When access to massage spas, local and mobile massage therapists is stopped because of a lockdown, how are we to receive treatment our bodies so desperately crave? One way is through self-massage techniques, and specifically, Reusi Dat Ton, on which Thai Yoga Massage evolved. Practising Reusi Dat Ton is an excellent way to perform self-massage and help reduce stress and anxiety, improve agility and muscle coordination, and increase joint mobility.

“there seems to be something missing. That something is touch - and explicitly, a healing touch.”

During this period of lockdown, we’ve had to adjust to an alternative way of living, and many things have changed for us all. Whilst we may find various ways to look after ourselves and our bodies, there seems to be something missing. That something is touch - and explicitly, a healing touch. Whilst we cannot receive treatments, the next best thing is treating ourselves. Thai Self-Massage, or Reusi Dat Ton, is an excellent way for us to reconnect with our bodies and to aid healing.

“…think of Reusi Dat Ton of being similar to Hatha Yoga – coming from the same tree but a distinct branch.”

What does Reusi Dat Ton mean?

Reusi Dat Ton is a self-massage and mobilisation technique, many of which are used in Traditional Thai Massage. A “Reusi” is a hermit or ascetic yogi, “Dat” means to stretch or adjust, and “Ton” means oneself. All together, Reusi Dat Ton roughly translates as Yogi’s self-adjustment exercises.

The Traditional Art of Reusi Dat Ton

We can think of Reusi Dat Ton of being similar to Hatha Yoga – coming from the same tree but a distinct branch. Along with self-massage techniques, it encompasses breathing exercises, dynamic poses, mantras, meditations, and visualisations.

What techniques are used in Thai Self-Massage?

Reusi Dat Ton uses a range of techniques. We can compress and stretch the skin, tissue, and muscle layers of the body using the palms of the hands, thumbs, clenched fists, or forearms. Palm pressing is performed using the thumbs, knuckles, and even the elbows. Rubbing, rolling, and beating utilises the hands and is applied to most parts of the body, especially the arms, legs, and back. 

To reduce stiffness in joints and increase the fluidity in their movement, Reusi Da Ton utilises several techniques including joint traction, vibration, and range of movement exercises. 

What are the benefits of Thai Self Massage?

There are many benefits of Reusi Dat Ton and it is the closest thing to receiving a Traditional Thai Massage. The benefits include:

• Easing of muscle aches and pains

• Improvement in circulation

• Improvement in concentration

• Improvement in flexibility and range of motion

• Increase in energy and vitality

• Increase in mobility and pain-free movement during daily activities

• Reduction in joint pain and stiffness

• Reduction in neck, shoulder, back, hip, and knee pain

• Reduction in stress

Thai Self-Massage can be performed just about anywhere and there is no need for any fancy equipment.

So What Now?

Living as we do now, during the lockdown, we all need to take some time out for ourselves as much as we can. We may work longer hours than before; sitting staring at screens; home-schooling children, or even be on the frontline as an essential and keyworker. Each environment will bring its own stress, which brings tension into our bodies. The niggle we felt turns into soreness and before long, we’re getting tight and diminished in our movements. This not only takes an effect on our bodies but also our minds. Self-massage using Reusi Dat Ton techniques is probably what your body has been crying out for.

Written with gratitude and many thanks to my teacher Natasha de Grunwald. My thanks also go to David Wells, without whom this wonderful practice would be unknown in the west.

You can find out more about Reusi Dat Ton and where to study by getting in contact with David Wells at www.wellsyoga.com