massage mats

[mo-z]

what is the best massage mat for thai massage? has anyone had experience with these?

grainne
http://www.chicagothaimassage.com

 

[susudio]

massage mats

I don't know anything about Thai massage mats, but I did find this link a while back.  Hope it helps.

Natural Shiatsu/Thai Massage Mats
http://www.futoncentre.co.uk/shiatsu-futons.htm

 

[Southern Baptist]

massage mats

A link discussing this on a UK massage forum:
http://www.healthypages.net/forum/tm.asp?m=84058

I just learned from this link that some Thai mats are thicker than shiatsu mats.
http://www.bluelotusyoga.com/mat_thai.html

Here's another, with a "strap" to carry it with:
http://www.balancedlifeproducts.com/$spindb.query.listall1.yogaview.39.Cushions~20~2d~20Massage~20Mats

Another:
http://www.thaimassage.com/itta/nuatorderform.html#anchor1637219
I really wish I knew more about them, but at least here are some more links.

Please let us know what you end up finding out, since it seems there are not any adivce givers from our forum on this subject.  Looks like you'll be the one letting us know!  

 

[dimamuzhetsky]

Bump for more replies if anyone cares to share!

What do you use mat/accessories and where did you get them?

Also (so sorry if this is a stupid question) do you use one sheet to cover the mat for each new client? I am assuming yes but have never experienced thai massage or any bodywork on a futon mat.

Thanks so much!!

 

[mike70025]

I use a mat set from Lotus Palm, very flexible options for placement of the side pads, and portable, too--not too heavy. I don't use the case it came in. I use a wheeled golf bag carrier to avoid weight on my shoulder.

The compressed foam is quite comfy but firm enough for stability in standing postures (always a problem with futons.) Another problem with futons is the stuffing tends to bunch up pretty quickly, especially if you roll it up often. :evil: Never an issue with the firm compressed foam. (http://www.lotuspalm.com)

Am looking forward to the natural latex mats coming from The Naga Center. They will be wider (more like a full-size bed area) than the Lotus Palm mat (more twin-sized) and so eliminate the need to reposition clients so they don't roll off the mat when you flip them over.

Don't know about anyone else, but I place a fresh sheet over the mat and neatly tuck in the edges for each client. Sometimes, when working offsite, I also use a sheet underneath as well to keep the mat cover tidy and neat. Have had sessions from practitioners who did this both ways: some with and some without a sheet over the mats. I prefer the freshness of a clean sheet.

 

[The Rikstir XIV]

Here's a list of what I could find online:

http://www.yogamats.com/shiatsu.html

http://www.massagewarehouse.com/category~SEARCH~yes.asp which is the same as sold at http://www.spiritwinds.net/massage_mats.html

http://www.bluelotusyoga.com/mat_thai.html

http://www.lotuspalm.com/product.asp?pdid=13

http://www.zenthaimassage.com/products.php

http://www.massagedirect.com/Directory/specials.htm

http://www.pathaimassageandstore.com/store.htm

http://www.traditionalthaimassage.org/thaimassagemats/

http://www.products4fitness.com/site/1287294/page/547226

http://www.natural-salt-lamps.com/massagestore.html

http://www.dreamcraftnaturals.com/11_bodywork.html

balanced life

http://www.learnthaimassage.com/massagemat.html

http://www.beardedmedia.com/displayProductDocument.hg?productId=19&categoryId=10

http://www.matsmatsmats.com/pillows/shiatsu-mat.html?Source=OVER&KW=massage+mat+thai

http://www.whitelotus.net/massage.mat.php

http://www.thaimassageschool.net/thai-massage-mats.php

 

[CreepyCrawlers123]

So it sounds to me that something around 4' x 7.5/8' would be sufficient? Or would 5+' wide be ideal for floor work?

Are the cotton batting mats really annoying to work with if not mobile? Can shaking them a bit help with the bunching?

Has anyone noticed the difference in cotton batting and kapok?

And do you have to beware with the latex allergies with the natural latex?

Also what kind of accessories do you use for thai bodywork? Should I get special pillows, bolsters, kneeling mats?


Thanks so much for the input!!

 

[wolf]

It was my understanding that it is constant contact with latex that causes the allergy, and that natural latex is not in itself reactive. Since it would also be in a fabric cover, it shouldn't be a problem for anyone with sensitivity.

The kapok, cotton, etc. stuffing are a problem for standing positons. Have someone lie down, then stand over them and try to balance on one foot...get the picture? Plus, it WILL bunch and shift, causing lumpy spots.

If the mat is wide enough, you won't need kneeling mats. Wider is better for portability (what's nice about the Lotus Palm mat). Depends on your use.

A collection of various-sized pillows are helpful, but you won't know what you prefer until after you begin to practice.