As I mentioned before the seed was planted about 10 years ago to go to Thailand when I took a introduction course in Thai massage in San Diego. When I started to plan for the trip about a year ago I knew that I was going to Chiang Mai, Thailand to study massage and I got so much more! Many things about this trip was educational and insightful. I took in the culture and allowed myself to try a variety of things with the intention of not allowing my preconceived ideas to interfere with the experience. The trip not only opened my mind but allowed me to expand in many dimensions! I took different type of classes and learned many things on this path which increased my awareness. The complete voyage was one big classroom! I am grateful for these many experiences and the expansion of my consciousness. From these moments I am now at a place of introspect and redesigning my life.The massage school that I ended up at was perfect for me at that moment. There are many schools and teachers that you can learn Thai massage from. Even though I did hours of research before I went another valuable resource is just to talk to students. As I mentioned in earlier post the school that I went to is called "The School of Massage for Health".The staff was warm and friendly. I enjoyed and value the personal attention given by many of the instructors. One of the largest draws was how flexible the classes are. This allows the opportunity for traveling students to not have such a rigid course schedule and the freedom to explore the area. For example I started my first class on a Thursday and for the following weeks I continued to take different classes while also going to cooking and jewelery making courses as well.
As you enter the courtyard off the street you walk into another world. A feeling of comfort and warmth. Before classes or during the breaks you can enjoy a cup of tea with classmates and teachers. Before entering the classroom we wash our feet at this staging area.
THAI MASSAGE COURSE:
THAI HERBAL COMPRESS COURSE:
FOOT REFLEXOLOGY:
TRADITIONAL THAI/TOK-SEN:
Many years before I took my first massage class it spoke to me and I did not understand until I finally took that first course at IPSB it felt natural. I definitely connected to the gift of touch that I possess. Even in earlier massage sessions the feedback that I received from clients and people I worked on supported this path that I was on. During the many classes that I took I met many people who contribute to my development and it was a very healing experience. So ending up in Thailand when I did was perfect! This fed my passion and reminded me of the quality in my touch. I am reinspired to do more bodywork. Intuitivly I am reminded not to hold back and share this gift with the world.
My extreme thanks to all the teachers, students, and people that I have crossed paths with on this journey. Your lives have touched mine and contribute to me being who I am in the world!
The school is in the Northwest of the City and surrounded by many wonderful healthy restaurants with delicious food at great prices. SMH offers a variety of interesting courses and they really do work with you. I met many wonderful people from all over the world here. When I return at the end of the year I will at least come by to say hello to my SMH family and probably take a class or two.
As I've mentioned previously I took 60 hours of Thai Massage as well as 30 hours in Reflexology, a day course in Herbal Thai Compress, and a special course in Tok-Sen which is my favorite. Next time I go to Thailand I would like to find a teacher who specialized in it so I can take more intense training in this area. I've really enjoyed practicing Tok-Sen and Herbal Compress, since I've been back and get great feedback.
Thai work is very different from what I've been practicing for a number of years. Although you can do Thai massage and similar modalities on a massage table it is traditional done on a mat on the floor. In the few months that I was there and the multiple massages that I received I did not have one on the table. Doing the work on the floor I feel I serve the people that I touch more fully. Because the Thai work (at this level) is new for me I do feel I need to work at it more and that I am more in my head. The flow is just not quite there yet like in Tuina or other modalities that I practiced in the 17 years of study/practice.
My thanks again to the beautiful people at SMH I am appreciative for the love, support, and kindness that made my learning experience exceptional!!!
As I've mentioned previously I took 60 hours of Thai Massage as well as 30 hours in Reflexology, a day course in Herbal Thai Compress, and a special course in Tok-Sen which is my favorite. Next time I go to Thailand I would like to find a teacher who specialized in it so I can take more intense training in this area. I've really enjoyed practicing Tok-Sen and Herbal Compress, since I've been back and get great feedback.
Thai work is very different from what I've been practicing for a number of years. Although you can do Thai massage and similar modalities on a massage table it is traditional done on a mat on the floor. In the few months that I was there and the multiple massages that I received I did not have one on the table. Doing the work on the floor I feel I serve the people that I touch more fully. Because the Thai work (at this level) is new for me I do feel I need to work at it more and that I am more in my head. The flow is just not quite there yet like in Tuina or other modalities that I practiced in the 17 years of study/practice.
My thanks again to the beautiful people at SMH I am appreciative for the love, support, and kindness that made my learning experience exceptional!!!
As you enter the courtyard off the street you walk into another world. A feeling of comfort and warmth. Before classes or during the breaks you can enjoy a cup of tea with classmates and teachers. Before entering the classroom we wash our feet at this staging area.
THAI MASSAGE COURSE:
THAI HERBAL COMPRESS COURSE:
FOOT REFLEXOLOGY:
TRADITIONAL THAI/TOK-SEN:
Many years before I took my first massage class it spoke to me and I did not understand until I finally took that first course at IPSB it felt natural. I definitely connected to the gift of touch that I possess. Even in earlier massage sessions the feedback that I received from clients and people I worked on supported this path that I was on. During the many classes that I took I met many people who contribute to my development and it was a very healing experience. So ending up in Thailand when I did was perfect! This fed my passion and reminded me of the quality in my touch. I am reinspired to do more bodywork. Intuitivly I am reminded not to hold back and share this gift with the world.My extreme thanks to all the teachers, students, and people that I have crossed paths with on this journey. Your lives have touched mine and contribute to me being who I am in the world!
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