Module 16

I am really excited getting into the shoulder modules, really the upper body in general.  The reminder of how the quality of touch, is most important is great. I think, as you've said, things become mechanical if not going in with the right intention. I really loved working with the shoulder rowboat technique. Having the arms pulled slightly as well as leaned into, I have had good feedback. Much like the leg work, I love the pushing of the foot into th armpit.  The arm swinging techniques were great! It felt good to my husband, as sometimes his shoulder get a little stiff. These subtle movements really help loosen things up. 

Module 16

I am really enjoying the shoulder and arm modules. I find it more relaxing, even for myself when implementing this work on someone. The shoulder rowboat was great! Much like the technique on the lower body.  I like the push and pull techniques, they seem natural for me. When practicimng the arm triangle shoulder stretch, it was SUPER confusing initially. Once I figured out the smooth transition, it was loved from my students! It is crazy how releasing it felt to them, during a yoga course I just taught. It is nice for me, because I get to practice on those during their resting pose, and ssee what they think!

Module 18

The more practice, like with anything, the more comfortable I am getting. Though it will take a long time to do this without thought, I appreciate the fluid transitions being taught.  I think this is something that occurs over time. The goal, as you stated, is to not create a disconnect...physically and energetically.  I did not pay attention to this, when I am working with someone in yoga. I have adjusted shoulders, then to hands and I did not maintain contact. I find this very important now, in any form of work I am implementing.  The traction was great! I loved the alternating traction/rocking, as one arm goes up and one arm goes down. I benefited from this, like you said some will. It felt great and definitely worked in my favor. Like any twist, it creates such an a-ha moment! So learning the upper spinal twist was fantastic! I will be adding this one to my next yoga class. Great module!.  

Module 19

The summary session, is great because even thought I watch each video a few times, not all is remembered.  So with the summary, I pick up even more. I worked a yoga party after I watched the recap and was able to utilize some of the techniques shown. I was also able to work on transitioning, as you reviewed again. I received a lot of feedback after class and students LOVED when their legs were extended in the air, with me standing over them and their legs against my back, with the pulling at ankles. It felt great for me as well! Watching you working your entire body, when putting everything together is great, and super important for me to continuously work on. I definitely learned more! Thank you

Module 20

As a client, I love having massages on belly. I am excited to learn this. I enjoyed the first technique taught and how important, and the emphasis you put on working on the sole of foot by LEANING. The constant reminder is great, especially about using the entire body, NOT muscle.  By using the body, it will save hands, unlike a traditional massage therapist.  Creating a softness to the client is key, but also keeping that connection energetically. The push and pull with the palm on heel is a weird motion, but it was great once I grasped it. Practice is key! I like how there are so many variations with certain techniques. THe calf and achilles stretch was a great one for my husband.  He is very tight in those areas, so it was a slow start.  

Module 22

These were definitely power stretches at their finest! When watching these I knew it would be difficult to do on my husbands because he not only has massive legs, but also has meniscus issues. He was very hesitant, as I was to do this. BUT I was glad to see you gave a variation with the reverse leg lift stretch.  So my question when doing this, as I'm sitting on their buttocks, where am I grabbing the leg at? Is it supporting the knee?

I am always surprised when seeing so many variations of specific areas. I believe once I create a flow when working with someone, I will grab a couple from each section. I feel like I will be utilizing the hip flexor and quad stretch, in a yoga class. I think we hold tension in our glutes. I was told that one time from a massage therapist, to take note of what you're flexing when doing something like standing to wash dishes. The tension created in glutes was crazy! I know my students will love some glute work, especially in partner yoga!

Module 23

l like the idea of tracing and exploring the area, before beginning working. Everyone's anatomy is so different and they might not know what areas produce discomfort. I also think this is beneficial to determine a pain scale.  When working in circles, is clockwise the norm to do because of how our system works? I automatically go clockwise when working, in any situation, but curious what this means with respect to our body.  Who wouldn't love release knots in the body! This is great with the thumb rocking. I enjoyed learning all the different techniques when working on the glutes and lower back.  The percussion technique was liked when practicing on my husband. 

Module 25

When this module started and the position of the body was noted, I never realized the distance of my knees, when kneeling in other positions. With yoga, it is not often we are feet together, so this makes sense to have knees hip distance apart as well. When working on my husband, I like exploring the back to find all those "knots". When continuously making circles in some spots, you could someone feel that spot release, how cool! Often times, I believe, people hold stress in spots they might not know they are holding! With this technique, could really help clients out.  I enjoyed the elbow work. I felt good once I got the groove of this motion. The gentle rock from side to side, while kneeling, was a nice feeling for my husband. This was a great module! I was excited to start learning more on the back.

Module 26

Learning how to work on back is fun! Recapping on therapist friendly techniques is appreciated. Often when giving some a rub on their shoulders, just for fun, I can't believe how exhausted my hands get. Since learning how to do Thai massage, I am constantly aware and cautious on how to carefully work on someone. With the entire body of course! It was very comfortable to sit with my husbands arm propped on my thigh. It was also very easy on my body, as he is a bigger guy in general. So leaning in with all my weight, was perfect for him.  I enjoyed the gallop technique because it created a circular motion, which, when received, was nice to change things up.  The shoulder/neck squeeze was great! Getting used to the motion took a minute, but was well enjoyed.

Module 27

This module reminded me a lot of what my massage therapist does on me.  I suppose she intertwines traditional and Thai massage.  Do massage therapists learn a lot of thai massage techniques? This module was quick and to the point. I enjoyed how you do a technique then relax everything with a stretch. Or even something like wiggling the fingers or using the palm, it is a nice addition to complete an area that is being worked on.  I loved how you said "create space" with respect to working on the shoulder blade.  It certainly does feel like that when it is being done to myself. The cobra stretch, all 3 versions, were by far, my favorite! I cannot wait to have my students get into this position and allow me to give them that extra oomph!