Module 2

Back pain has become such a large complaint and driving force in our field. I am always grateful for a review and reminder of structural indications and contraindications for bodywork. I've worked in a variety of settings throughout my career and have witnessed the great and fantastic results obtained from well informed skilled practitioners along with the sad results of what can go wrong when contraindications are not heeded. (I worked in the physical therapy department of several long term care facilities and witnessed a lot). I appreciate the reiteration that we as therapist are not miracle workers and even though our large hearts drive us to help as much and as many people as possible, we can not solve everyone's problems or resolve each and every issue that is presented to us. I'm appreciative of that affirmation as many times I've become frustrated in the results or lack there of for a client who'sycondition or lifestyle simple will not allow for my interventions to offer the desired "fix".

Module 3

This module also struck another positive chord with me. Having been in the field for some time, I've developed a tendency to be a bit more inquisitive than the average massage therapist. New clients, who quickly became regular clients, often remarked on how refreshing it was to be treated as an individual and to have a therapist delve deeper into their lifestyle habits in efforts to better understand what was at the root of their symptoms. Not every client appreciates this "detective work" and some have become quite defensive at the many questions. Some, with a little explanation, become more open to it where as others put up walls and struggle to open up both energetically and physically to the work. 

Looking forward at the up coming instruction of techniques and our list of which body parts we will be working with, I'm reminded of one of the many reasons I have been drawn to this form of work. Using 10+ body parts in any given session not only allows for us to ensure individually tailored sessions for our clients, but it allows for us to protect ourselves from strain and promotes our own health and career longevity from within the practice.  Each session becomes beneficial for both the client and the therapist alike.

Module 4

Back warming, and the various methods in doing so as demonstrated in this module, has been something that I've incorporated into my table sessions for a long time now. I call it my massage greeting or hand shake if you will. It is a great way to introduce your touch to your clients, warm your hands after washing them( if you will be making direct contact), and it helps to calm the client at their physical center(their spine) as well as stimulates energy pathways along the back priming the system for the up coming work. From there, the rest of the body can follow suit and let go of any guarding tension a bit more easily as the rocking methods tend to induce that infant memory from our earliest days of being soothed by our parents. 

This work has such an innate and profound energetic aspect to it. I love it! I've been talking with several about this course and have many lining up to let me practice on them. For now, my wife and son get to be the first demos and have semi regular practice sessions with me which is already proving beneficial to both. Soothing my 9 month old son has come more easily, and my wife who has been working from home now looks forward to taking a break with me from her computer desk while she works from home.

Module 5

This is a great intro into sacral work with a great list of techniques for addressing sacral muscle insertion site issues. Very few people have crossed my path who are requesting this type of work, though it has happened. Often times a client will come in looking for relief from hip and low back pain and through a timely survey of their symptoms and history of lifestyle habits I will quickly deduce the need for this type of work. Where I am, clients can be much more modest when it comes to bodywork of any nature, but through informative explanations of the anatomy of the area and a slow methodical introduction to these techniques while checking in regularly for their comfort many people will come to realise the benefits and better understand their own bodies.

Module 6

The various techniques for working on the sacrum offer so many benefits for the client. Starting here at the base of the spine creates that domino effect of cascading relief that carries up the spine and down the hip into the legs. I truly appreciate the focus on continuity of touch as I've long believed that is one of the most important aspects of a good session of any kind. Keeping the energy flowing without interruption of touch makes a world of difference when offering clients that deep relaxation (almost out of body experience) that never lets them doubt where you are while comforting them with calming touch letting them know that you are there providing safe and loving care. 

Module 7

Massage therapist come across a wide variety of body types. Here in the U.S., especially in the South, there is an uncomfortably large portion of the population who are just that, "Uncomfortably Large". Being able to address the needs of clients of all sizes is a skill necessary for all therapist, but when the majority of a client base are boarder line obese the smaller framed clients become a minority. I was glad to see this module address the importance of varying pressure within each technique. The size and shape of a client can give you a great idea of what techniques may be used, but even the large sized one's may not appreciate the more firm or deep pressure preferring the more gentle rocking techniques. Several have crossed my path and have absolutely loved the rocking techniques. A few have equated it to the sensation of laying in a hammock while having someone systematically mobilize their spine and joints without all the uncomfortable deep pressure techniques that are assumed necessary. Thai Massage so elegantly encompasses all these potential circumstances. With only a slight modification of a technique, each session is customizable to fit just about anyone!

Module 8

This module did a great job promoting the concept of power techniques or intense pressure need not take its toll on the practitioner's body. The various techniques ranging from finger tips/heel of the hand down through the forearm/elbow on into the knees and heel of the foot offer a myriad of tools to allow us, amongst the healing artists, the ability to help many people while preserving ourselves. The more inclusive demo was a great example on how varied Thai Massage can be and offered a glimpse of the customization available within the practice. Each therapist in their own practice may carve out their own pathway to healing. Now, with these techniques that fit so easily into so many styles of bodywork or used simply in their own right we can reach out to and help even more people along the way.

Good Morning Shama,

I've been staying in touch with several clients who are excited to experience Thai Massage and see what I've learned once travel and business restrictions are released. In the mean time I've been practicing on my wife and children here in the house. My wife is working from home in a computer/phone based work station set up in our extra room so daily or multiple times daily I entice her to take a break for me to practice. I'm actually a little bit proud of the set up I have in that room with a futon mattress on the floor for the full experience. Also, a good friend of mine Jaclyn is also taking this same course. We work together at a local Day Spa and will be returning to work in the up coming weeks and I'm looking forward to exchanging sessions with her as well.

Module 9

Continuing with spinal mobility, freeing up energy pathways that travel up and down the spine is immensely beneficial and important for clients to feel safe and comfortable. Freeing up blockages, calming hyper activity, and soothing the associated muscles around these areas all contribute to treating and healing the person as a whole. I can't wait for the next module as we delve a bit deeper into the energy lines and ergonomics of Thai Techniques. They all go hand in hand so naturally and beautifully.