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June 25, 2014
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Module 1
Just finished reading and watching the Thai Massage Intro and accompanying video. As someone who has already been performing Thai in the US for three years, I was glad to see that Shama took the time to point out that all touch is not alike and the importance of body mechanics, posture, and esp. the breath. I knew Shama's course would have more to offer than the "weekend workshop" style lessons available here in the US and I can't wait for my next lesson.
Till next time,
Debbie
June 28, 2010
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Hi Debbie,
Welcome, I am glad to see another fellow Thai Massage therapist here in the forum. I hope that this course will add some additional useful components to your practice.
June 25, 2014
Offline Module 2
Good evening Shama and thank you, I am very pleased to be here!
I just finished watching The Chi Machine. You can bet that my Americanized Thai school with its time constraints did not spend 24 minutes explaining this opening move let alone the importance of posture. In fact, I was taught to lay the feet on the floor and sort of tap briskly from side to side the toes with my fingertips which requires me to bend over to accomplish this move and a lot more effort than your version on my arms plus its not exactly a smooth feeling to perform it in this manner. My instructor was, I would estimate, able to dedicate three to five minutes on this move. This is a perfect example of why I wanted to take your course. It might seem like a small thing to someone who hasn't experienced the difference as I have. I look forward to the next lesson because I have confidence that I am truly going to learn a lot from you and your course. Now I am off to grab my partner and give this move a whirl. Have a great evening!
June 28, 2010
Offline It always amazes me what passes for Thai Massage education sometimes. I guess a better word would be it makes me sad when people graduate from such an Americanized version of Thai Massage and then they think that they know the real thing.
I am sure you will be very happy when you go through this course, because you will not have any doubt in your mind that this is the real thing. 
June 25, 2014
Offline Module 3
I really enjoyed the foot massage training video and was able to easily apply the techniques because Shama takes the time to explain every aspect of the moves and gives tips on how to achieve the flowing movements always with posture in mind. I much prefer the simple twisting motions vs thumbing the sole of the foot. This will be much less wear on my thumbs and hands giving me the long career length that was one major reason why I chose to learn and practice Thai Massage.
I have been able to perform the Chi machine on three clients and my practice partner with ease. People smile when they begin to wobble around and while not used to the sensation...they do enjoy it.
Now its on to the next foot massage lesson. Talk to you soon!
June 28, 2010
Offline That's great that you got the Chi Machine to work so easily. This is not really a Thai Massage technique, but I added it in since it fits perfectly with my "Thai Rocking Massage" style which I developed. You will hear more about that later in the course.
June 25, 2014
Offline Module 4
I just finished watching the second Foot Massage video and Leg Warm up videos. I esp enjoyed the emphasis on intuition which a lot of people don't realize really comes into play if you are experienced in bodywork. The foot massage techniques are great thumb savers. Two more excellent videos. Looking forward to the next.
Debbie
June 28, 2010
Offline Really any massage without intuition will be a mostly mechanical performance!
June 25, 2014
Offline Module 6
I have completed the second leg warm up and led stretching videos. I Love the simplicity of the techniques and that you showed how to achieve the smooth transition from one position to another.
For the stretching video I got what I had been hoping for in that Shama took the time to teach how to tell if the client has stiffness in the hip etc. Anyone can imitate Thai moves. Id rather know why I am doing them and to what benefit they are to the client as this is what is feeding my passion to give Thai Massage and will set myself apart from others working without passion using this relaxing and therapeutic modality. Your videos never fail to deliver Shama! 
PS Many of my clients here in the US are in medical sales and they all tell me that in the US hip replacement surgery will soon be one of the top three surgeries performed in the US with knee replacement surgery in the leed. This is due to our depleted soils and poor diets which allow the joints to deteriorate combined with life styles that for the majority do not include using the full range of motion for their entire bodies esp. the lower body. We drive entirely too much and many as part of their professions. They may not all realize when they come to me for bodywork that they are getting more than a relaxing massage, but I do. 
June 28, 2010
Offline Debbie, you are right on with your assessment. Thai Massage is much more than some stretches and some relaxation, or some techniques. There is a bigger picture which we have to know, and then we will be so much more effective with our sessions! Looks like you are on the right track!
June 25, 2014
Offline Module 5
I was able to apply the leg compression on my practice partner. That you show in detail how to use your body to immobilize that of the client with good posture to get just the right amount of pressure is excellent. I constantly come across people who's bent leg cannot lie flat, so the pillow technique is going to be very useful to my practice and make my less flexible clients more comfortable.
Thanks for fixing my posting errors! 
June 25, 2014
Offline Module 7
I can really appreciate the techniques in this video that deal with stretching the hip area. So far I find all your techniques less strenuous and easier to execute than those I have been using. The rocking hip rotation is excellent! You aren't just teaching a few moves and are giving real world issues and ways to work with them or to alter them to meet the client's needs and size which has been an issue for me in my practice as I tend to get a lot of large ex football types and even the coaches of the US Olympic wrestling team! Now I am armed with ways to help clients that do not have good flexibility or range of motion.
By the way...my son has decided to learn Thai too and we will be signing him up for this course in the next month.
June 25, 2014
Offline Module 8
Hip pie! I won't forget that one! I thought the knee warm up was great especially since it is done with the knee bent bringing the knee up to you instead of you bending down to it. The leg stretch hand and arm positions allow for much better posture than the technique I have been using. The rocking hip loosening techniques are going to come in handy because a lot of people esp. men are tight there. Another great video!
June 25, 2014
Offline Module 9
I have yoga clients that would appreciate the elephant walking on the thigh. The leg rotation looks like another arsenal in my Thai moves to address stiff hips. Alternatively my athletic runners, joggers, and avid bikers will really love that hamstring stretch!
The spinal stretch looks relaxing and smooth. I can't wait to employ these great techniques as I know they are going to make my job easier and benefit my clients.
So much in one video!
June 28, 2010
Offline Wow - your son decided to learn Thai Massage as well - you must have made quite an impression! I should hire you as my public relations agent.
June 25, 2014
Offline You might be right because now my mother is interested. She is a home health provider and told me that she intends to check out the free course to see what its all about. We could wind up being the first all American all Thai family! My son has been my practice partner since I began the course.
June 28, 2010
Offline Sounds like a worthwhile accomplishment. I like your spirit!
June 25, 2014
Offline Module 10
Hello Shama! This module on leg stretches was great. I loved the toe walking to increase the stretch. This is an example of your dedication to teaching because otherwise one would have been temped to lift and move ones leg instead which of course wouldn't be very smooth let alone relaxing for the client who would be jarred each time you move your leg. Now I have a series of great stretches for my limber yoga clients and ballet dancers.
June 28, 2010
Offline You have a lot to look forward to along the same lines in this course!
June 25, 2014
Offline Module 11
Good day Shama!
I did enjoy being able to watch you performing the moves covered so far in this training video. This is not something you get in workshop style classes. I really appreciate the tips for working different size clients, the alternative rocking techniques to assist with stretches on stiff clients, and the harder stretches for limber clients. I know that I will refer to this video and others in your course throughout my Thai massage career and that is something my former teacher doesn't offer with his course. Once you are done you have nothing other than a workbook and your own memory to refer to unless of course you want to take time off from work to take a refresher course. Thank you so much for delivering and not holding back!
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