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December 19, 2013
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I have recently started `The complete Massage' course with The Thai Healing Massage Academy, which I found very interesting and great value for money.
Module 1:
The introduction module highlights a number of massage techniques, some of which I relate to while performing Swedish massage. For me, the most interesting part was the principle of using body mechanics and not the muscle power while giving Thai Massage. Once taken into consideration, I realise that I have preserved my energy, for the whole course of the massage, and do not get tired half way through.
I noticed that using gentle massage motions, smoothes and distributes an even flow of pressure .When I focus on my breathing and move slowly rather than trying to get deep on the tissue, I find that I concentrate more, resulting in a positive client experience. I find breathing essential while massaging. Breathing out while leaning, and breathing in while coming back. Not only does this improve my posture, preventing overexertion on my muscles, I have found that it also relaxes the body and mind, increasing energy levels.
I look forward to watching more of these videos, they are very educational, I feel hugely enlightened, and cant wait to learn more.
Christine xoxo
December 19, 2013
Offline Module 2
Chi Machine
When I first practiced the Chi Machine technique on my husband, I found that the weight of his legs were heavy. As I continued the technique, I made it aware to myself that using my body weight correctly rather than using muscle power would lighten the weight of his legs. He remarked that the opening movement technique was relaxing and rejuvinating. I can't wait for my husband to practice on me, to experience the effects....
June 28, 2010
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In your first post you expressed very nicely the important concept that Thai Massage is a lot more than just a sequence of techniques.
Regarding the Chi Machine, if the sideways movement truly comes out of your hip, it should feel quite effortless. Since your hands are resting on your thighs, the weight of the legs should not be a problem either unless the legs really big and the therapist is really small.
I am sure you will get better at this as you move along. Done correctly, most of the Thai Massage techniques do not stress your body. You will learn many more tips and tricks about this throughout the course.
December 19, 2013
Offline Module 3 to 4 {Foot massage}
I found the foot massage technique similar to the theory of foot reflexology. The concept is the same in the sense that the first contact begins with the soles of the feet. Thai massage starts at the lower part of the body to open up energy as it rises through the body.
I have watched the modules and found them well laid out and easy to understand. I’m familiar with some of the techniques on the video as I use them as an opening sequence on table massage routine at my work place. I have practiced the routine on the video with my daughter and she loved her feet been worked on.
Watching the practice sessions in the mirror, I found that my body weight was not evenly distributed and I was not leaning from side to side, opening the chest to relax the shoulders. I need to watch the video several times to get used to the technique. I have recently learnt to prepare before starting massage sessions with clients through centering and grounding to establish boundaries as a way of self awareness, and I will by taking a minute before beginning a session to allow myself to fully be present in the moment. This will enable my mind and spirit to balance by focusing my thoughts into in the practice, also enabling me to relax and use my body weight correctly.
June 28, 2010
Offline You stated very well that massage work has energetic components. Without those you would be left with a mechanical routine. Actually without incorporating energy, massage never really feels very good, and especially Thai Massage would never develop it's full potential. You will learn a lot more about the energy side of massage in the "Magic Touch Secrets" bonus modules.
December 19, 2013
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Module 5
The leg warm up series
The leg warm up series prepared the muscles to relax, release and open up the energy lines following into the body for deeper muscular work.
The techniques ranged from leaning forward, squeezing& rolling up to palm press and lean in breathe out and lean out and breathe in. The foundation of warming up routine aimed towards warming up the body and getting it ready, for more receptive manipulation of the therapist on points along the energy lines on the leg.
I like the techniques because they don’t need to be performed in a sequence . The key is performing them correctly to connect them together in a one fluid routine, and also as an art of artistic flow of expression.
Thank you Shama’s your techniques are great, they will definitely save my hands.
June 28, 2010
Offline They saved my hands too. That's why I came up with the Hands Free Massage course to save them even more! 
December 19, 2013
Offline My Experience with Negative Energy
During my years as a massage therapist, I have experienced a few occasions with new clients, whereby I feel drained after a massage due to their negative energy.
I started to think of what may have caused the sudden changes in my energy level after the massage. I love my job as a therapist and I was not ready to give it up yet. One day I had an intuition to take a minute before beginning a massage session to give myself the chance of being present in the moment and also to focus on the treatment I was about to perform.
Once I’m sufficiently grounded I feel relaxed and at peace to start a massage and I’m able to recognize clients that come to steal my energy ha-ha ! Grounding and centering has become part of my daily routine before a massage session. It works for me and it will work for you too, give it a try.
June 28, 2010
Offline Definitely a good thing to do! There is plenty more about working with energy in the Magic Touch Secrets bonus module at the end of this course.
December 19, 2013
Offline Module 6
The module showed the use of various techniques .The rocking push & pull and the fore arm leaning method. I have got a new volunteer to practice on today which was great. It is nice to get to practice on different people rather having the same person each time. This allows me to learn how to use the right technique for various needs. Leaning with the forearm on the groove was soothing for my client as she had a problem with her groin. She enjoyed the treatment and was reluctant to get up.
The techniques are unique and good for relaxation as well as relieving tensed and contracted areas like the tights and shoulders.
June 28, 2010
Offline It is not only good to work on several persons, but if you only ever practice on one person, you will never really learn it, since different bodies require different approaches and they can feel totally different. Some techniques work on one person, but not at all on another person. So it is good that you have a new volunteer.
And it's not just the clients. You can only learn to adapt and modify your style and your ergonomics by working on small and large, stiff and relaxed, thin and heavy people.
December 19, 2013
Offline That is true Shama, Thanks for your support
December 19, 2013
Offline Module 7 & 8
It has been a challenging period for me for the past few weeks as my great aunt was flown from Africa to London for medical treatment. All is well and I’m now back on the Forum.
These modules reminded me of the similarity to Reflexology theory. These was based on looking for cues corresponding to problem areas and working on the areas to release tension.
I found the lean back and pull leg stretch using 90 degree angle challenging as I have very sensitive knees. I suppose the more I use the technique, the more I will get used to it.
I like the elephant walking method of shifting body weight left to right movements. It was less tiring technique and my clients liked it. The rocking motion technique is great without pressure for those who cannot handle stretches due to certain conditions. There are different techniques for every problem whether working on stiff, overweight, big, small and flexible clients
This is great as I have added new art of techniques to my massage routine to create something different from other therapists. I had a regular client who visits our Spa. She was used to her regular therapist whom by chance fell ill and was unable to attend work. As luck would have it, I had her for a massage. She was very pleased with the different variation of techniques I included in my massage routine. She enjoyed her massage session and had now become my regular client.
My massage techniques have been upgraded to a higher level just by adding different variation that I have learnt. Thank you Shama you are a great teacher and you know your stuff.
December 19, 2013
Offline Module 9 – leg stretch
The leg stretches are the foundation for the rest of the course. It is like laying a foundation of a building and building more layers of blocks at the top to form a structure.
I fully understood the leg stretch techniques. I have applied the hamstring muscle stretch series during massage on sciatica and my client loved it.
June 28, 2010
Offline If you are already applying what you have learned so far successfully, and you are not even halfway through the course, imagine what it will be like after module 35! Nobody in your spa will even come anywhere near your Thai Massage skills. You must be a fast learner.
Regarding the knees, I have had a few students report challenges with that in the beginning, but later on they all got used to it and the problems went away. It's just something we are not used to doing, but after a while it will feel normal, provided you are kneeling on a good support mat.
December 19, 2013
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Module 10
I found the thigh adductor tendon press on the femoral artery relaxing and increase the chi flow.
I realised that if the client breathes deeply during stretches, it relaxes the abdomen, the lower back and diaphragm, this helps to reduce tension in the body. Great techniques
December 19, 2013
Offline Module 11
According to Shama’s techniques in Thai massage, it is necessary to pay attention to one’s state of mind to create healing. This has been my regular before commencing a massage routine. It brings a flow in the art of connecting, performing my correct sequence steps at a good level of intensity. Without this, my mind will be wondering, disconnected from the massage.
I liked the massage series; however I have formulated my technique using Shama’s method of mix and match to fit individuals. I like the sink body weight technique to work on the five energy lines on the legs to release muscular tension and increase the flow of Chi.
I need to focus on my comfort and relate it to clients, as discomfort will be transferred to the receiver of the massage. I have performed my first routine and I have noticed at a point that I did not use proper body mechanic. If I relax and evaluate tension in the body would aid a healing Massage.
Thank you Shama you are a great teacher!!
June 28, 2010
Offline Thanks for the kudos!
I can tell that you picked out quite a few essential elements from the videos which go along with the techniques. Actually these are what makes the techniques good and effective instead of just a mechanical implementation.
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