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Instructor: Logan Rardin 32
Hours $389
+ $10 for text Course
description: Traditional Thai
Massage has its roots in the Ayurvedic traditions of India. The ancient, sacred texts are written
in the Pali language and many have yet to be translated. Most of the information was recorded
about 2,500 years ago. Most of
the records were destroyed in 1776 when Ayuthaya, the ancient capital of
Thailand (then known as Siam) was sacked and destroyed by the Burmese. This sacred and revered style of
massage was brought to Thailand by the “Father Doctor” (Shivaga Komarpaj),
who was said to be a Doctor of Buddha. Thai Massage is
traditionally taught in the temples, (Wat in Thai) as well as in a few modern
schools. Wat Po in the middle of
Bangkok is the oldest operating school of Thai Massage teaching southern
style of Thai Massage (more pressing and tissue work). The Foundation of Dr. Shivaga
Komarpaj, the School of Thai Massage, Old Medicine Hospital, Chiang Mai
Thailand, was founded over 45 years ago under the supervision of the Ministry
of Education, Thailand. This school teaches the northern style (more subtle
stretching approach) to Thai Massage as well as massage for the energy lines
(Sen) of which there are 72,0006. Also taught are the Thai Herbal Massage, Acupressure and
Herbal Medicine (over 3,000 herbs used in Thailand) The work we will be
focusing on is the northern style utilizing the stretching, energy lines, and
acupressure techniques to open up the body, releasing the “blockages” of
energy (Maya) allowing the energy and body to flow. Often referred to as “lazy man’s Yoga” the practitioner
assists the receiver in attaining specific yoga related positions they would
not be able to achieve on their own.
While in these positions the practitioner palpates and stretches the
client to achieve maximum stretch and energy release. This can be an intense workout for
the practitioner as they are required to remain focused (often done in a
meditative state) while diligently performing the stretching and
manipulations of the body while tracking the energy of the client by
monitoring the breath and physical body release. This work can evoke major releases of energy often
manifested as emotional releases for the client. Thai Massage is
normally performed on a mat on the floor, fully clothed in loose, flexible
clothing. Learning how to use
proper body mechanics is important so as to achieve appropriate leverage
while moving, stretching, and pressing on the client without hurting
yourself. It is important to be
aware of your own body’s comfort since you will be sitting, kneeling, and bending
while pulling, pressing, and stretching your client. The contraindications
of Thai Massage are generally the same as any style of massage, so client
history and practical judgment on the behalf of the practitioner is
important. Traditional Thai Massage
is sensitive, rhythmic, flowing, gentle and sacred. It is user friendly, in that its techniques can be used
with many other modalities of massage such as Sports, Chair, Swedish, Deep
and more. It should feel as good
to give as it is to receive. Please
bring and drink plenty of water, as you will work up a sweat. You may also wish to bring a hand
towel, wrist and headbands and/or neck cooler. It is also recommended that
you stretch before performing Thai Massage, as you will be working on the floor. Thai
Massage II description coming soon.
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