Thai Massage, Reiki and Cranial Sacral: Three Quieter Ways to Book a Massage

Most people picture a massage as lying on a table while someone works on tight muscles. That's one version, and it's a great one. But if you're curious about something different, or you want a session that feels slower and quieter, there are other options at Fluid Energies Inc. in Yuma.

This post covers three of them: Thai massage, Reiki and cranial sacral work. We'll describe each the way we describe it on our site, so you know what you're booking. None of these are a substitute for medical care, and if you have a health condition, your doctor should have a say in what you try.

Thai massage: stretches and pressure points

Thai massage, sometimes called Thai yoga massage, is an ancient healing system that combines acupressure, Indian Ayurvedic principles and assisted yoga postures. In a session, the therapist guides you through a series of full-body stretches and also works deep pressure points.

The key word is assisted. You're not doing the yoga. Your therapist guides the stretches, so you can let someone else do the work. People who like to feel active in their massage, with a lot of stretching built in, often take to it.

Our Thai menu is broader than one service. It includes Thai foot reflexology, traditional Thai massage, a hot herbal Thai compress, an herbal Thai facial compress and a Royal Thai massage that goes head to toe and adds hot stones. No membership is needed for any of them. Ask when you book what to wear, since comfortable, loose clothing is usually the best bet for movement.

Reiki: gentle energy work

Reiki is energy work, and at Fluid Energies it's done by Matthew Avila, AS, an Usui Holy Fire III Reiki Master.

You stay fully clothed, so wear loose, comfortable clothes. Sessions can be hands-on or hands-off, which means your practitioner either rests their hands lightly on you or holds them a short distance away. Ask which feels most comfortable for you when you book.

Energy medicine sessions are open to anyone. In our words, "Anyone can come and try" them. If you're curious but unsure, a Reiki session is a low-pressure way to see whether this kind of work appeals to you. Think of it as time to be still, rather than a medical treatment, and keep seeing your doctor for any health concern.

Cranial sacral: a gentle bodywork

Cranial sacral is a gentle and non-invasive form of bodywork that addresses the bones of the head, the spinal column and the sacrum.

On our site, cranial sacral is listed for headaches, neck and back pain, TMJ, stress and tension, insomnia and more. We use the word listed on purpose. It describes what people come in for, not a promise of any result. Everyone responds differently, and if you have persistent headaches, jaw pain or trouble sleeping, it's wise to talk to your doctor about it as well.

Because the work is gentle and non-invasive, expect a much lighter touch than deep tissue. Ask your practitioner to explain what they're doing as they go if you'd like to know.

How to choose between them

Here is a simple way to sort it out:

• Want movement and stretching, with firm pressure on specific points? Try Thai massage.
• Want to stay still, clothed and quiet, with hands-on or hands-off work? Try Reiki.
• Want an extremely gentle session focused on the head, spine and sacrum? Try cranial sacral.
• Want something more familiar? Swedish and deep tissue are on the traditional massage menu.

There's no wrong answer, and you can try one this month and another next. The energy work menu also includes Qi Gong and spinal back balancing with polarity, if you'd like to explore beyond these three.

What to do before you come in

Everything we ask of any first-time guest applies here. Arrive 15 minutes early for the intake form. Turn your phone off. Tell us about any health issues when you book, since some treatments may not suit certain conditions. If you're pregnant, have an injury, or are under a doctor's care, check with your doctor before you book.

Cancel with at least 24 hours notice to avoid a charge. Under 24 hours is 50%, and a no-show is 100%.

Booking

Prices for these services are on the Thai massage page and the energy work page of this site, and we can confirm them when you book. Questions are welcome. Call the front desk at (928) 276-4605, or stop by 777 W 27th Street in Yuma. If you can't decide, tell us what you're hoping for, and we'll help you pick.