A Thai Massage session in the prone position (the receiver lying face-down, on the abdomen) — on a mat or mattress on the floor — is typically immediately followed by massaging the client in the supine position (the receiver lying on the back), which together make a complete full body Thai Massage.
The Thai Massage therapist may also start a session in the supine position (afterwards followed by the prone position) depending on his or her choice, or what’s thought to be better or more beneficial for the client i.e. receiver.
The prone position gives excellent options to massage and/or give acupressure to the soles of the feet (often the masseur will start with the feet and finish with the neck and head), the back of the legs (calves and thighs), the buttocks (gluteal muscles), the back, and to the shoulder area. It’s a pleasant position for the receiver, because everyone likes a massage of the back and of the big muscle groups of the thighs.
Moreover, starting a Thai Massage in the prone position is often considered less intrusive by the client than starting to massage in the supine position; it fits perfectly well in the general Western idea of a massage where you would lie on a massage table on your belly.
This position also enables for a range of stretches of the ankles and feet, the quadriceps thigh muscles, hip openers, chest stretches (Cobra-like stretches), and some neck stretches. Additionally, the prone position also allows for applying a variety of hands-free and barefoot massage techniques.