Traditional Thai Massage

and

Hatha Yoga

 

 

“If you touch one thing with deep awareness,      
you touch everything.”      

Thich Nhat Hanh

 

Fiona L Smith

BA Hons, ITEC, RTT, CThA

pyramidal logo b-w

 

What’s New

 

Massage:

I have a home-based practice in St. Werburgh’s and we can also arrange home visits in the city and close surrounds.

I am always happy to talk to you about tailoring a session for whatever you need at this moment.

Thai Massage Practitioner Training

Course Dates confirmed for 2010

January: 8, 9. 10

February:  5, 6, 7

March:  26, 27, 28

May: 7, 8, 9

 

See below for full details of fees/ venue/ application

 

Thai Massage Advanced Workshops

The advanced skills workshop in Bristol on 30 & 31 May went really well; everyone was happy and inspired and keen to come back for more.

Our next Advanced workshops are planned for early 2010 – please watch this space for details or write to info@fionalsmith.co.uk and I’ll put you on the mailing list; these courses fill up quickly so make sure you find out first!

 

Yoga classes

 

Tuesdays 7’45-8’45am Early Bird Hatha Flow (beginners- intermediate)

Wednesdays 1-2pm Hatha Flow Lunchtime (beginners-intermediate)

 

at Bristol City Yoga:

 

16, Backfields Lane (off Stokes Croft)

Tel: 0117 9244414              this is a drop-in class

 

See below for full details

 

Contact: info@fionalsmith.co.uk

Tel: 0774 7514971

 

 


 

Fiona webpic.jpgabout me

2009 continues to be a year of exploration and study for me. I’ve now lived in Bristol for 18 months – and in the same house for more than a year!  This has been a very  grounding and rewarding experience and I’m enjoying developing life and business in my ‘home city’. This year, I have taught the Thai Massage Practitioner Diploma in England for the first time (after many years teaching in Thailand, Spain, India and Greece) – with a wonderful group of motivated and talented students. It has been a pleasure and a real privilege to share what I know with them. The Advanced Course in May, which my sister Nicky and I taught together also went very well and it was wonderful to feel the ‘Sangha’ come together and share in Bristol; people came to study with us from all over the UK – and from France!

In terms of qualification and experience, I am a fully qualified and registered Traditional Thai Massage therapist and teacher (RTT, ITEC, CThA), and a Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher. 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 seven years I 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 (Co-Director of Bodywisdom and author of Thai Massage) and Thai Master Pichet Boonthume. I did my Yoga Teacher Training with Louisa Sear (Yoga Arts). Along the way, I have been influenced in my practice and teaching through my work with Clive Sheridan, Donna Farhi & Rudra (Iyengar) and most recently by the wonderful, unfolding and inspiring teaching of Angela Farmer and Victor Van Kooten. I have also studied Nutrition with CNN (Barbara Wren) and incorporate Craniosacral Therapy and Reiki into my work.

I am an authorised teacher for Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI) and am co-director of The Bodywisdom School of Thai Massage (www.bodywisdom.org.uk)

I had my own massage clinic and taught yoga in Mykonos, Greece until I moved to Bristol where I practice massage in St Werburghs and teach yoga at Bristol City Yoga in Stokes Croft as well as offering private tuition. I am currently studying to become a personal coach in order to work with individuals and businesses towards greater success, fulfillment and well-being. Having been very physical in my life for the past 7 years, I find that combining the bodywork and teaching I do with working creatively and intellectually with other people towards achieving their goals makes for a happier, more fulfilled and balanced me – and that definitely feeds into everything I do!

traditional thai massage

what is traditional thai massage?

Spain Sept_Oct 136.jpgTraditional 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

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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.

 

traditional Thai Massage benefits:

·         sports people, deep massage to both prevent injury and help in post-injury rehabilitation

·         those who wish to feel more grounded and in contact with their bodies

·         those who need pain relief for chronic or acute back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain or injuries

·         in pregnancy – improving energy flow, reducing water retention and ‘heavy legs’, connecting with your baby

·         those in high power or stressful environments who need to switch off and renew – very calming and relaxing

·         asthmatic conditions; opening out the chest cavity and allowing greater ease in breathing

·         digestive difficulties – detoxifying the internal organs

·         helps deep detoxification and boosts circulation of both blood and lymph

·         in increasing flexibility – both for those who are already flexible (for example, yoga and pilates practitioners) and those who feel stiff and uncomfortable

·         both the old and young; fit and unfit

relax.......revitalise........renew........refresh

 

 


some ways in which we can work:

lotus.JPGtraditional 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 - dynamic or relaxation:  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 (1-2hrs)

Traditional Thai Massage is of huge benefit to both you and your baby. We work on a supportive mat/futon on the floor in whatever position is most comfortable for you (often on your side, particularly later in your pregnancy), supporting your body with pillows so you are comfortable and relaxed throughout. The massage works on a number of different levels; energetic, emotional and physical. We use a combination of pressure, gentle stretches and manipulation in order to achieve a complete balance. This is important during a time when emotions and hormones can run riot and your body is going through constant changes.

 

Receiving Thai Massage before, during and after your pregnancy boosts your immunity, improves your energy levels, prepares you for labour and helps you find greater ease in your body. It’s great for relieving the legs and lower back of aches and pains associated with carrying your baby and can also effectively treat those difficult to reach areas of the upper back and shoulders. The massage is a wonderful time for you to relax and for you to bond with your baby who also benefits enormously both energetically and physically.

After your pregnancy, it’s the perfect way for you to reconnect with your body and take care of yourself whilst you care for your new baby.

 

Sports Performance & Injury Rehabilitation (1-2 hrs)

Traditional Thai Massage works on a number of different levels. In training and performance we function both physically and energetically. Thai Massage works to relieve muscle tension that comes from strong exercise or sport and clear both physical and energy blockages that may lead to injury. Having worked with referrals from gyms over several years, I have experience in treating bodybuilders, runners and swimmers as well as those who follow a fitness regime for general fitness and know that it greatly enhances sports performance as well as speeding recovery from injury.

Thai Massage works holistically, that is - on the whole body - from the feet upwards, releasing tension in the legs, hips and pelvis that may cause problems in the lower back. Likewise, you can be treated for arm, shoulder or neck tension. Deep pressure on muscle using hands, elbows or knees, combined with stretching, manipulation and energy work means that you receive a complete balancing for the whole body. You can expect improved flexibility, better circulation of blood and lymph, detoxification, greater ease in breathing, lubrication of joints and profound relaxation.

Did you know? In Thailand, Thai Massage is commonly used to treat injury and to help in rehabilitation and it has much in common with physiotherapy.

 

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!

 

 

Yoga Classes in Bristol

at Bristol City Yoga, Backfields Lane, Stokes Croft

Tuesday: 7’45-8’45am (£6)

Early Bird Hatha Yoga

This early morning class incorporates breath work (pranayama) and asana to get us into our bodies, warm up, stretch and start the day in the very best way possible. The class is open to all but is particularly appropriate for beginner-intermediate students. This is a precise but flowing form of Hatha Yoga, using the body’s inner ‘knowing’ as our starting point.

Drop-in class/ discount for 10 classes

Wednesday: 1-2pm (£6)

This 1 hour lunch time class is the perfect opportunity to get back into your body in the middle of the day. As with other classes I teach, it is a combination of breath work and asana to warm up and stretch the body and also to ground ourselves and find the silence inside.

Drop-in class/ discount for 10 classes

Please call me to arrange private tuition in the comfort of your home or mine

 

Bodywisdom School

calendar of courses & retreats

Bristol Courses

Diploma course in Traditional Thai Massage - BodyWisdom School of Thai Massage

with Fiona Smith

 

This is a recognised practitioner level diploma.

 

Course Dates for 2010

 

January: 8, 9. 10

February:  5, 6, 7

March:  26, 27, 28

May: 7, 8, 9

 

Practice Day: TBC *

Final Assessment: TBC *

 

* There will be time between the course content and the practice/ assessment days to allow for case studies to be completed.

 

This is a non-residential course

 

Group size: max 10 students  

Location: Yogasara, Picton Street, Montpelier, Bristol BS6 5QA

 

Course Fees

£860 – includes exams fees, course book & additional materials

 

Payment: A non-refundable deposit of £200 secures your place on the course. The balance may be paid either:

·         In full on the first day of the course

·         By cheque in 4 installments of £165 on the first day of each module

 

Application Criteria

In order to take a place on this course, you:

·         Have completed a 1-2 day introductory workshop with Bodywisdom School OR

·         Have previous training in Traditional Thai Massage and received at least 2 full Thai Massages from a Bodywisdom Tutor OR

·         Received at least 2 full Thai Massages and private pre-course tuition from a Bodywisdom Tutor

 

In order to complete the assessed part of the course, which leads to the professional Diploma, students should already hold or be currently studying towards a recognised level 3 diploma or equivalent in Anatomy & Physiology (A&P). Some students may wish to study this course as professional or personal development; if you do not plan to practice professionally you can choose to be exempt from the final assessment. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, please ask for more details.

 

You will get more out of the course if you have a good general level of fitness; if you have any doubts about this please ask!

 

If you wish to apply for a place on the Bristol Diploma Course, please contact me on 0774 7514971 or email fiona@bodywisdom.org.uk to arrange an informal interview in which we will answer any questions you may have and discuss what you hope to gain from your study in a little more detail. It’s also your opportunity for you to be sure that this is the right course – and that we are the right teachers – for you.

 

Core Module (4 weekends/ 2 residential weeks)

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.

Our course manual is Thai Massage by Nicky Smith (co-director of Bodywisdom). We use it as a reference book on the training course alongside other materials.

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.

 

Please write for full details of the course content

 

 

Traditional Thai Massage Advanced Skills Workshops

With Fiona & Nicky Smith

 

advtymworkshop 008.jpg        advtymworkshop 050.jpg        advtymworkshop 066.jpg

 

Next workshops planned for early 2010

Nicky & I bring our own specialist skills to these weekend workshops and our students have commented how much they enjoy working with the two of us together! Advanced workshops are a forum for deeper exploration into the spirit of Thai Massage and what that means for us as individual therapists. This tradition used to be passed from master to student over years of study; these advanced workshops provide opportunites for us to continue to learn from one another, develop our intuitive skills and to dance with the work.

 

We welcome all those who have completed their basic practitioner training with any school.

 

 

introduction to traditional thai massage – dates for 2009 TBC

 

weekends and introductory days (please contact me for details and to be put on my mailing list)

 

These weekends or introductory days are a playful, but very practical introduction to the joys of sharing touch with friends, family or a partner using Traditional Thai Massage.  They are 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. People of all ages are very welcome; if you have any doubts about your level of fitness, please do contact me. By the end of a weekend workshop, 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.

These weekends/days are also the introduction to the Diploma Course, for those who wish to study to Practitioner level*.

 

 

for more information and details, please contact me

 

courses & retreats worldwide

Details of Bodywisdom courses in South-East England can be found on www.bodywisdom.org.uk

 

links & recommended websites


www.bodywisdom.org.uk                            the Bodywisdom website with details of courses, teaching and treatments in the UK & abroad

www.thaihealingalliance.com                      (THAI) international organisation for thai massage therapists

www.thaiyogamassage.infothai.com          The Sunshine Network website for Thailand

www.jivahealing.com                                   detoxing, juice fasting, fabulous healthy eating weeks

www.adventureyogi.com                             yoga & snow, sea & surf holidays in Chamonix, Morocco, Sardinia and other wonderful locations

www.thaimassage.gr                                     Sunshine House in Greece offers massage & yoga courses in a laid-back and loving space

www.donnafarhi.co.nz                                 inspirational yoga teacher Donna Farhi

www.sunshine-massage-school.com           Sunshine School in Chiang Mai, Thailand

www.angela-victor.com                               Angela Farmer and Victor Van Kooten – underground yoga

www.bristolcityyoga.co.uk                          City Yoga website – a wide variety of classes and teachers at this lovely studio in central Bristol