MODULE 11

I'm back!  I have completed all of the training videos, I'm just getting caught up with my course notes.

It's been challenging for me to do floor work due to pre-existing issues and flairs of inflammation, but I've been adapting a lot of the moves for the table.  I have been going through a bit of a career crisis as I'm in my 20th year as a massage therapist.  Some days I want to continue to do this work, and other days (when I'm feeling bad) I want to retire and give it up entirely.

I recently took an in-person floor-based Ashiatsu class, and it has been a total game changer for me!  Myself and one other class participant are planning to incorporate what we learned in this class with Thai massage.  I think the two styles are going to blend beautifully for me.  As I work with my feet, I'm finding my lower back and hip pain is diminishing rapidly! I'm able to get down on the floor and practice the Thai techniques more and more now.  Doing this work is actually therapeutic for me!  I'm thrilled.  I think I have enough tools in my toolbox to create my own unique style of floor based massage work.  I think I've found something that will work for all of my clients too.  I can do a Thai based fully clothed massage with or without stretches, and I can still offer Ashiatsu oil massage to those her prefer to undress for their massage.

I feel like I'm finally on track for the second phase of my career.  This is not only a game changer, but a life changer!  My passion for bodywork has been sparked and fully ignited once again.  At a time when my future as a bodyworker looked bleak, I have found a new art form that I want to do because I love it and enjoy it... I don't even care if I get paid!  THAT is why I went in to this work in the first place.  When I went through school 20 years ago, I couldn't practice enough I loved it so much.  I feel like that once again!  I finally have hope that I don't have to succumb to the "burnout" myth.

I really love module 11.  I appreciate seeing the whole routine as it would flow from start to finish.  I learn best in that manner.  I'm getting much more comfortable using different parts of my body to do the work.  I'm also feeling very comfortable getting up close and personal in the body positions used in Thai massage.  That's not something I was comfortable with for a long time, but I'm okay with it now and actually liking this aspect of the work. 

MODULE 12

I like these stretches.  I think I'll use these.  I appreciate the position variations regarding different sized clients.

I like the contraction/traction of the calves, I will definitely incorporate this into a lot of my massages.  

The elephant walking for knees and sacrum  is easy to do, and I'm sure very effective.  I'll have to get someone to do that to me because I want to know what it feels like.

I'm not sure I'll be doing too many of the power stretches at this point.  Maybe some day, but probably only with very flexible clients who want that type of work.

MODULE 13

I am working at maintaining softness, and being relaxed while I work whether on the table or floor.  I do notice that I hold a lot of tension in my body when I'm working, so I'm using my breath to help me relax and stay soft.  Doing this does help conserve my energy too.

The one to ten pain scale is helpful.  I've been using that scale when I practice Ashiatsu in regard to pressure, so I will do the same with the stretches and that should make sense to the client.

I like the hip pie stretches, I do think I will use these in my regular practice.