Module 14
So, now that I have went back and posted module 12, lets get on with module 14.
Hip rocking!!!
I feel like the hip rocking would feel amazing after some of these intense stretches. The one where you are doing what I would call waves, pushing the hip down then pulling it back up seems to be a big hit so far. I did have to review this series a few times. Got too close to the ribs on one position and it did cause a little more pressure on the ribs than I should have, but I figured it all out and things are progressing again.
Hip rocking can also be a replacement for strong stretches for those clients who just cannot handle the strong stuff. The only thing with hip rocking is that there is a small percentage of people who can become a little nauseated from it - just something to be aware of.
Thanks for the tip, I would have never thought of that.
Module 15
Wow, I love this course. Every new video amazes me. The waves on the abdominals has been most beneficial to my father. He has brain/lung cancer and has had a lot of tummy trouble from the chemo and harsh meds. I did this move on him for about 2-3 minutes while he was receiving treatment this week and he loved it. It even help relieve the stomach ache and constipation. I can see where this modality can benefit almost every type of client. Before this program, I thought it would only benefit my yoga students. Im learning so much. I feel so blessed to be learning thai massage.
That's how Thai Massage has originally evolved. It was used in all Thai villages by local healers to take care of the health problems of the people. It was never meant as a fancy spa treatment - that only happened after it became popular in the western world. In Thailand it is still primarily used as a therapy for all kinds of health issues.
Module 16
Shoulders.... My daughter/partner loved the shoulder work we have practiced on this week. We always begin by reviewing the module before the current one as it provides a good warm up for both of us as well as it leaving in the correct position to begin the new module. This module feels the most like my usual Swedish Massage. Short of my positions/mechanics, I feel that this has been by far the easiest module. Hopefully, I'm just getting more comfortable with the entire process and application of Thai Massage. I love how every movement the hands do, the body does as well. This is actually a tip I shared with my students that really helped with their body mechanics. Progressing along, sorry for the slower pace.
Module 17
The hands and arms seem to be alot like the legs with a few variations. My partners all loved the hand work. Luckily it resembles my current hand work, with some minor yet effective alterations. I find it difficult to do hand work because of my own medical problems and the fine movements of my own fingers are a challenge. I am going to continue practicing your movements. But some of it I have made adjustments to using floppy fists, knuckles, etc. Any suggestions?
Actually there is a lot that can be done. I produced a more in depth course about working on the hands and arms where I show how to use different body parts like knees, forearms and elbows on the hands, and also how to use your hands in different ways.
You can experiment with knuckles, fists, forearm rolling, knee circling on the palm, or placing the client's hand palm-down on your thigh while you are sitting or kneeling. Then you put one open palm of yours on top of the other to get more power and to make it easier on you, and then you use the heel of your hand to circle the client's hand. That's easy to do and very effective.
You can use the same method, but with the palm facing up. Then you can use your elbow or forearm to work the palm of your client. This also works with the client's arm flat on the mat.
I have often used my knee to do circling on the palm of large clients where I did not want to stress my hands. Just put the client's arm out sideways on the mat, squat on your heels, and do gentle knee circling in the center of the palm. It feels good, especially on people with large hands, and it gives you plenty of power without killing your hands in the process.
Module 18
The last few days I have worked on the transitions & spinal twists in module 18. The transitions are a little harder for me on this lesson. I will definitely be working on them and trying to perfect those moves. As far as the spinal twists go, I feel like I am getting the hang of them. I continuously trip up on the new transition moves for some reason. The switching from side to side I never seem to end up in the right position. A little frustrating, but after several attempts, I feel I am getting better at it. Still feeling kinda awkward with this move. I am confident that I will continue to improve with practice.
Module 19
I love the sacral massage. I feel it is a wonderful addition to any massage. I have lots of massage clients that have SI joint dysfunctions. They are going to love this move.The hip rocking and spinal stretch has been very beneficial as well. The energy work idea at the end of this module is right up my ally. I feel everyone can benefit from energy work. However, I always make it a point to ask each client if they wish to receive energy work before I proceed. I am still working on a few of the transition moves but getting better each and everyday. I cant wait to continue on with the next module.
I was also wandering, is there a specific size of mat I should look for? Also, if you have any ideas of a great mat that would be some great info to share as well. Is there a specific place I can order the mat and the cushions/bolsters?
Thank you for another wonderful module.
Regarding your mat question, you can watch this video which is all about finding the best Thai Massage mat for your practice:
Thank you for the mat info. Very helpful!
Module 20 prone legs 1
Prone position working on the legs. This is the most natural feeling for me to execute of all the positions thus far. Not sure if it is b/c it feels the closest to my typical sports massages or if it is b/c of it feeling like a review of the anterior body work. Maybe a combo of both. Each partner really enjoyed this position and the foot work especially.
module 21 prone legs 2
great body mechanics! I really love how thorough you are with the body mechanics. I am still working on mine daily. This module was a great for glutes and quads. Love the stretches as well as the positions. A little tricky for me to get into some of the positions this week with a lupus flare but Im working hard on using correct posture and mechanics. As well as, using body weight vs muscle strength. Thanks for another great module.
Module 23
The sacrum
wow! Every client I have done this in loves the technique. I have a lot of older men who are golfers. Even though the sacrum doesn't move as much on men as it does on women, these guys are loving the release they feel by doing this technique. My female clients also really enjoy this work. Have had a few that who said that the work is too intense when I use my knees so I guess I still need to work on this move a little more.
Module 24
prone back 1....
finally, we begin working on the back. I love this section bc many 1st time massage clients only want there back massaged. I see the back as a mini massage in itself. Or as a teaser of what is to come. These beginner moves in this module are relaxing ways to prepare the tissue for more intense ir vigorous work. My partner loves the moves and we are bith excited fir what is to come.
Actually back massage can be a "maxi" massage. That's why the second largest course on my site right after the Complete Thai Massage course is the Thai Back Massage course. That's 11 hours of training only for the back. I have done back only sessions many times.
However even in the Complete Thai Massage course there is lots of back work. There are four more modules about back work still coming in your course!
Module 25
Prone back 2
Another great video! Love the upper trap technique. I have to work on this particular move more but I can see where it will be greatly beneficial. The double elbow technique in the lower back is amazing. Once you find the correct spot, it just feels right. The knee techniques are a little scary. OK, a lot scary. The 1st knee technique isn't too bad, simply rocking from side to side. The second knee technique is a little more complex. Shifting forward and backward while applying pressure on the back with the knee just seems scary. I feel like i have the move down, but definitely want to continue to work on it. It is almost like an internal massage for the local organs. The next technique of this module is going into the back at an angle. This move seems to be fairly easy. Im truly thankful for such a vast of knowledge and techniques to choose from. I feel it will really allow me to customize treatments specially for each individual client.
1 Guest(s)
