Thai Massage blends styles from Asian neighbors passed down through the generations. Unlike the scooping and continuous strokes of Western massage, the Thai method uses point pressure, muscle stretching and compression, done in a rhythmic movement of gentle rocking. In Thai massage it is not just the hands that are used to free tension from the recipient's body, but the therapists feet, forearms, knees, and elbows as well. Be assured northern style Thai massage is never painful. Thai massage is applied on a mat on the floor, the work is done fully clothed and no oils are requiered.   Thai medical massage can move deeper into the mechanical functions of the body, working with deep muscle tension and joint mobility as well as nerve, muscle and ligament balancing.   Some people call Traditional Thai Massage "Lazy man's yoga", because the therapist is skilled at supporting the client in stretches that are yoga poses. In many cases, the client can experience the benefit of poses that would be difficult to achieve unassisted, because it can take years to develop the requisite strength, balance and flexibility to achieve the poses in a solo yoga practice.  Also, the therapist works energy lines while the client is in the pose, which has a synergistic effect in opening and energizing the body. Clients who have active yoga practices often find that regular Thai yoga therapy sessions enhance their practice, allowing them to stretch and open more quickly and avoid injury.