Re: Foot Massage 2

I thought the recap of the previous module was very useful especially when put in the context of planes of movement; inversion, eversion etc.  I very much connected with this application of movement to the anatomy of the joint-makes perfect sense and makes the process of learning easier and much more considered.

I put together all the techniques from this module and the previous one, plus some ideas from the Rocking massage course like the Chi Machine.  I have never given such thorough footwork before; the massage along with the stretching techniques upon this small area truly makes for a powerful therapy.

I had a real sense of being a 'therapist' in terms of understanding the joint and its possibilities and then applying techniques to maximise mobility and flow of prana/chi.  My client has never experienced any specific footwork and was quite surprised about how working on such a small area of the body has such a strong and satisfing effect.  It felt a very thorough and effective session that was satisfying for both my client and myself as the therapist.

Just wondering if there are any specific stretches that can be performed on the toes or are they too delicate perhaps? 

Re: Leg Warm-up

I particularly liked the Butterfly technique as I love applying pressure with my whole hands.  My fingers are very small and quite delicate and I already have signs of wear and tear in some of my joints from giving tabletop massage; working in this way is therefore much more comfortable for me and I am generally quite strong overall.

I'm really enjoying the different and creative ways you 'block' the client's limbs to prevent unwanted movement – it really makes you feel like you know what you are doing!  Also good to feel a continuity of movement as we apply techniques from earlier on – there is a real sense of building upon knowledge.

I am currently compiling a book which I have split into different body parts.  Each section has a list of names for each technique that I have made up, so I can more easily remember the variety of things I am learning.  Where you have named things like Butterly and Elephant Walk, I have kept these – it is proving to be a very useful reference tool and helps me to be more efficient in terms of creating sequences.  I can't believe how much I have learnt so far and feel a real sense of achievement as I am able to draw from all the Rocking techniques too.

Re: Leg Stretches 1

I was very excited to start using my feet in this lesson-the thigh treading is what I always used to picture in my mind when thinking of Thai massage!  At one point, because my client is relatively heavy, I blocked his straight leg with my leg (instead of holding beneath the knee) and used two hands to hold his ankle (my ouside hand was threaded under my thigh to be able to grab his ankle- if that makes sense?!).  It felt fine but just want to check that it's ok to do this?.

'Elephant Walking' on the 'Tree' pose leg, I found very effective.  My client found it a little strong after some time so I rocked the position as you had suggested and then alternated with the stronger stretch.  It really makes you aware of how sensitive, alert and aware you need to be of the clients body and how important it is to keep communicating.

The final technique where the hip lifts off the floor I had learnt in The Rocking course but it was great to connect it up with the previous two techniques and made a very satisfying sequence that flowed well.  I was a bit nervous about how I would cope with the legs but was pleasantly surprised how easily I picked it up-I guess it just feels so nice to watch and to do that it somehow helps you connect and remember.

Re: Leg Stretches 4 & Summary

Again, I enjoyed learning some stronger stretches.  My client was quite sensitive to the one where the leg is taken across the body and stretched up and the calf stretch.  I also tried the stronger version of the twist where I hold the clients leg down with my leg but again approached this very gently and held it until the body released.

The technique where I lift up my heel to roll the clients leg out was amazing-I would never have thought to have used my body this way!  There were a number of positions on the last two videos where I am lunging backwards and forth which gives the practice another new flowing dynamic.

I followed your exact same routine that you demonstrated in the Summary session and was very pleased with my achievement.  I added in some upper body work and rocking and the feedback was great; my client felt as if he had undergone a professional session and it no longer felt like I was practicing:)

The 'Blood Stopping' was also well received and I was happy to do this on my client as he is my husband also.  Unfortunately for some reason my insurance states that they will not cover me for 'Blood Flushing' which I assume is the same thing.  I noted that you said that you had practiced this technique for many years and that it was safe.  Do you think they are just being over-cautious here - could anything potentially go wrong? I remember you mentioned varicose veins.

Re: PART 2 Hip Stretches 1

Today I was able to work on my sister who is the same height and build as myself and quite open in the hips.  As she is generally quite flexible I assumed I could take some of the stretches further than I had previously with my husband.  However she had unexpected areas of tightness (from lots of horseriding) which has taught me to assume nothing!  Positions (mine) that had seemed easy before were now more challenging and I was constantly having to reorientate myself to a this new body.  The same stretch on two bodies can be so different in application and feel which seems like common sense but still surprised me a little in terms of HOW different.  It almost felt as if I was starting the course again!  It has really highlighted the importance of practicing lots on a wider clientele.  I especially liked the transition from the calf stretch where both feet rest on my abdomen (the back and forth movement with traction is great and flows really nicely) to the hip stretch where I simply stand up from the previous position.  I found this session to be very dynamic and quite strong especially the final stretch where both feet are pressed together and lie on my shins-like an assisted Yoga Cobblers pose.  I was able to take my client deep in this position which she found very releasing.  I am now going to practice the same session on my husband to compare.

Re: Shoulders

I really liked the continuity of the shoulder work which builds on previous material.  The combination of massage and mobilisation worked well to release tension from my clients shoulders, neck and even back.

When pulling up the shoulders with both hands I initially found it a little difficult to keep my back straight against my clients weight but once I found a rhythmn and stopped panicking I somehow corrected myself without thinking.  I think this highlighted your point about not doing things mechanically but about engaging with the energy created and working with its flow.

The transition between each shoulder technique from straddling over to sitting on my heel to sitting on the floor and finally taking the legs out straight to 'paddle' the arm worked really well for me as a mini sequence and helped me remember each part.  It felt 'artful' and satisfying to apply.

The final two stretches are probably my favorite upper body techniques to do: 'paddling' the arm with the edge of the foot and stretching the tricep back.  In the former I also used the edge of my foot along the inside of the upper arm as well as in the armpit a bit like working on the inner thigh in a similar way-is this ok?

My client enjoyed it but I just wanted to check that it was safe to do.  The triceps stretch was too strong on my clients right wrist and thumb due to a previous injury that has made these places weak so I went immediately to the hand massage techniques which strangely sent him to sleep!

The left side was fine and I was able to explore the dynamics of this stretch much better as both a wrist opener and tricep stretch-would it also be ok to pull the arm forward from behind as an alternative to pushing the arm away? An unrelated question!-in this course do you teach us how to do the bridge as you illustrate I think on your website homepage; where the clients back is arched over your outstretched feet?