Module 2 The Chi Machine

When practicing the Chi machine technique it took a few attempts to get the clients legs supported properly on my thighs and to get the rhythm.  Once we both were in the proper position the rhythm of the movement came easily and the clients whole body was involved with little energy from me.  The client expressed a feeling of deep relaxation and a "zoned out" feeling.  After completing the technique the client expressed feeling much more relaxed and open to receiving the rest of the massage.  As the therapist, I also felt much more connected energetically to the client.  I felt more in tune with the needs of the client and what I needed to focus on during the session.

Module 3

I've been practicing foot massage 1 for several days now.  I have also started to work on the feet first, which is a change from my normal session.  The foot massage seems to flow nicely, and the rocking and circular motions used during while preforming the techniques feel very fluent.  The clients all reported feeling more mobility in their ankles, and full body relaxation after the foot massage.  I noticed that many of my clients were holding a lot of tension and stiffness in their feet and ankles, resulting in a lot of popping and cracking even with gentle rhythmic pressure and traction.  

I am continuing to practice my technique and to make my transitions more fluent.

Module 4

My clients are loving this continuation of the footwork, I feel that this footwork could be a session by itself!  I've been working on transitioning from one side to the other and it has been going much more smoothly.   The clients have been experiencing deep relaxation, pain reduction and increased mobility in the foot and ankle.  So far the kneading technique and the twisting traction/contraction technique are the favorite.  I'm focusing now on making sure that I'm working the clients feet in the full range of motion and on all sides.

Module 5

Taking the time to warm up the leg prior to other techniques is essential.  I've been preforming the warm up techniques for several mins per leg before I proceed to the other techniques.  Depending on the goals for the session, I have at times just done the warmup techniques and then moved on to focus on other problematic areas that the client wanted to address.  The clients have reported feeling decreased muscular tension in the quads and hip flexors with a few mins of warmup alone.

As with the other Thai massage techniques, I have found that my body position is so important.  When I'm in the correct alignment the technique takes very little muscle power.  As I continue practicing, the flow of the treatment is becoming more naturally.

Module 6

Getting in position to work on the legs with the forearms has been a bit challenging and I'm still working on transitioning smoothly from one technique to another.  Once in position, I have found that I am very comfortable and use very little muscle power to perform the techniques.  My clients have reported feeling comfortable and that their leg felt very supported while being worked on.  Using the forearms has saved my thumbs from being over-strained, & it has been a very effective technique for getting significant pressure for my athlete clients who have very tense muscular legs

Module 7 Hip Evaluation

Evaluating the hips has been an extremely helpful in guiding me where and how to work during the session.  It's amazing how much the angle of the feet can tell about tension and weaknesses in the hips.  I've noticed with quite a few clients that one hip will have tension with internal rotation, while the other side will have tension with external rotation.  Although so far tension with the external rotators has been most prevalent.  Knowing this information has made the work that I'm doing in the sessions much more effective.  I'm not just doing techniques for the sake of doing them, I'm working with purpose.

Module 8

The 8 slices of hip pie is a great way to visualize the angles of the hip and to take the hip through full range of motion.  Working doing these hip stretches feels very different depending on who I am working on.  The most challenging for me is working on a larger, taller client.  It feels a little awkward trying to hold their leg securely while also taking them through the stretches.  Trying the power stretch has helped but I'm still feeling like their leg is not as secure as I would like it to be.  Working on a client that is smaller than me, I am able to smoothly take their hip through full range of motion and give them a great stretch!

Module 9

Using the combination of power and softness has been very effective in giving my clients a deep stretch without straining myself.  The power stretches have been very great at opening the hips, especially in my more athletic clients.  All of them have reported feeling an increase in hip range of motion while playing their sport, and less stiffness afterwards.   Communicating with the client about their limitations with flexibility has been critical to me.  With their feedback I'm able to give them the right amount of stretch without causing any discomfort. 

Module 10

I've found all of the hip stretches so far very effective.  I've been trying out different techniques on all different body types. Some are larger, some more flexible and athletic, and some a bit out of shape and not so flexible.  I've also been working on my quality of touch, fluidity,  and feeling connected with the client and there needs and goals for the session.  With practice and time the techniques are getting better and more effective.  The hip stretch with spinal twist feels great but has been challenging for me to get in the right position to preform the technique correctly.