Hi Shama,

Sounds good to me....$5 for a slice of heaven! I will definitely partake when I visit Thailand...hopefully next year.

I have now reviewed module 2 and I like the different methods of accessing the energy lines always remembering to make it flow and using body weight. I am not that comfortable using my elbow on small feet but I realise that these methods cover a lot of different sizes and models. Do you use some of these methods when clients are in a recliner or is that solely for reflexology? I like the hints on hand and thumb preservation, and I'm getting used to the positioning with practise.

Can the energy lines, reflexology and foot manipulations be combined in a 30-60 minute massage

Thanks

Kim

Ok, thanks Shama.....I guess I was getting ahead of myself! Now, Module 3 I am more familiar with having practised the rhythm of the first method many times (from other course),.....and I still love it......totally trance-inducing! And I mean that from my perspective as well!

This is great....I love the instinctive kind of massage, feeling for the indentations and following the 'lines', and just letting it follow naturally. I have always been tentative about 'squeezing' the archilles tendon however, although I know it can be very beneficial and enjoyable. I guess it just comes down to personal preferences. My 'subject' doesn't like it much so I have to be gentle.

Every time I post in here I feel like having a foot massage......all the senses get involved. I sometimes wish I lived in Thailand!

I was actually wondering about getting a client adjusting positions for just foot work so I'm glad you mentioned it. I see this is an overview and demonstration of the techniques that can be incorporated into a general massage. I just keep trying to imagine how I can just give a foot massage without the client moving positions and I guess that will come together after the reflexology modules.

I like the use of feet on feet in the prone position, and the rocking movement with knees. It is great to give the hands a break, so 'hands-free' is appealing to me! It was a really good tip about rolling the knee in so the foot can go into the right position for the flat fist technique. Also allowing the gap between foot and thigh for the stretches (gastrocnemius).

I look forward to getting into a 'flow' with these movements.

I look forward to the Reflexology section although it is great revisiting some of the techniques already covered in the main course and learning some new information and subtleties that I may have missed before. I actually have a DVD on reflexology (not Thai) which is helpful in some respects but you are way more thorough in explanation. And the reason I am an avid follower of your style is because of the difference between technical and instinctual and of course you have more emphasis on the latter.

Module 5 manipulations I am quite familiar with but there is always new information with every viewing so that is a good tip once again about the 'locked hips' and how to use a gentler alternative, and also the correct body positioning so as not to put pressure on the ankle joint. I like the addition of the 'wiggle' to loosen up the foot. Some people just prefer the soft touch but personally I like 'everything' about foot massage except very light touch.

Module 6.....interesting what you say about 'cracking' because some people tend to naturally do that a lot (at least in my family). My sons wrists do it, my knees do it sometimes, and my ankles, also fingers and toes when pulled. It isn't really a problem and it definitely doesn't hurt so I just accept it. I agree with the pinching of the toes and don't like the sound of that but pulling the fingers and toes intentionally to release negative energy is okay by me. I do like your pulsing movement though....that works great as an alternative!

As usual you supply a lot of additional advice and softer alternatives for sensitive feet, and locked ankles. Supporting the ankle in the grooves actually feels better while circling, tractioning and contracting.  The relaxing exercises are great as well. I especially like the movement where the thumbs are on top, lifting the foot. It goes down a treat!

Now into the Thai Reflexology and it is really good to know all the tips for preserving the fingers and thumbs! Alternating fingers and using variation works really well. I like combining the stretches as well, always feeling for the hollows, indentations and soft parts of the foot where I can apply more pressure. I also like doing techniques on both feet at the same time, especially at the beginning. I'm assuming you still use body weight to a certain degree?

It is good to know how to get the best position to leverage your arm with the power from the leg....it sure feels better and preserves energy! I like the variations of pressure, and the details you point out about how to angle the foot to minimize stress on the ankle joint. Getting feedback is really important too. It is true, they won't say unless you ask. I don't know why because I would say something but that is just me! I really like the power move, and good hints about oils and creams. I prefer something without any fragrance.....there is quite a variety here but I never though of mixing oil with nivea cream.

It is good to incorporate the lower leg and really extend the massage like you do in Module 9. I like the rhythm of the 'galloping horse'....and the variety and texture of the different strokes. Talking about tough heels, etc.....there are a lot of those around, and neglected feet except for ladies who like to have pedicures, etc. It is probably more of a financial thing really, and possibly cultural as well but I think it is so important. Those poor feet carry the load all day, and deserve to be treated well.

I always wanted to learn really good techniques, rhythms, etc without so much of the 'theory' so thank you for providing that.