Just saw the new Maori Healers website : http://www.maorihealers.com and really liked some of their FAQs that they listed for their clients. I wanted to share a few here that relate to my Thai massage work.

WHAT IS THE WORK ABOUT?

It is deep tissue bodywork. There may be massage involved, but most of it will be pressure placed on specific spots, which will highlight and indicate other areas in the body that need to release or clear tension and or stress. It is perceived to be the releasing or opening of Physical, Emotional, Spiritual and Mental blocks long held in the body. While this may be so, much of it has to do with aligning the structure of the physical, thus allowing the individuals body to create health and well being within and for itself.

WHY DOES IT HURT?
There can be many reasons for this. Much of it will be from the depth of the pressure used, toxicity, old breaks (bones), aches and pains still held in the body, not enough water, plaque (this is a big one), previous and present use of drugs and or alcohol, tension in the muscles, over and under developed muscles, stress (different from tension) to name a few.
While the session is not about causing anyone injury, there are some who find the depth too much. In most cases we will find another way to bring release to the issue (more than one way to skin a cat).
We do work deep. We will do our best to support you in your session, knowing that on the ‘other side’ of your bodywork you will have more freedom of movement, feel lighter and generally just feel better.

IS THERE A LOT OF PAIN DURING THE SESSION?
There is some pain, due to the depth of the work…. we do support you as we move you through this.
What I have learnt over time, is the more toxic (emotionally, physically, mentally) the body, the more pain one experiences.

ARE THERE SPECIFIC AREAS THAT ARE MORE PAINFUL THAN OTHERS?
Yes. The calves on 95% of people are very sensitive. Deep pressure can have people writhing. The calves are about our personal relationships and particularly the one we have with our parents.
The inner thighs, up to the groin hold much pain for men and women. Most of this area is highly sensitive with and much of it to do with previous relationships (usually sexual) and not cleaning them up before moving on to the next relationship with a clean and clear slate.
The belly is the seat of all emotion. The internal organs are massaged to remove plaque, and create more blood flow.
The shoulders. This is where we find most knots in the body, so we work deep to break them up.