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July 4, 2021
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Module 1
I've been thinking about a Thai massage course for a long time. So it's very exciting to actually start one!
Even though this first module is only an introduction I would like to share my experience of the principles mentioned there. I'm a remedial massage therapist in Australia which can be quite clinical in its approach. In my massage practise I try to focus on more than just anatomy and techniques. I want to be relaxed myself so I'm able to transfer the relaxation onto my client. I try to use my body efficiently and use my body weight as much as I can around the table. It's not as great as I would like to and that's one of the reasons why I started this course.
The use of the breath is also very important for me as it definitely adds to the quality of touch. And a proper body mechanics mentioned before also helps to improve the quality of touch.
I also feel that I can tune in to the energy and its blockages of my clients. My awareness is sharpened by a long term meditation and yoga practise but again the energy focus and deepening the energy work is why I enrolled in this course.
As per the positions of the therapist on the mat, I practise yoga regularly so I look forward to using these different positions for massage work as well.
June 28, 2010
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Hi Marie, welcome to our forum and the Complete Thai Massage certification program. Please take a moment and familiarize yourself with our certification checklist to make sure that it is all correctly organized:
It sounds like you have the right background and the right mindset to work with this course effectively. I am looking forward to following your progress reports. 
July 4, 2021
Offline Module 2
Hi Shama & other students,
I posted a little intro about myself earlier but it was in different forum. My apologies.
I’m a remedial massage therapist and yoga teacher. I’ve been practising yoga for more than 20 years and teaching for 8 years.
The chi machine is very popular with my yoga students. I’ve tried it at the beginning of the class as well as just before relaxation at the end and both worked well. I’ve also tried to use it on the massage table but it didn’t feel right especially as I was standing and didn’t feel as grounded as in the kneeling position.
When practised on the floor, the whole of my students were ‘wobbly’ not just their legs and I found it comfortable on my body. A beautiful ‘rush’ of energy can be felt afterwards when resting my hands on their feet.
June 28, 2010
Offline That's a good start that you got the Chi Machine to work right away! As a yoga teacher you are already comfortable on a floor mat which helps a lot.
July 4, 2021
Offline Module 3
Hi,
It’s been a little while since I posted last.
We were in lockdown so i didn’t have my clients to practice on.
But I’m back now!
The feet work in this module is feels great. The easier stretches are comfortable for me to apply. The ‘circle, squeeze and bend’ one is a bit more difficult especially to make it into a smooth and continues movement.
The ‘push, pull, rotate’ and twisting the feet flow well for me, I think, but need to work in making the transitions from kneeling to seated position a bit smoother.
July 4, 2021
Offline Module 4
This module is an important reminder that it’s not all about techniques.
I think that the quality of our touch and how mindful and grounded we’re are the most important aspects of massage therapy. I can’t create safe and healing space for my client if I’m not in that space myself.
The conceptual way of learning makes it easier to remember and thus give me the chance to ground and relax myself without getting nervous about if I remember all the techniques.
July 4, 2021
Offline Module 5
I enjoy applying the butterfly move. It’s slow and easily synchronised with the breath. It feels nice and relaxing for the therapist too.
As for the position with a bend knee in 90 degrees, I’ve used a pillow for support in all of my ‘training clients’ so far. It’s more comfortable for them.
The ‘pull and roll’ technique’ also feels nice to do and will become smoother with more practice.
June 28, 2010
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Welcome back. Where are you living under lockdown conditions? Are you in Victoria?
July 4, 2021
Offline Hi,
I’m in New South Wales and out of Sydney so that our lockdown didn’t last as long.
July 4, 2021
Offline Module 6
It looks like I’ll need the whole year to complete the course 😊
Anyway, as I’m a smaller practitioner I’ve been using forearms quite a lot when massaging.
The focus on using the whole body while using forearms takes the process of giving massage into a meditative flow in which there’s a space to be aware of my own body as well as of my partner’s body.
The idea of not having exact location for sen lines makes sense to me as we are in the ‘energy body’.
All training partners love the rocking movements techniques.
The videos are very detailed and clear to follow so now only a lot of practise for me.
July 4, 2021
Offline Module 7
The foot assessment of the hips is simple to perform and easy on the client who is in a nice and comfortable position.
It’s amazing how just simple stretches of the feet and legs’ traction can release the hip area.
Elephant walking feels nice to ‘give’ and receive and allows for a quick check in on the breath and the use of the whole body.
As previously the techniques are well explained.
More practise of putting them together and transitioning smoothly between them is needed.
June 28, 2010
Offline No problem if you need the whole year to complete the course. We are flexible with timelines, especially in the current climate with all these restrictions.
July 4, 2021
Offline Module 8
Hi Shama,
I'm sorry for another break in my course.
Hips are tight in many people. In those 'hip pie' stretches I always go slowly and start by rocking. The 'pie' is a great visual help to stretch the hips in all directions.
I really like working on the calves in this position. Just holding on to them and allowing the body weight to move backwards give them a lovely release.
Even though I haven't progressed with many modules I'm amazed by the change I've got just by applying a few of yours teachings. And the results are amazing even when I practise a table oil style massage. I keep checking the use of my body weight, my breath, is it comfortable for me, am I relaxed so that my client can be also relaxed.
I have developed the ability to 'power' myself from the hara region. As a result I have more energy, which allows for sharper awareness and trust in my intuition. Funnily enough, I have more comments from my clients about how specific I'm now when I stopped overthinking my techniques and allowed space for a natural flow in my massages.
June 28, 2010
Offline This sounds great - I am happy to hear this!
July 4, 2021
Offline Module 9
Thank you Shama.
I'm very grateful for the rocking technique especially when working on areas which are often tight such as the hips.
The adductor bounce is comfortable to perform and receive. I think there's a lot of stress related tension in the adductors just like in the abdominal area from being in the 'defensive' position - slightly forward, locked jaw and protecting the centre of the body. So it's very helpful technique.
I don't have many really flexible clients or family members so there's a lot of bouncing and rocking but the techniques are not all too strong and definitely adjustable. My partner enjoyed them even after running half marathon.
I
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