Hi Shama,

I re-read the instruction manual again and was reminded that you prefer posts via the forum so everyone can benefit. So here is another, hopefully not too long-winded question.

I had mentioned in an e-mail to you that a client of mine lived in Thailand with his wife for several years.  He said he lived in Udon Thani, where the use of overhead bars is common, according to him.  You already explained your position on the use of overhead bars to me via e-mail, and I was very relieved that I don't really have to worry about getting any for now in order to practice a good Thai Massage.  However, I am curious as to your interpretation on Thai Massage practiced in different regions of Thailand.  In a previous course I learned about a distinction between Southern and Northern style.  You had mentioned that there are many ways to describe Thai Massage, including Northern, Southern, Traditional, Thai Yoga etc., but yet they are really all describing the same thing, Thai Massage.  

The style I learned previously was from the late Lek Chaiya from Chiang Mai, who had developed her own interpretation, called Nerve Touch Massage.  Your style is an "evolved", non-traditional style that  emphasizes therapist ergonomics as well as effectiveness of technique, based on the foundations of the traditional approach.  As someone who is not as familiar as you with the whole culture, and all the negative things that come along with the commercialization of this art, how can I best define my place as a therapist practicing Thai Massage? Should I look at it like a cooking style, where different regions of a country have different ways to prepare the same dish, but they are still from that country, for example Northern Italian versus Southern Italian, but it is all still Italian? Or should I look at it like music, where there are certain genres and when artists step out of their familiar a genre, it does not always sit well with the purists.  Some artists blend genres or even create new ones, after all that is what art is all about, it evolves as an expression of our lives and times. Or maybe I am overthinking all of this and already wrote way too much.  Can't wait to hear your wisdom in the matter.

Module 28

Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective on the "style issue".  I could not agree with you more and I can see that applied in your instruction.  It is liberating in so many ways.  Regarding module 28, I was most delighted with the technique of placing the elevated shoulder between my knees and using body leverage again to release tightness and restrictions.  There is a magic to rhythmical gentle rocking which I like to infuse for this one especially. Even the tightest shoulder blades are willing to give at least a little bit - as one wise teacher said, " You take what the body gives you that day, and then you get back to it later."  

Module 29

With so many people working for long endless hours in a sitting position, the sideways sitting on the adductors position is such a treat, it is powerful, effective, and yet easy on the therapist.  It seems like with every module I have a new favorite, this has to be one for sure.  I usually like to start at the belly of the muscle, then work on the area away from the most discomfort first and last to the area of the worst discomfort, for example if a client has knee pain, I will start in the middle of the thigh, next to the groin and then towards just above the knee or vice versa, if client has more initial discomfort in the groin area, I work the middle, then above knee and towards groin area last.  I love how easy this is for the therapist, of course with some practice.  It is indeed a dance.

Module 30

I agree that this technique (sitting on adductors for muscle release in Module 29) and a few others, can not only freak out the clients but also the therapist.  Bodywork is a very intimate art, with therapists getting very close to a client's "safe zones". That is why it is of the utmost importance to always be professional, to be sensitive and mindful of a client's limitations, to take the time to earn a client's trust, and to carefully groom one's self confidence as a therapist. Some techniques may be better used in a session down the road with a client, once he/she has learned to trust the therapist to do no harm.  It can be quite tempting to try to impress a client with all manner of fancy technique which may have the opposite effect. Some things just take time, trust is surely one of them.

On to Module 30 ...

The saying goes " there are many roads that lead to Rome ..." and so it is with relieving back aches.  Many techniques have elaborated and fancied their way into our "therapist's" toolbox.  This module's side-lying techniques, especially the rhythmical rocking, which resembles the galloping technique/rhythm from previous module, surprised me in the level of relief and comfort it provided.  But then again, I kind of just knew it would do that just watching. It just seems like such a natural rhythmical, unwinding flow, no wonder it does so much magic.  Another favorite of mine. And then, as if I had not said enough already, ..., since Basketball Season has started and I am a fan of the San Antonio Spurs, I guess my favorite techniques are kind of like the "Star Players" but yet it is a team sport, so it is not one technique or another technique, it is the team of techniques that makes the magic happen.

Module 31

Taking a little extra time to "rock the shoulder" before applying the techniques is really helpful with clients who have "concrete" shoulder or who are guarding too much and can't let go.  I have also incorporated some of the techniques into my work on the table and clients respond very well to the rocking rhythmical dance. 

Module 35

Everything in this module was very helpful.  I never thought of providing a blanket for the client during a Thai Massage, when I always have an extra blanket handy for work on the table. It was also good to review the different ways people learn, as a reminder to sharpen my awareness.   Well, I freed my mind during this course and it was refreshing, exhilarating, liberating and I am very happy that I took this course. After reviewing the videos again and checking for any questions I missed in the exam,  my next question is which of your courses do you recommend for me after this one and in which order?