Healing Destinations

By Suzie Daggett

Delicious, incredibly delicious! So said my inner voice during my recent experience with the 2,000 year old healing art of Thai Massage. Located in the heart of downtown Nevada City, Jindana Thai Therapeutic Spa is owned by Janice Gagnon and supported by her experienced staff of 7 therapists. Upon entering, the wind chimes, welcoming fountain, uplifting scents and an enchanting Buddha invite you to find peace and tranquility as you receive your massage. The Spa offers many types of Thai massages, an Herbal Sauna, full body scrubs, an outdoor relaxation space, jewelry, Thai clothing and the pleasure of deep relaxation. I asked my therapist, Regie a few questions.

What was the reason you became interested in Thai Massage?

I grew up in a small Catholic town in the Philippines, and was lucky enough to go to a Nursing College, as not much else was available. After I graduated, I never could have imagined that my training would someday help me land a job in Grass Valley performing Pancha Karma Therapies and creating Herbal formulas for the College of Ayurveda. That is how I was introduced to massage. I learned and practiced both Ayurvedic Massage Therapy and Thai Massage. I found that Thai massage is a very powerful and profoundly effective way to heal and maintain health on all levels. Thai Massage is called the LAZYMANS YOGA! The advantage is that the therapist is doing the work while the client is relaxing. I am able to work more directly to clear blockages in the body while putting the client into deeper stretches.

What Benefits do your clients receive from your work?

Thai Massage emphasizes removing all kinds of blockages in the energy system, called sen lines, of the body. It is like a dance routine of brilliant techniques that flow effortlessly into each other, and when practiced with sensitivity by an inspired and knowledgeable practitioner, it is a massage that is second to none. Blockages are not only painful to live with, but they can be painful to remove as well. So when my client falls asleep during the treatment I feel very clever because I am providing deep work and it is tricky to do it while keeping them relaxed at the same time. The benefits include: stretching, detoxifying the body, increasing mobility, flexibility and circulation, relieving pain and discomfort, restoring vitality, assisting posture, and boosting the immune system.

How does Thai Massage influence your life?

As a Vipassana Meditator, I believe change is the only constant, and there are lot of changes in the life of someone who practices Thai Massage. Vipassana is practiced for mental purification, which after a lot of hard continuous work over a long period of time leads to the ultimate goal of Enlightenment. For me, meditation leads to enlightenment and Thai Massage makes meditation easier. Thai Massage is not just a form of Yoga for the one who is receiving, but there are all the elements of yoga for me as well. The fact that it is done on the floor makes Thai Massage physically demanding and I must be balanced, flexible, and use good body mechanics, concentration, breath, and remain aware.

Jindana Thai Therapeutic Spa

310 ½ Broad St, Nevada City, CA

530-265-2404

http://www.jindana.com