What is Thai-Shiatsu Massage & Bodywork
Thai-Shiatsu Massage & Bodywork is a creative Thai massage rooted in the therapeutic traditions of yoga, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda and meditation. It is a spiritual practice of self-development that energizes the giver as it calms, balances and recharges the receiver.
Of special interest to body workers, therapists, yoga teachers, martial and healing artists, healthcare, fitness and movement professionals, it can be enjoyed by anyone, with some adaptations for physical sensitivities and body type.
The giver applies powerful acupressure techniques while deeply supporting the receiver in assisted-yoga stretches. Asian bodywork includes joint and soft tissue manipulation, rhythmic movement, energy balancing, breath work and meditation to balance and encourage radiant health in both giver and receiver. It invites deep release of physical and psycho-emotional tension while balancing the immune response and restoring body-mind resilience.
Using meridian energy theory and pressure points for specific health purposes, the practitioner awakens and balances the vital life force along the body's pathways of subtle energy (meridians/sen lines/nadis) while facilitating blood flow and stimulating lymphatic drainage.
The giver moves from the body's dynamic center (hara), allowing healing energy through palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet. Effortless movement includes leveraging, leaning and lowering bodyweight with buoyant gravity rather than tiring with muscle strength. Stability, safety and sensitivity result from using a natural, cross-patterning, contra-lateral motion--listening and comforting with one hand, while sensing and stimulating the life force with the other.
Thai massage is a blend of Indo-Chinese and local-Thailand healing arts that cultivate the healing presence of loving kindness (metta) and the continuity of a meditative yogic dance. Shiatsu is founded in Japanese Zen meditation and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Five Element theory of TCM (applied world wide in acupuncture) is introduced experientially through simple and powerful Taoist healing-energy exercises of Qi Gong.
The marriage of Thai massage, shiatsu, yoga and meditation allows you to apply a wider repertoire of techniques while varying the practice to suit your own body dynamics and needs.
Experience Healing Bodywork
"Amazing! Today, at work, I realized how powerfully the massage has corrected my posture. I'm doing normal working things and I have a more heightened awareness, a certain clarity in thinking—feeling awesome, relaxed, a great transformation. I'm enlightened and wish to continue this process. Thanks for sharing your views and methods. I'm a convert. I don't want to forget what I just learned. I'll sign on for more. I get it now!"--Tad M., Contractor, S. Londonderry, VT
"Ken, the massage you did on my mid-back was more helpful than any other work I have received, apart from one osteopath in England. And, it was more immediately beneficial than that. Exciting! Thank you very much and I look forward to more!" Judith Jamieson, Massage Therapist and Director, Green Mountain Institute of Massage, N. Bennington, VT.