Traditional Thai Massage

and

Hatha Yoga

 

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

Thich Nhat Hanh

 

Fiona L Smith

BA Hons, ITEC, RTT, CThA

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Please contact me for information about massage, individual and group yoga tuition and

courses in Traditional Thai Massage.

I have a clinic on Tuesday afternoons and evenings at Neal’s Yard in Bristol -

 

126 Whiteladies Road
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 2RP

 

0117 946 6034

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.

Contact: info@fionalsmith.co.uk

Tel: 0774 7514971

 


 

Fiona webpic.jpgabout 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?

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.

 

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:

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:  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.

 

C:\Documents and Settings\Fiona Smith\My Documents\My Pictures\2003 pics\India 2003\partnernavasana.jpghatha 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

france1I 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

C:\Documents and Settings\Fiona Smith\My Documents\publicity and pics\flyer photos\lahu massage.jpgC:\Documents and Settings\Fiona Smith\My Documents\publicity and pics\flyer photos\village street.jpgA 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


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