At our first session, plan some extra time! Know that the duration of all my sessions begins when we are installed and ready to begin the massage, and not when you set foot in the studio! You will be asked to complete a health questionnaire to ensure that there are no major contraindications and to know the areas of tension and pain that require special attention. We will make sure that your choice of modality is well adapted to your needs. Once all your questions are answered and you are ready, you will have a moment to get ready. Once done, if you receive a MYT, you will be asked to open the door. If not for a Lomi Lomi, you will be given a moment to get installed on the table and put yourself at ease, and I will knock on the door before entering the room to begin the massage. At any time during the session, be comfortable expressing if you are uncomfortable, or if anything (from pressure to ambient music) does not suit you. It’s your session, your moment.

It depends on you, your budget, your time, your needs. I trust that after our first meeting, you will know what is best for you. Like anything else, regular maintenance is more beneficial and effective than dealing with crisis states. I suggest you listen to your body, and receive a massage when you feel the need. Ideally, do not allow tension and pain to accumulate before your next session! You can expect the effects of the massage to last for a time after your session.

At Kāya, you can choose between 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Each session is complete and the whole body is worked. For a first time, you are the one who knows best. However, if you are not used to receiving massage therapy or if you are particularly sensitive, I suggest you start with a shorter session and experience its effect before embarking on a longer adventure.  Do not hesitate to contact me if you are not sure and would like to discuss about it. 

At Kāya MYT, only Thai Yoga Massage is appropriate for pregnant women who are currently in their second and third trimester. The MYT is wonderful when the circulation in the legs becomes more difficult, the sciatic nerve is painful, or the tension in the back … but especially to take a moment to relax, to unite with yourself and with baby, for the harmony that the Thai Yoga Massage creates in itself. Contact me for more details.

Yes! Massotherapy is contraindicated for certain health conditions. For example:

Thai Yoga and Thai Foot  Massage are contraindicated in cases of severe osteoporosis, hemophilia, fever, contagious diseases, phlebitis and acute rheumatoid arthritis.

Lomi Lomi, is contraindicated for pregnant women, except in late pregnancy to facilitate delivery, because the technique activates liquids. Also contraindicated in case of high-pressure unless well controlled, varicose veins, all infectious diseases, and cancers.

The agreement of a doctor could be asked before receiving a massage. Do not hesitate to refer to your doctor to find out if a massotherapy can be beneficial and be welcome to contact me to discuss about it.

In addition, if on the day of your appointment, you have fever, have a cold or flu or any other symptoms, contact me as soon as possible to postpone your appointment. 

Some small recommendations so that you can fully enjoy your experience:

• On the day of the massage, limit your intake of caffeine and other stimulants as this has a direct effect on the nervous system.
• The day before and especially the day of massage, refrain from drinking alcohol and using drugs.
• Do not eat heavy meals at least 90 minutes before the treatment. If necessary, you can afford a light snack about an hour before the massage.
• Think of arrival in good hygiene and cleanliness, you will have peace of mind!
• Before leaving your home, take a warm and relaxing shower, which will cleanse your body of all previously used cosmetics, cleanse and prepare the skin for the moisturizing and nourishing effects of all the natural oils used during the treatment. (Recommended for a Lomi Lomi!)
• Wear a warm and casual outfit.
• If you have long hair, consider assembling them, otherwise they may be in the way and be greased by the oil used.
• Make sure to remove jewelry (chains, bracelets, watches, rings, earrings, etc.)
  If you have questions or doubts, even during treatment, do not hesitate and ask your massotherapist right away.

Because massage speeds up the various mechanisms, including removing toxins from the body, it is strongly recommended that you drink plenty of water for at least 24 hours after every session, this will facilitate all these processes.

Thai Yoga Massage is for everyone, young and old, athlete or person with reduced mobility. Anybody who want to experience a gentle and complete physical activity, helping to reduce muscle pain, fatigue, rigid movements, depression, to overcome lethargy or simply to increase one’s energy and free oneself from the daily routine.

You need no yoga experience or flexibility, only an open mind and be ready for the adventure! Thai Yoga Massage is adapted to you and respects your limits. The art of Thai massage is to know what “not” to do. In fact, the most difficult part of receiving a Thai Massage is to let go completely and surrender in the gentle stretchings and movements to feel the whole benefits, and to breathe deeply!

Know that, the word Yoga, in Thai Yoga Massage was added in the late 90s, to differentiate traditional Thai Massage (Nuad Boran) from other underground thai massage.  The Thai Yoga Massage offered by Kāya is faithful to its origin and tradition and is inspired by the asana (poses) of Hatha Yoga and its philosophy (Yoga = Yoke = Unir).

Thai massage has evolved from traditional Indian medicine, the Ayurveda. Hatha yoga being part of the Ayurveda system,  it has influenced Thai Massage with respect to basic principles, such as pranayama (breathing) and various asanas (stretching and positions) used during the session. Know that Yoga is an Indian philosophy whose primary purpose is the liberation of the cycle of rebirth generated by our Karma. It is a discipline that aims at the union of our individual consciousness with the Universal Consciousness, or at achieving the unification of the human being in its physical, psychic and spiritual aspects. So during a Thai Massage we have, besides working the body, the opportunity to unite the body and the mind, to touch our inner Truth.

Some people who have received a TYM in Thailand will probably tell you that it was one of the most painful or intense experiences of their lives. They are not wrong. The Asian approach is very different from ours in terms of massotherapy. We do not necessarily look for a torture session when we make an appointment. My approach privileges the letting go and the surrendering in the movement. Which is impossible to reach when in pain! I adapt the intensity of the session according to your preferences, your limits, your tolerance,  and your needs. Often a gentle approach is much more effective and profound than a high intensity and at the limit of the intolerable. You are fully responsible for the session. You know your preferences, your limits and your tolerance so be free to guide me.

Unlike table oil massage (Lomi Lomi, Swedish, Californian, etc.), Thai massage is performed on the floor on a soft mattress directly over the clothes. Thus, you must be dressed in comfortable and appropriate clothing for the stretches and the different movements that will be part of the session. Comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement and is not slippery will be ideal. Long clothes will be more comfortable to avoid pulling directly on the skin during the stretches. For example, choose a t-shirts over camisoles, and jogging pants over bermudas. Short pants and revealing clothes are not tolerated. You can keep or take off your socks, at your discretion. If you arrive at your appointment and have forgotten your spare clothes for the session, Thai pants and t-shirts will be available at the 831 Studio. Please note that blankets will be used during your session for your comfort.

For the Thai Foot massage, I recommend to dress as for the TYM, with the specificity of wearing pants whose bottom allows to be fold over the knee without restricting blood circulation. For example, here long leggings are not a good idea. If needed, Thai pants are available for the session at the 831 studio.

The Temple Style Lomi Lomi is an oil massage received on the massage table. It should ideally be received in your “Eve” or “Adam” costume, that is to say, naked. However, your comfort and ability to relax is a priority, so it’s up to you if you want to keep your underwear. Know that you will always be covered and that the drape ensures your privacy at all times. For women, I still recommend removing the bra to work the back fluidly. Your breast will always be covered with a sheet or a towel. Of course, before and after the massage, you will undress and dress in privacy.