about
me
I’ve set up
this webpage to at last have something online; it’s temporary and allows me to
say a little something about who I am and what I’m doing… 2008 is a time of
transition and exploration for me as I return to England after 15 years living
and working abroad. So, here’s a little about me and what I offer:
I am a
fully qualified and registered Traditional Thai Massage therapist and teacher
(RTT, ITEC, CThA), and a Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher. I am also
currently studying Natural Nutrition with CNN in Bristol and exploring the
field of Craniosacral Therapy.
Having
worked in education and publishing in Spain for 9 years, I made a life change
in 2001 and began my current journey in massage, yoga, meditation and a
generally healthier lifestyle. Over six years I have trained and worked with a number of different Thai Massage
teachers and Masters including Asokananda (author of The Art of Traditional Thai Massage) who authorised me to teach for
The Sunshine Network in 2004; Nicky
Smith (Director of Bodywisdom and author of Thai
Massage) and Thai Master Pichet Boonthume. I did my Yoga Teacher Training
with Louisa Sear (Yoga Arts) and have been influenced in my practice and
teaching through my work with Clive Sheridan, Donna Farhi & Rudra
(Iyengar), amongst others.
I am also
an authorised teacher for Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI) and work
with The Bodywisdom School of Thai Massage
in the UK as an instructor.
I had my
own massage clinic and taught yoga in Mykonos, Greece until summer 2007 and
have recently moved to Bristol where I’m now building up a massage practice. I
hope soon to be teaching some group yoga
classes in the city as well as offering private tuition. I am also doing
some freelance writing again; Having been very physical in my life for the past
6 years, I now am finding that working creatively and more intellectually again
alongside bodywork and yoga makes for a happier, more fulfilled and balanced me
– and that definitely feeds into my work!
traditional
thai massage
what is
traditional thai massage?
Traditional Thai Massage or Thai Yoga Massage is an holistic practice
that views the body as an alive system of energy. When this energy becomes
blocked or imbalanced in some way, it
can lead to ‘dis-ease’ in the physical body.
This deep,
healing massage works to overcome & prevent imbalances. It combines the use
of gentle yoga-based stretches with sensitive acupressure & manipulation to suit each person,
creating a powerful tool for physical, energetic and emotional well-being.
a little
history
Traditional
Thai Massage has its roots in Ayurveda. It is believed to have been developed
by Jivaka Kumar Baccha who was physician to the Buddha and was part of the
knowledge and teachings that migrated from India to Thailand alongside Buddhism
over 2,000 years ago.
Since then it has been practiced, developed and handed down
through the generations and it is this teaching from master to student that
makes this work the intuitive healing art it is. It has always been seen as a
spiritual practice, not just a massage and until recently was mainly practiced
in the Thai Buddhist temples. It is the physical application of ‘Metta’ (loving
kindness) and enables both giver and receiver to open energy channels and be
healed.
your treatment
You wear
light, comfortable clothing and your massage is given on a firm but comfortable
futon on the floor. Cushions are used if appropriate to support your body in
order that you can let go completely. We also use music, incense, candles…
whatever puts you most at ease and creates an environment that allows you to
relax and enjoy.
Some benefits of traditional thai
massage
Relaxes
& Revitalises
Relieves
muscle tension
Deeply
detoxifying
Boosts blood
& lymph circulation
Relieves
stress & calms
Improves
flexibility
Relieves
chronic and acute:
Back pain
Migraines & headaches
Frozen shoulder
Digestive difficulties
It feels
good... and you deserve it!
some ways in
which we can work:
traditional thai massage: 90mins/2hrs
A Traditional Thai massage usually lasts up to 2 hours (sometimes more)
in order have full therapeutic benefit and create energetic & physical
balance…Suitable for all ages & needs and I promise you that time flies!
thai massage: 1 hr
A relaxing shorter session is, of course, of benefit. Thai techniques
are applied to relieve pain &
tension mainly on the back, legs, neck & shoulders & head - our main
‘problem’ areas.
thai & ayurvedic massage:
1 -2 hrs
For those who love the use of oils, especially on the back, neck &
shoulders. We combine Traditional Thai and Ayurvedic techniques using organic
oils to achieve deep relaxation & therapeutic benefit.
thai massage in pregnancy:
90mins/2hrs
From your 3rd month, Thai Massage is of huge benefit for both you and your
baby – and is a wonderful time for you
to bond. We work in whatever position is most comfortable for you (often on
your side), supporting you with pillows as we work. It relieves pain or
water-retention in the legs, improves circulation and relaxes & releases
tension in the hips, pelvis & lower back. I’ve been told that babies love
it and can put you in touch with mothers who have already experienced Thai
massage during their pregnancy if you’d feel more comfortable having a
recommendation!
hatha yoga
Hatha Yoga is also from the Ayurvedic Tradition and as a
physical, spiritual and mental practice
it goes hand-in-hand with Traditional Thai Massage. I teach group &
individual classes, always tailoring for individual requirements. I love to
feel and see the body and mind unfold and unwind; each of us at our own pace
and rhythm. My work with the body in massage feeds into my yoga teaching and
practice and vice versa.
hatha yoga classes: 1 – 2hrs
We practise asanas (postures) & pranayama (breath work) to suit your
level, your physical & emotional needs and time available.
thai massage & hatha yoga: 90mins - 2hrs
We combine yoga and massage
for a truly individual session; guiding you through asanas & pranayama
that can help you help yourself when you work alone whilst also allowing you to
relax while I do the work!
calendar of courses & retreats
Bristol Courses
introduction to traditional thai massage – 13 & 14
September 2008
with Fiona Smith and Nicky Smith
10-6pm Saturday and Sunday at Willow Arts Centre, St.
Werburgh’s Primary School, St. Werburgh’s.
£95 for the two days; some concessions are available
This weekend is a playful, but very practical introduction
to the joys of sharing touch with friends, family or a partner using
Traditional Thai Massage. It is open to anyone who wishes to explore the use of
caring touch to work with others. Many yoga practitioners and teachers find it
a wonderful way to deepen their practice and understanding of the body and for
working with adjustments; others simply wish to learn some simple techniques to
help family members or enjoy giving massage to a partner. We welcome people of
all ages; if you have any doubts about your level of fitness, please do contact
me. By the end of the weekend, you will have learned enough to give a simple
one-hour treatment and will also explore some yoga and breathing techniques to
use alongside the practice.
This weekend is also the introduction to the Diploma Course,
for those who wish to study to Practitioner level*.
diploma course in traditional thai massage -
BodyWisdom School of Thai Massage
with Fiona Smith
The course is taught from September – February, with a
practice day in April. Full details can be found on the Bodywisdom website.
This is a recognised practitioner level diploma.
Core Module
(6 weekends)
The
course begins with an introduction to the massage techniques and the principle
and theory of working with energy. We work progressively, opening the body from
the feet toward the head. The weekends are broken down into working the body in
different positions.
Inherent parts of the course will be: yoga, meditation, chanting, historical and
theoretical foundations, self-care and postural awareness techniques and how to
work safely with contraindications and common conditions. On the final weekend
of this module there will be an informal assessment to guide students toward
their own practice.
Each student will need to have a copy of Thai Massage by Nicky Smith. This is
our course manual and we will be using it as a reference book on the training
course.
By the end of the course you will have learned practical techniques to give a
comprehensive full-body Traditional Thai Massage (A full body massage takes
approximately 2hours)
The
core teaching is followed by a practice day and then, when students have had
time to practise, there is a written paper and practical exam. Case studies are
also taken. Full details will be given on application.
Course Dates:
27-28 September 2008
8-9 November 2008
22-23 November 2008
13-14 December 2008
10-11 January 2009
7-8 February 2009
Practice day in April TBC
Course Venue:
Berkeley Centre,
Berkeley Square, Bristol.
We will be working at this wonderful new venue in Bristol.
It opens in September and offers holistic therapies, physiotherapy, personal
training, yoga (and more) in a beautiful environment. It also has the advantage
of being just round the corner from Fresh & Wild for lunch breaks and
healthy snacks!
Course Fee:
£790 – this fee
includes all course material (manual/ workbook) and final examination if taken
on the date arranged
Individual mentoring sessions are also possible for a small
additional fee.
Application
criteria:
*Attendance
on a Foundation Weekend (some students may be offered an alternative to the
weekend under exceptional circumstances.)
To enrol on the full programme, students should be willing to work as part of a
group and have the ability to self-reflect and take responsibility for their
own body during the giving and the receiving of massage. Students will get more
from the course if they have a reasonable level of general fitness. If you are
unsure - please ask.
for more information and details,
please contact me
courses & retreats worldwide
juice
fasting, healthy eating & yoga retreats – dordogne, france.in September
2009
I
work with www.jivahealing.com
on these wonderful weeks of juice fasting, detoxing and generally giving
yourself the gift of feeling fabulous. I teach some of the yoga and give
treatments to support the process you go through in letting go of all the old
‘stuff’ - physically and emotionally, that you really don’t need to carry
around anymore.
I got involved with jiva through my old friend Rebecca
who I’d met when I did my first juice fast in Thailand many years ago. That
experience left me feeling truly wonderful and it’s something I recommend to
all those I love (my clients… beware!)
Please contact Mel or Rebecca through their website www.jivahealing.com for more details and bookings.
traditional thai massage beginners
course – thailand, 9-20 march 2009
A 12-day beginners course taught in the northern
style. I teach this course with my sister, Nicky Smith for The Sunshine Network
in a small Lahu hilltribe village to the north of Chiang Mai. Full details can
be found on the school’s webpage http://thaiyogamassage.infothai.com/ Bookings can also be made through their
website.
As Nicky and I are both teachers for BodyWisdom School of
Thai Massage in the UK, this course serves as the basis (core teaching) for our
practitioner’s Diploma Course. You can find more details about this on our
website www.bodywisdom.org.uk.
As I am an instructor member of THAI
(Thai Healing Alliance International) the course is also recognised by this
worldwide organisation.
links &
recommended websites
