about me
2010 has been a year of ongoing practice and study – I’m now qualified
to practice Tui Na therapy, a Chinese massage based in Traditional Chinese
Medicine. I will also be starting work in the autumn up at UWE, as one of the
well-being mentors for students. This
year, the group for the Thai Massage Practitioner Diploma group doubled in size
and these students take their exams in November; it’s been very rewarding to
see people grow in their practice and create positive life changes over the
past six months. It was also wonderful to return to Thailand earlier in the
year to reconnect with the spirit of Nuad Boran (Ancient Massage) and teach a
multi-national course with 24 students from 15 different countries!
My sister, Nicky, and I continue to increase what Bodywisdom School
offers to students. To this effect, we are teaching Advanced Workshops for
qualified practitioners and bringing guest teacher Felicity Keebaugh to the UK in
August 2011 (from Thailand, where she was Senior Teacher at Sunshine school in
Chiang Mai until early 2010). It’s wonderful to be developing our sisterly
collaboration as well as seeing the school grow and more well-qualified
practitioners starting to offer their services. My home practice in Bristol
continues to flourish and I love offering tailored sessions and series of
treatments to clients in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
For you to know a little about me, I am a fully qualified and registered
Traditional Thai Massage therapist and teacher (RTT, ITEC, CThA), Tui Na
therapist and a Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher. I worked in education and
publishing in Spain for 9 years then 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 (my sister (!), Co-Director of
Bodywisdom and author of Thai Massage)
and Thai Master Pichet Boonthume. I completed my Yoga Teacher Training with
Louisa Sear (Yoga Arts). Along the way, I have been influenced in my practice
and both my Thai massage and yoga teaching through work with Clive Sheridan,
Donna Farhi & Rudra (Iyengar) and most recently by the inspiring teaching
of Angela Farmer and Victor Van Kooten. The unfolding and joy I find in 5 Rhythms
dance now feeds into both my massage and yoga practice and teaching. I have also studied the Ayurvedic massage
Chavutti Thirummal and 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 now practice massage in St Werburghs and offer private
yoga tuition to individuals and small groups.
My work as a personal coach continues to develop; as well as the
mentoring at the University, I also offer Health and Wellbeing Coaching both
over the phone and face to face. It’s been hugely rewarding to work clients
towards greater health, fulfillment and well-being and 2011 promises to be a
year in which I develop this side of my business.
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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 the medical system of 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 2000 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. In Thailand, Thai Massage is commonly
used to treat injury and to help in rehabilitation and it has much in common
with physiotherapy.
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
Thai Foot Massage – for those who love feet! 1 hour
Thai foot massage has evolved from Chinese
and Japanese massages and is practiced widely in Thailand today as an
approximate equivalent to Western reflexology. Treatments usually last an hour
and include work on the energy lines in the lower legs. The shoulders, arms and
hands, neck and head can also be treated at the end of the massage.
The benefits include:
·
Improved circulation
and toxin removal
·
Stimulated lymphatic drainage
·
Boosting the function
of the immune system
·
Stress relief
·
Improved sleep
·
Clarity and calmness
of mind
Thai Herbal Compress Massage
This deeply
relaxing massage has been practiced by Thai healers for many hundreds of years;
the steamed, hot herbal compresses provide a truly unique experience – one that
stimulates the senses whilst the deep penetrating warmth and blend of up to 20
Thai herbs soothes and alleviates muscle tension and aches and pains. The
massage can also promote a powerful body purification and detoxification
process.
It is a delicious experience to feel the deeply relaxing, penetrating
heat from the hot herbal compresses as you receive a massage from the pressure
of the packs being applied rhythmically to the body. The use of specially
blended herbs has been scientifically and medically proven to be of benefit to
the body’s wellbeing. This massage releases stress and physically and emotional
tension from the body, leaving you feeling deeply relaxed and pampered.
The benefits include:
·
Detoxification and purification
·
Deep relaxation
·
Stress relief
·
Clarity and calmness
·
A deep connection with the body
Chi Ne Tsang – Chinese Detoxification of the Organs
Brought
to the West by Master Mantak Chia, Chi Ne Tsang is an entire system of Chinese
healing that increases the flow of energy (chi) in the lymphatic, vascular and
nervous systems by freeing energy blockages in the belly then guiding that
energy into other parts of the body.
The benefits include:
·
Deep relaxation
·
Relief of IBS symptoms: abdominal pain and bloating
·
Improvement from shoulder pain
·
Relief from lower back pain
·
Detoxification and purification
Tuina
The easiest way to describe Tui Na massage
is as applied acupuncture with no needles, with all the benefits of hands-on
treatment! With its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is one of
the oldest systems of bodywork still practiced. It has been widely used in
China for centuries in the treatment of chronic and acute pain and for
conditions that are usually treated in this country by osteopaths,
chiropractors and physiotherapists or with drugs.
Fortunately, the West is beginning to
realise the deep, lasting benefits of TCM and Tui Na. Over 2500 years ago, the
techniques and effects of this massage were documented in The Yellow Emperor's Classics of Internal Medicine which makes
modern Tui Na the most tried and tested hands-on therapy in the world.
What does it treat?
Tui Na treats chronic pain and acute pain, especially
pain caused by muscle-skeletal conditions and injuries. It can help with:
·
Neck pain and
stiffness
·
Shoulder pain and
frozen shoulder
·
Back pain
·
Sciatica
·
Repetitive strain
injuries, e.g. tennis elbow
Treating a specific condition with Tui Na
also improves the overall flow of Qi, or energy, in the body which means that headaches, migraines, IBS, constipation,
PMS and a whole range of emotional
problems which may lead to insomnia,
depression or eating disorders
can also be effectively treated.
Treatments
Available relax.......revitalise........renew........refresh
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 - 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: (1-2
hours)
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 hours)
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.
Thai Herbal Compress Massage (1 hour/ 2 hours combined with Thai Massage or Tuina)
The
treatment is given using the massage compresses instead of hands. The
compresses are soaked and then steamed to provide a deep penetrating warmth.
The compresses are applied by patting, rolling and kneading, giving a gentle
but deeply effective massage. The heat carries the herbal essences deep into
the skin, underlying tissues and organs. The treatment brings about a deep
sensation of comfort and warmth, whilst stimulating the body to detoxify and
heal itself and soothing general aches and pains.
Chi Ne Tsang 1 hour
This treatment is given semi-clothed, on a futon on the floor. Organic
oils are used on the belly and balancing massage is given to the back.
The use of hot herbal compresses allows the belly to deeply relax and
open both before and after treatment.
Tuina 1 hour (initial session 1 hr 15
mins)
Tui Na is given fully clothed. Patients
sit on a chair (for neck and shoulder work) or lie on a massage couch. I will
ask you some questions about your state of health before you receive your
treatment. It is a vigorous massage; every technique involves both the
application of pressure and movement of the muscle and soft tissue as I work on
your physical body in order to affect the flow of energy in the Meridians and
specific Qi points. After your first session you may feel a little sore as your
muscles release long-held tension and Qi begins to flow. Most people adjust
quickly to the deep pressure involved and the benefits are felt physically,
mentally and emotionally.
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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
Please call me to arrange private
tuition in the comfort of your home or mine
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Bodywisdom School - see www.bodywisdom.org.uk
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links &
recommended websites
