bridge between yoga and bodywork—deeply therapeutic, meditative, and beautifully holistic. I knew immediately that I wanted to study and share this healing art.

Why Receive Thai Yoga Massage?

Giving a Thai massage is like performing a graceful, meditative yoga dance. For both the giver and the receiver, the experience becomes a moving meditation—centered, present, and deeply healing.

While Thai massage offers many of the benefits common to other therapeutic modalities, it also provides a range of unique, holistic advantages:

Release of chronic tension and physical discomfort
Enhanced awareness of the mind-body connection
Improved flexibility and posture
Deep relaxation and rejuvenation
Increased energy and better sleep quality

What is Thai Massage?

Rooted in over 2,500 years of wisdom, Thai massage blends elements from Traditional Thai Medicine, Ayurvedic principles, assisted yoga stretching, and the meridian system of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

This modality involves a series of flowing, choreographed movements. Using gentle rocking, rhythmic compression, passive stretching, and acupressure, the therapist applies pressure with thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, and feet—helping to release energy blockages and balance the body’s vital systems.

Sessions are traditionally done on a floor mat, with the client fully clothed in comfortable, loose-fitting attire. However, Thai massage can also be adapted to a massage table setting—commonly referred to as Table Thai Massage.

Who Can Benefit from Thai Massage?

Thai massage can be modified to suit any body type, level of flexibility, or physical condition. Whether you are an athlete, an office worker, someone on your feet all day, or simply seeking greater mind-body connection, Thai massage offers powerful and lasting benefits.

Many of my clients report that regular sessions have helped them:

Alleviate long-standing tension
Improve posture and mobility
Sleep more deeply
Feel more energized
Enhance flexibility and circulation

One long-time client living with Parkinson’s disease has found ongoing relief from stiffness and improved energy through consistent Thai massage. Others—including triathletes and sedentary professionals—experience reduced muscle tightness and an overall sense of well-being.

For those who find it challenging to maintain a regular stretching or yoga routine, Thai massage offers the opportunity to receive the benefits of deep, passive stretching without the effort—allowing your body to open and release in a supported way.

Let’s Connect

I truly love practicing this beautiful healing art and would be honored to share it with you. If you’re curious or have any questions about Thai Yoga Massage, I’d be happy to chat.

Thai Elements Continuing Education for Licensed Massage Therapists

🌞As some of you know, I have been studying traditional Thai massage since I first fell in love with its effects on the body in 2003.

🌞Since then I have learned from several amazing teachers and shared Thai massage with many clients and students.

🌞Since 2017, I have been teaching a modified version of traditional Thai massage, called table Thai.

🌞In my NCBTMB Approved Thai Elements Courses students will learn basic Thai massage techniques and Thai energy line technology that can easily be incorporated into a traditional or therapeutic table massage.

🌞Thai massage techniques give massage therapists access to another way of working with the body, incorporating stretching and moving the joints, opening up energy pathways, and releasing long held tension patterns.

🌞For the client Thai massage helps cultivate mind/body connection, deep relaxation, and pathways for the body to heal itself.

🌞For the therapist, Thai massage can help lighten the burden on overused hand and arm muscles, broaden the variety of techniques in one’s toolbox for each client, and give therapists a new marketable skill.

🌞Thai massage is a beautiful tradition. I feel humbled and honored to share with you!

🌞Massage therapists may feel very comfortable incorporating this work into their massage therapy sessions immediately following our day together. I also encourage everyone to practice and to continue learning always.

🧘🏻‍♀️ Thai Elements: Supine and Prone Table Techniques Dec 3, 2025! 🧘🏻‍♀️

✔️See the link below for more information and to register.

✔️Register and learn more here : https://www.steffieelliswellness.com/continuing-education-courses

✔️Join my Facebook group for updates and information here :

https://www.facebook.com/groups/24248147058164357/?ref=share_group_link

✔️More 2025 NCBTMB Approved Courses:

🪬🪬Sept 10: Pregnancy Massage

Sept 24: Sidelying Therapeutic Techniques for Hip amd Shoulder

🪬🪬Oct 8: Massage and Stretch

Oct 22: Save Your Hands with Forearm Techniques

🪬🪬Nov 5: Ethics: Boundaries for Self Care

Nov 5: Massage Therapy Effects on Body Systems