A Look into the benef its of Thai Massage

Red Mountain Yoga, owned and operated by Sue Lattin, has been open since 2014 and offers yoga classes , as well as a variety of massages.

One of the massage techniques available is called Thai Massage, sometimes referred to as Traditional Thai Massage, Thai Yoga Massage, or Lazy Man’s Yoga. Whatever you decide to call it, Thai Massage is less known than regular table massages here in the United States, but can offer very beneficial results.

“Thai massage is good for everyone and leaves most people feeling energized, rather than the drunk, groggy feeling most experience after a table massage,” Lattin said.

In Thai massage, recipients wear clothing such as sweats or yoga pants and the interaction is performed on a mat on the floor. It involves passive stretching that focuses on anatomy and opening energy lines in the body.

“Thai massage is superior for hip and leg issues. Most people don’t stretch as much as they should and Thai massage is a good way to stretch more.” Lattin said.

This version of massage is an eastern style that’s been around for about 1500 years and has roots in India. It’s very good for those with hip and leg issues and involves a series of stretches to get into the muscles that are attached to the hip.

Lattin described the opening of energy lines.

“Our feet are connected to the earth and often, the energy is blocked or restricted through various stressors, which can lead to sickness or disease. Thai massage combines the application of pressure and muscle stretching which can open up those energy lines and improve health and well-being,” she said. “Our legs and hips are often forgotten about and by performing this type of massage, can open up blockages to allow energy to flow up and down and connect everything.”

Lattin studied Thai massage in Thailand for three-and-a-half months in 1999-2000, and has continued with classes in the states over the years. She calls herself a bit of an “anatomy geek” and became very interested in how muscles work and move. That’s part of the reason she began learning massage techniques. She began studying massage in the states in 2000 and graduated in 2004 after school and several moves.

“I’ve actually been doing Thai massage longer and have offered it here, but most people just aren’t aware of it. Most people think massage and that’s table massage.”

After going to school for massage therapy, Lattin - by nature is physically active and in her own words a little “hyper” - found that yoga helped to calm her mind and body and began studying the process to teach others. She began teaching yoga in 2010 and, after moving to Lincoln, opened Red Mountain Yoga in 2014.

This year has been a little different as far as yoga and massage are concerned. The studio, which is classified as a gym, has not yet been able to reopen. She is hoping to be able to have her yoga classes up and running sometime in September, but says it will depend on the state’s phased openings.

Lattin explained that when Chad & Oliva Dietz purchased the building that houses Red Mountain Yoga, and is also now home to On the Rocks Liquor and the MT 406 Merc, they renovated it to have separate, private entrances to each of the businesses in the building. In that process, it actually made the yoga room smaller. Some additional renovations are being done to allow for social distancing in the yoga studio before opening back up. “There are a lot of people eager for yoga to return.” she said.

Lattin wants everyone to know she’s following all recommended guidelines from the health department to keep patrons safe during massages, and as a precaution to keep the community safe. Temperatures are taken before entry into the studio and masks must be worn by everyone at all times.

For more information about Thai massage or to schedule a massage, contact Lattin at 406-459-4168. Calling or texting work best. Massages run $70 for a one-hour session and $100 for a ninety-minute session.