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Words on Wellness
Archived Entries
Table Thai Yoga Massage Stretches for Lower Back, Hips & Back of Legs
3 sweet stretches for the lower back, hips, quads and back of legs that you can do on a massage table, bed, carpet or even a couch!
The legs are the unsung heroes of the body, the work horses that rarely complain, but when you do a few great things to relieve tension and relax that area of the body, boy are they are ever happy!
And they’ll tell you thank you by relieving tension in your lower back, your hips, even your shoulders, neck and arms. That’s because everything is connected… you get a real sense of that by practicing these three moves.
Try them out and please leave your questions and comments below!
This is part six of a series that will share techniques for Table Thai Massage for the whole body!
Click here to watch on YouTube!
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
If you are a studio, spa, or association and would like to offer these courses please contact us here: info@stillightcentre.com
To purchase Thai sticks from Amazon.com, here are some options:
3 pack: https://amzn.to/2x8hf8Z
10 pack: https://amzn.to/2NAsgu5
6 piece variety pack: https://amzn.to/2x9gM6j
Click here for part one, Table Thai Massage for Neck, Shoulders, Arms & Legs:
https://youtu.be/_OMLNQKHYKg
Click here for part two, Table Thai Yoga Massage for the Back, Hips, Legs:
https://youtu.be/HZaB0DRjFuo
Click here for part three, Table Thai Yoga Massage for Hips, Legs Lower Back- Fun & Effective!!:
https://youtu.be/U18zGFCXW_0
Click here for part four, Table Thai Foot Massage with Stick:
https://youtu.be/9pVXTIeFv4w
Click here for part five, Table Thai Foot Massage with Forearms and Elbow:
https://youtu.be/U3UXrskXKKA
Click here to watch the secrets to giving a great massage:
https://youtu.be/3uFIxKU5hIU
Watch more Thai massage techniques explained in either of these two playlists!
Thai Massage Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwz3i8g54Cob6izPvIxCwoWCIqx7ZMWkC
Thai Foot & Table Thai Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL486B129C4AF57E05
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: http://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Dr Blake Martin PhD: Science, Sen Lines & Thai Yoga Massage
Dr Blake Martin was a Thai Massage teacher first and then went on to complete a PhD in a Kinesiology. In this video he shares some of the conclusions of his current research of how the mind and body work and some of those essential components to giving an incredible Thai Yoga Massage.
That includes exploring the texture, the tone, tenderness and temperature of the area you are massaging. The four T’s
Dr. Blake originally decided to pursue a Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience after witnessing some of the incredible results his Parkinson’s patients were having with Thai Yoga Massage. He not only saw improvements in their body, but also in how they were able to think.
That thirst for understanding how mind and body work together and the hands on experience of body centered practices that Blake has been engaged in for over 30 years as a dancer, massage therapist and massage teacher help to formulate his unique gifts. But it’s his love of life and all things that move that really bring him to another level as a teacher of anatomy, science and massage.
He’s is incredibly talented at bringing science to life and helping students apply this knowledge into their practice. When Dr. Blake talks people listen 🙂 🙂
This is the first part in a series of applied teachings with Blake. Check back for future episodes!
Click here to watch on YouTube!
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
To learn more about Dr. Blake’s teachings please visit http://doctorblake.ca/
Blake teaches regularly for Still Light Centre including A Pain in the Butt: How to Treat Hip, Thigh & Lower Back Pain’ at our Still Light Centre in Hamilton Ontario Nov. 17-18, 2018.
Click here to register and to see when Blake teaches: http://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
This interview is part of a series of getting to know Thai Yoga Massage students and teachers to dive deeper into the heart of the practice and see how it’s helping people all around the world.
Click here for the full playlist:
https://goo.gl/QqHPDK
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: http://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Table Thai Foot Massage with Forearms and Elbow
LEARN TO GIVE A TABLE THAI FOOT MASSAGE WITH YOUR FOREARM & ELBOW & SAVE YOUR THUMBS!!
It’s the follow up to our wildly popular Table Thai Massage with a stick. Combine the two videos and give your partner or client a thoroughly wonderful Table Thai Massage that massages and stretches every part of the foot.
What’s more, it is so easy on your body and so easy to give.
This massage includes a treatment for foot and the ankle
Happy, relaxed, massaged feet are also such an effective way to help the back, the legs, the shoulders, and the neck. Essentially your whole body feels better with well massaged feet!
This is also easy to practice on a bed, massage table, lawn chair or on the ground.
This is part five of a series that will share techniques for Table Thai Massage for the whole body!
Click here to watch on YouTube
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
If you are a studio, spa, or association and would like to offer these courses please contact us here: info@stillightcentre.com
To purchase Thai sticks from Amazon.com, here are some options:
3 pack: https://amzn.to/2x8hf8Z
10 pack: https://amzn.to/2NAsgu5
6 piece variety pack: https://amzn.to/2x9gM6j
Click here for part one, Table Thai Massage for Neck, Shoulders, Arms & Legs:
https://youtu.be/_OMLNQKHYKg
Click here for part two, Table Thai Yoga Massage for the Back, Hips, Legs:
https://youtu.be/HZaB0DRjFuo
Click here for part three, Table Thai Yoga Massage for Hips, Legs Lower Back- Fun & Effective!!:
https://youtu.be/U18zGFCXW_0
Click here for part four, Table Thai Foot Massage with Stick:
https://youtu.be/9pVXTIeFv4w
Click here to watch the secrets to giving a great massage:
https://youtu.be/3uFIxKU5hIU
Watch more Thai massage techniques explained in either of these two playlists!
Thai Massage Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwz3i8g54Cob6izPvIxCwoWCIqx7ZMWkC
Thai Foot & Table Thai Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL486B129C4AF57E05
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: http://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Energy Healing with Thai Massage Teacher Robert Henderson (Part 2)
Thai Yoga Massage teacher Robert Henderson is ‘the energy guy’. In part two of our interview he gives a clear demonstration of how to work energy blockages out of the body. He shows the difference between Thai Massage as energy work and Thai Massage as bodywork.
Robert shares in crystal clear ways how ones connection to a client energetically is so different from the techniques one would associate with Thai Massage when the focus is on the physical body.
As such if helping someone deal with fear, pain, insecurity, anger, stubbornness or any other number of energy blockages in the body, the methods are all about following and releasing the energy. One need to do very few physical movements in order to help your clients release that energy.
This is the second part in a series of applied teachings with Robert. Check back for future episodes!
Click here to watch on YouTube
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
To learn more about Robert’s teachings please visit http://www.roberthenderson.info/
This interview is part of a series of getting to know Thai Yoga Massage students and teachers to dive deeper into the heart of the practice and see how it’s helping people all around the world.
Click here for part one of my interview with Robert Henderson:
Click here for the full playlist:
https://goo.gl/QqHPDK
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: http://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Table Thai Foot Massage with Stick
LEARN TO GIVE A TABLE THAI FOOT MASSAGE WITH A REFLEXOLOGY STICK & SAVE YOUR THUMBS!!
One thing I’ve come to discover in 16 years of teaching is that almost everyone loves a foot massage! At the same time when you’re using your thumbs all the time, they are not much fun for the giver!
Here is a perfect alternative as you learn how to give a great massage for the feet using a Thai reflexology stick!
It includes a massage for the heel, the toes, the middle of the foot and the outer edge. Essentially all part of the sole of the foot are massaged with this great tool!
Happy, relaxed, massaged feet are also such an effective way to help the back, the legs, the shoulders, and the neck. Essentially your whole body feels better with well massaged feet!
This is also easy to practice on a bed, massage table, lawn chair or on the ground.
This is part four of a series that will share techniques for Table Thai Massage for the whole body!
Click here to watch on YouTube
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
If you are a studio, spa, or association and would like to offer these courses please contact us here: info@stillightcentre.com
To purchase Thai sticks from Amazon.com, here are some options:
3 pack: https://amzn.to/2x8hf8Z
10 pack: https://amzn.to/2NAsgu5
6 piece variety pack: https://amzn.to/2x9gM6j
Click here for part one, Table Thai Massage for Neck, Shoulders, Arms & Legs:
https://youtu.be/_OMLNQKHYKg
Click here for part two, Table Thai Yoga Massage for the Back, Hips, Legs:
https://youtu.be/HZaB0DRjFuo
Click here for part three, Table Thai Yoga Massage for Hips, Legs Lower Back- Fun & Effective!!:
https://youtu.be/U18zGFCXW_0
Click here to watch the secrets to giving a great massage:
https://youtu.be/3uFIxKU5hIU
Watch more Thai massage techniques explained in either of these two playlists!
Thai Massage Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwz3i8g54Cob6izPvIxCwoWCIqx7ZMWkC
Thai Foot & Table Thai Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL486B129C4AF57E05
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Thai Yoga Massage Teacher Robert Henderson: How to Treat Emotional Conditions
Thai Yoga Massage teacher Robert Henderson is ‘the energy guy’. He is on the leading edge for showing students how to treat emotional conditions with Thai Massage.
Combining knowledge of the chakras, Chinese medicine and Thai Yoga Massage he shares hands on ways for us to get to know energy and how to treat someone dealing with grief, sadness and loneliness.
This is just the first part in a series of applied teachings with Robert. Check back for future episodes!
Click here to watch on YouTube
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
To learn more about Robert’s teachings please visit http://www.roberthenderson.info/
This interview is part of a series of getting to know Thai Yoga Massage students and teachers to dive deeper into the heart of the practice and see how it’s helping people all around the world.
Click here for the full playlist:
https://goo.gl/QqHPDK
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: http://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Table Thai Yoga Massage for Hips, Legs Lower Back- Fun & Effective!!
IT’S TIME TO GET FUNKY AS WE CONTINUE OUR TABLE THAI YOGA MASSAGE SERIES FOR THE HIPS, LOWER BACK & LEGS!!
These four moves are some of my massage therapists and yoga teacher’s favorites to give because of how effectively they target areas of great need with little effort.
The fact that you get to use your feet for part of it also makes it playful and easier on your body. This sequence also includes sitting on the table, so it is very multi-dimensional!
This is a great video for anyone curious to learn what it’s like to give Thai Yoga Massage on a massage table.
This is also one of my most popular classes and for good reason! If you’re a Thai massage practitioner it is a pleasure to give this way since it’s so much easier on your knees, ankles and body.
If you’re a bodyworker or massage therapist already used to table work, it opens you up to entirely new techniques for massaging your clients on a table.
This is part three of a series that will share techniques for Table Thai Massage for the whole body!
Click here to watch on YouTube!
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
If you are a studio, spa, or association and would like to offer these courses please contact us here: info@stillightcentre.com
Click here for part one, Table Thai Massage for Neck, Shoulders, Arms & Legs:
https://youtu.be/_OMLNQKHYKg
Click here for part two, Table Thai Yoga Massage for the Back, Hips, Legs:
https://youtu.be/HZaB0DRjFuo
Click here to watch the secrets to giving a great massage:
https://youtu.be/3uFIxKU5hIU
Watch more Thai massage techniques explained in either of these two playlists!
Thai Massage Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwz3i8g54Cob6izPvIxCwoWCIqx7ZMWkC
Thai Foot & Table Thai Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL486B129C4AF57E05
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Thai Massage Teacher Rick Gold Part 2
It’s part two of my interview with one of the founding North American teachers of Thai Yoga Massage, Rick Gold.
This week he shares some of his research into what makes Thai Massage therapeutic medicine. He also shares the story behind the music he co-produces that is an incredible accompaniment to Thai Massage and all forms of Asian bodywork.
He’s helped to make four different projects, each with multiple albums that explore the doshas, the chakras, and various aspects of healing Chinese medicine.
All in all, Rick Gold plays a valuable part in the history of Thai Massage and helping to establish its credibility in the West. This interview and part one help to tell that story and fill on with gratitude that a teacher such as Rick was there to help pave the way for future generations.
To hear Rick talk about how his research led to the conclusion that Thai Massage is medicine then skip ahead to the 3:25 mark
If you’re only interested in the music that Rick co-produces Thai please skip ahead to the 14:38 mark
Click here to watch on YouTube!
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
For part one of our interview, please click here:
https://youtu.be/JGXCRsgKdBQ
To learn more about Rick’s teachings please visit http://www.traditionalthaimassage.com
To learn about the massage and meditation music Rick produces, to listen for FREE and to purchase please visit:
http://www.mettamindfulnessmusic.com/
This interview is part of a series of getting to know Thai Yoga Massage students and teachers to dive deeper into the heart of the practice and see how it’s helping people all around the world.
Click here for the full playlist:
https://goo.gl/QqHPDK
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Table Thai Yoga Massage for the Back, Hips, Legs
IT’S A TABLE THAI MASSAGE FOR THE LOWER BACK, HIPS AND LEGS IN THREE SWEET MOVES!
This sequence targets some of the highest tension areas of the body and can help to bring deep feelings of relaxation and relief in just a few minutes.
This is a great video for anyone curious to learn what it’s like to give Thai Yoga Massage on a massage table.
This is also one of my most popular classes and for good reason! If you’re a Thai massage practitioner it is a pleasure to give this way since it’s so much easier on your knees, ankles and body.
If you’re a bodyworker or massage therapist already used to table work, it opens you up to entirely new techniques for massaging your clients on a table.
This is part two of a series that will share techniques for Table Thai Massage for the whole body!
Click here to watch on YouTube
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
If you are a studio, spa, or association and would like to offer these courses please contact us here: info@stillightcentre.com
Click here for part one, Table Thai Massage for Neck, Shoulders, Arms & Legs:
https://youtu.be/_OMLNQKHYKg
Watch more Thai massage techniques explained in either of these two playlists!
Thai Massage Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwz3i8g54Cob6izPvIxCwoWCIqx7ZMWkC
Thai Foot & Table Thai Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL486B129C4AF57E05
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
North American Pioneer Thai Massage Teacher Rick Gold (Part 1)
Hold on to your hats! This week I am interviewing one of the founding North American teachers of Thai Yoga Massage, Rick Gold.
In incredibly eloquent terms in this first part of the interview, Rick shares the essence of what drew him to Thai Massage and why he cherishes it to this day. He shares why it is so essential for yogis, massage therapists and anyone on a spiritual path to understand Thai Massage as a means to deepen ones’ practice.
He is such a gifted story teller among the many talents he has! Rick’s part of the 1980s first wave of learning, school building and giving both acupuncture and Thai Massage and has a PhD in Psychology. He’s dedicated his life to bridging Eastern and Western wisdom and shares a ton of it here.
It is a fantastic journey that starts in college in 1971 which eventually brought him to Thailand in 1988.
If you’re only interested in the Thai Yoga Massage part of the story please skip ahead to the 9:32 mark
To hear Rick talk about the essence of Thai Yoga Massage then skip ahead to the 16:55 mark
And stay tuned for the next chapter as Rick shares the process that led to him writing the very first book published in North America on Thai Yoga Massage and much much more!
Click here to watch on YouTube
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
To learn more about Rick’s teachings please visit http://www.traditionalthaimassage.com
To learn about the massage and meditation music Rick produces, to listen for FREE and to purchase please visit:
http://www.mettamindfulnessmusic.com/
This interview is part of a series of getting to know Thai Yoga Massage students and teachers to dive deeper into the heart of the practice and see how it’s helping people all around the world.
Click here for the full playlist:
https://goo.gl/QqHPDK
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Learn Thai Massage 101 at The Kripalu Centre Sept 2018
Sept. 16-21 2018, I’ll be teaching Thai Massage 101 at the incredible Kripalu Centre in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Mass. Click on the video to find out more about what you learn and what it’s like to study on retreat at Kripalu!! I hope I can meet you there!!!!
To get a taste of what you learn in five days, please click on some of the videos I’ve posted in the last few months!
Click here to watch on YouTube
Those links are below!!
To register for the class, please click here: https://bit.ly/2vhFbqg
For any questions, message me on social media or email me personally shai@stilllightcenter.com
Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial:
Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage
Thai Leg Massage Step By Step Tutorial
Full Thai Back Massage in 4 Moves
Thai Yoga Massage Back Stretches- Double Leg Massage Tutorial
How to Give a Thai Abdominal Massage
How to Thai Massage the Hands & Arms
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Learn Table Thai Massage for Neck, Shoulders, Arms & Legs
STEP INTO THE CLASSROOM TO LEARN SOME AMAZING TABLE THAI MASSAGE TECHNIQUES! THIS VIDEO INCLUDES LIVE CLASS FOOTAGE FOR PRECISE TEACHING ON HOW TO MASSAGE THE NECK, SHOULDERS, ARMS AND EVEN A FEW TABLE THAI TECHNIQUES FOR THE LEGS.
This is a great video for anyone curious to learn what it’s like to give Thai Yoga Massage on a massage table.
This is also one of my most popular classes and for good reason! If you’re a Thai massage practitioner it is a pleasure to give this way since it’s so much easier on your knees, ankles and body.
If you’re a bodyworker or massage therapist already used to table work, it opens you up to entirely new techniques for massaging your clients on a table.
This is part one of a series that will share techniques for Table Thai Massage for the whole body!
Click here to watch on YouTube
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
If you are a studio, spa, or association and would like to offer these courses please contact us here: info@stillightcentre.com
Watch more Thai massage techniques explained in either of these two playlists!
Thai Massage Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwz3i8g54Cob6izPvIxCwoWCIqx7ZMWkC
Thai Foot & Table Thai Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL486B129C4AF57E05
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
What is Thai Yoga Massage? How to Make it Great for Stiffer Newbies or Yogis or For Giving
What makes Thai Massage such an effective and therapeutic treatment? How can it be good for both stiff and flexible people? Who is it good for? What’s it like to give?
These questions and more are covered as Shai Plonski- the founder of the Thai Yoga Massage school, Still Light Centre addresses the fundamental question, ‘What is Thai (Yoga) Massage?’
PLEASE POST YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS BELOW AND TAKE A MOMENT TO LIKE THIS VIDEO!
One aspect to address here is that Thai Massage and Thai Yoga Massage are fundamentally the same thing. Many teachers, schools and practitioners started referring to the practice as ‘Thai Yoga Massage’ in the late 80s and 90s to differentiate their approach from both ‘cookie cutter’ massage parlors and the sex trade which seemed to be synonymous with Thai Massage.
Nowadays, depending on where you live, the term Thai Massage may still have that connotation. But in many places Thai Massage and Thai Yoga Massage are interchangeable as names and for well established high quality education.
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Watch the whole playlist including:
https://bit.ly/2uLmifd
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Vedic Thai Massage Interview Mukti Michael Buck and Serafima Part 2
In the second part of my interview with acclaimed Thai Massage teacher Mukti Michael Buck and Serafima we share insights and stories of the power of love and Thai Yoga Massage to heal and help.
We talk about how to tune into love and why it trumps any other knowledge of your client.
We also talk about what to do when you make ‘mistakes’ in the massage, what it means and how to overcome them -and also how to avoid them.
This talk is a great celebration of Thai Yoga Massage and a wonderful coming together of teachers on the path.
This is part two of two.
Click here to watch on Youtube
Here’s the link to part one:
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
To learn more about Mukti and Serafima and how to study with them please visit http://www.vedicconservatory.com
This interview is part of a series of getting to know Thai Yoga Massage students and teachers to dive deeper into the heart of the practice and see how it’s helping people all around the world.
Click here for the full playlist:
https://goo.gl/QqHPDK
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Thai Massage Interview Mukti Michael Buck & Serafima Part 1
Meet celebrated Thai Massage teacher Mukti Michael Buck the founder of the Vedic Conservatory and senior teacher Serafima Dharmadini!
Mukti and his team of teachers have taught more than 25 000 students all across the world. He has written extensively about Thai Massage with over 100 essays and 7 books. He is undoubtedly one of the most recognized Thai Massage teachers in the world.
Here we learn about his background and the essence of the Vedic Conservatory approach to Thai Massage. We learn about some of the energetic theory of the massage, both sen lines and kosha theory all with an aim towards understanding the heart of the practice. And how this world of heart-filled touch has reached out to professionals in all walks of life.
Mukti and Serafima share just how far Thai Massage has come as an established and effective modality able to help people from all walks of life and how it’s part of a movement of heart-filled modalities taking its place among the most effective treatment approaches for a wide range of illnesses and issues.
This is part one of two. Stay tuned for the part two!
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
To learn more about Mukti and Serafima and how to study with them please visit http://www.vedicconservatory.com
This interview is part of a series of getting to know Thai Yoga Massage students and teachers to dive deeper into the heart of the practice and see how it’s helping people all around the world.
Click here for the full playlist:
https://goo.gl/QqHPDK
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
How to Give a Thai Head, Neck and Shoulder Massage
LEARN HOW TO GIVE A STRESS-BUSTING, NURTURING THAI YOGA MASSAGE FOR THE HEAD, NECK & SHOULDERS. IT JUST TAKES A FEW MINUTES TO LEARN AND YOU HAVE A GIFT YOU CAN GIVE FOR LIFE!!
Did you know there are more nerve endings in your head and face than anywhere on your body? Taking a few minutes to massage the head, the neck and shoulders can have dramatic effects on helping your partner with headaches, to relax, calm the mind, and be present.
What’s more putting yourself head to head with your partner and massaging from a place of stillness and loving kindness has hugely positive results for you too.
Learn this massage with a friend or loved one and exchange regularly and see how much it can help!
Combine it with other videos in this playlist such as
– ‘Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial’
-‘Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage’
-‘Thai Leg Massage Step By Step Tutorial’
-‘Full Thai Back Massage in 4 Moves!’
-‘Thai Yoga Massage Back Stretches- Double Leg Massage Tutorial’
-‘How to Give a Thai Abdominal Massage’
-‘How to Thai Massage the Hands & Arms’
and you already have a professional level 90-minute massage that you can give. The links to those videos is below in the resources
In the video I use a floor chair that we make and sell to support your partner’s lower back. It can be purchased here: https://www.stillightcentre.com/store/ Alternatively you can use pillows or big bolsters!
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Watch the whole Thai Yoga Massage Demonstrated here including:
Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial:
Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage
Thai Leg Massage Step By Step Tutorial
Full Thai Back Massage in 4 Moves
Thai Yoga Massage Back Stretches- Double Leg Massage Tutorial
How to Give a Thai Abdominal Massage
How to Thai Massage the Hands & Arms
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
How to Thai Massage the Hands & Arms- sooooo good to give
LEARN HOW TO GIVE A THAI HAND AND ARM MASSAGE IN JUST A FEW MINUTES! HELP YOUR LOVED ONES AND CLIENTS WITH A MASSAGE THAT PRODUCES OUTSTANDING RESULTS!!!
It’s amazing how much we (over) use our hands in this age of texting and typing. Driving, working, carrying our kids and our goods all are stresses to our hands. That can also translate to pain and issues throughout your body, especially to your neck and shoulders and to headaches too.
Some regular massage of your hands and arms can go a long way towards undoing so many of these everyday aches and pains. It’s all so preventable with some regular great feeling massage!
Learn this massage with a friend or loved one and exchange regularly and see how much it can help!
Combine it with other videos in this playlist such as
– ‘Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial’
-‘Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage’
-‘Thai Leg Massage Step By Step Tutorial’
-‘Full Thai Back Massage in 4 Moves!’
-‘Thai Yoga Massage Back Stretches- Double Leg Massage Tutorial’
-‘How to Give a Thai Abdominal Massage’
and you already have a professional level 85-minute massage that you can give. The links to those videos is below in the resources
In the video I use a floor chair that we make and sell to support your partner’s lower back. It can be purchased here: https://www.stillightcentre.com/store/ Alternatively you can use pillows or big bolsters!
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Watch the whole Thai Yoga Massage Demonstrated here including:
Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial:
Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage
Thai Leg Massage Step By Step Tutorial
Full Thai Back Massage in 4 Moves
Thai Yoga Massage Back Stretches- Double Leg Massage Tutorial
How to Give a Thai Abdominal Massage
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Yoga Teacher Tam MacElwain On Impact of Thai Yoga Massage
YOGA TEACHER Tam MACELWAIN SHARES HOW THAI YOGA MASSAGE HAS IMPACTED HER YOGA TEACHING, HER CLIENTS, HER LIFE AND GIVEN HER A LIFE-LONG SKILL THAT SHE ADORES.
Just one month after training she shares how the massage has helped clients ‘feel longer’, helped with foot issues, with chronic respiratory issues, moving energy and so much more.
This interview is an insightful look at how yoga teachers and yoga students can use Thai Massage to help their students in class and out of class. Tam also talks about how Thai Yoga Massage helps in her personal life, including being able to share it with her 6- year old son.
She shares stories of what it was like to learn Foundations in Thai Massage and her first month giving the massage and incorporating it into her yoga classes.
Tam is the founder of Pure Zen Yoga & Wellness in Woodstock New Brunswick. http://www.purezenyoga.com
Click here to watch on YouTube
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Tam mentions her new mat…It’s called the Metta Massage Mat. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/ILROrYDpyl0
Check out more student and teacher stories here:
https://goo.gl/Cp3JR4
Links to articles and interviews I’ve done on the business of Yoga and Thai Yoga Massage:
Podcasts:
How to Improve Your Business with Thai Massage with Shai Plonski
Articles:
Three Powerful Ways Thai Yoga Massage Can Grow Your Yoga Business
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
-~-~~-~~~-~~-~-
Please watch: “Pricing Strategy For Getting New Thai Massage Clients and Keep Them Coming Back”
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How to Give a Thai Abdominal Massage
LEARN HOW TO GIVE A THAI ABDOMINAL MASSAGE IN JUST A FEW MINUTES! ANYONE CAN DO THIS AND THE RESULTS ARE OUTSTANDING!!!
The abdomen is known as our second (or maybe our first brain) and is directly connected to how we process stress, anxiety and emotions.
The five minute massage shown here can go a long way towards providing much needed well-being.
Combine it with other videos in this playlist such as
– ‘Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial’
-‘Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage’
-‘Thai Leg Massage Step By Step Tutorial’
-‘Full Thai Back Massage in 4 Moves!’
-‘Thai Yoga Massage Back Stretches- Double Leg Massage Tutorial’
and you already have a professional level 80-minute massage that you can give. The links to those videos is below in the resources
In the video I use a floor chair that we make and sell to support your partner’s lower back. It can be purchased here: https://www.stillightcentre.com/store/ Alternatively you can use pillows or big bolsters!
Click here to watch on YouTube
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Watch the whole Thai Yoga Massage Demonstrated here including:
Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial:
Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage
Thai Leg Massage Step By Step Tutorial
Full Thai Back Massage in 4 Moves
Thai Yoga Massage Back Stretches- Double Leg Massage Tutorial
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Amazing Thai Massage Teacher Felicity Joy Interview
Meet Felicity Joy: a gifted Thai Yoga Massage healer and teacher for almost 30 years!
Felicity has given more than 10 000 Thai massages and taught all around the world in a career that started in 1989 and here she shares some of her wisdom and terrific stories.
We learn what this massage is all about and who benefits. We learn about some of the history and changes over the past 30 years and about how its impacted Thai society and helped to create a more tolerant, open, loving community. And so much more!
In fact there are so many great stories here that this interview is divided into three parts.
In part one learn about some of the recent history of Thai Massage, Felicity’s journey and how she learned from some great masters. Learn as well some of who benefits from Thai Yoga Massage and why it is so effective for so many people.
In part two learn about Thai Massage in Thailand and how it helps to foster tightly knit community and quality relationships. Learn about how it is a medical massage and of some of the ways masters use Thai Massage to help their patients.
In part three learn about what Felicity teaches and her current specialty in offering abdominal Thai Massage courses.
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
To learn more about Felicity Joy, her work and how to study with her please visit http://www.thaitraditionalyogamassage.com/
This interview is part of a series of getting to know Thai Yoga Massage students and teachers to dive deeper into the heart of the practice and see how it’s helping people all around the world.
Click here for the full playlist:
https://goo.gl/QqHPDK
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Thai Yoga Massage Back Stretches- Double Leg Massage Tutorial
LEARN A POWERFUL WAY TO MASSAGE AND EASE TENSION IN THE BACK, HIPS, SACRUM AND LEGS WITH A THAI YOGA DOUBLE LEG MASSAGE
Double leg massage as the name implies means you will be stretching both legs at the same time. It is one of the unique aspects of Thai Yoga Massage and is a fun and dynamic way to stretch the back, open up tight hips, help with circulation and lethargy. At the end of this sequence clients so often report feeling revitalized, and how good their lower backs feel.
Since you are moving both legs into massage positions, it’s really important to take great care of your body so that’s why I suggest watching this video at least twice before attempting the sequence. It’s also a great idea to re-watch the Four Pillars and especially the stances video.
Combine it with other videos in this playlist such as
– ‘Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial’
-‘Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage’
-‘Thai Leg Massage Step By Step Tutorial’
-‘Full Thai Back Massage in 4 Moves!’
and you already have a professional level 75-minute massage that you can give. The links to those videos is below in the resources
In the video I use bolsters that we make and sell to support your partner’s head, neck and shoulders. They can be purchased here: https://www.stillightcentre.com/store/ Alternatively you can roll up blankets or towels!
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Review the Four Pillars of Thai Yoga Massage:
Watch the whole Thai Yoga Massage Demonstrated here including:
Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial:
Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage
Thai Leg Massage Step By Step Tutorial
Full Thai Back Massage in 4 Moves
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
How Thai Massage Helps You Be Your Highest Self, Master Teacher Ariela Grodner
MASTER TEACHER ARIELA GRODNER SHARES WORDS OF WISDOM ON THAI YOGA MASSAGE. SHE SAYS, ‘WHEN WE PRACTICE THAI MASSAGE WE ARE SURRENDERING TO OUR HIGHEST POTENTIAL.’
We want to be with our client or partner in our most present loving manner to observe truth and support another person. And when you do that, there’s all these qualities that manifest in practice such as compassion, love, peace and endurance. And as a result there is all of the potentiality of self-love that we get as we take care of another person.
Ariela shares how Thai Massage has helped her to build her dream life, with the aid of angels, students and friends who have come into her life when she’s needed it to help build the Bodhi Sangha School of Thai Massage in Gainesville Florida.
As such, Ariela, her apprentices and students have collectively built a haven to study Thai Yoga Massage in a way that brings out the best in one another and the human spirit.
They showcase a marvelous example of how Thai Yoga Massage can help you to build a dream life on a foundation of peace, well-being and helping the planet.
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
To learn more about Ariela, her books and courses please visit www.bodhisangha.com
This interview is part of a series of getting to know students and masters to dive deeper into the heart of the practice and see how it’s helping people from multiple experiences. Click here for the full playlist:
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here: https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/catego…
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Full Thai Back Massage in 4 Moves
LEARN A FULL THAI BACK MASSAGE IN 4 MOVES THAT HAS HELPED THOUSANDS OF CLIENTS REDUCE OR ELIMINATE BACK PAIN, TENSION & STRESS FROM HEAD TO TOE
Walk on the feet, target great spots on the leg and bum and of course give an amazing massage for every square inch of the back- all in 4 moves!!
So good for helping to alleviate aches and pain, stress and tension and simply leaving both giver and receiver in bliss!!
This video outlines the four moves you’ll be learning, including guidance on safe practices and then takes you step-by-step through a guided Thai Yoga Massage for the back, bum, legs and feet.
This is such a perfect treat to share with loved ones, and anyone you think needs a great back massage.
Combine it with other videos in this playlist such as ‘Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial’, ‘Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage’, along with ‘Thai Leg Massage Step By Step Tutorial’ and you already have a professional level 65-minute massage that you can give. The links to those videos is below in the resources
In the video I use bolsters that we make and sell to support your partner’s head, neck and shoulders. They can be purchased here: https://www.stillightcentre.com/store/ Alternatively you can roll up blankets or towels!
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Review the Four Pillars of Thai Yoga Massage:
Watch the whole Thai Yoga Massage Demonstrated here including:
Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial:
Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage
Thai Leg Massage Step By Step Tutorial
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Pricing Strategy For Getting New Thai Massage Clients & Keep Them Coming Back
LEARN A PROVEN PRICING STRATEGY TO ATTRACT TONS OF NEW THAI MASSAGE CLIENTS AND TURN THEM INTO LONG-TERM HIGH PAYING CLIENTS AS WELL!
We’ve had students using this method for years with hugely positive results!
For many it has cracked the code on how to charge clients in order to build a thriving practice from the ground up.
Keep in mind that this approach can be easily customized to a formula that best works for you.
Please share any tweaks and ideas that you’ve experimented with and which work for you so that the whole community can benefit!
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Watch the whole playlist including:
The business of Thai Massage starts with a healthy mindset: https://youtu.be/zuetT9J34yc
Finding your ideal Thai Massage clients: https://youtu.be/lcgERfyrbV0
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here: https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/catego…
SAY HI ON SOCIAL: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Thai Leg Massage Step By Step Tutorial
LEGS ARE THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THE BODY. A GREAT THAI LEG MASSAGE CAN ALSO HAVE HUGE BENEFITS FOR THE BACK, THE HIPS, THE SHOULDERS, THE FEET AND RELIEVING OVERALL PAIN AND TENSION IN THE BODY!
In this step by step tutorial I teach you nine techniques on how to give a complete leg massage.
I talk about some of the secrets to making sure giving feels at least as good as receiving. One of those keys is to have a healthy distance between you and your partner so you can engage in full-body rocking. It ends up being a great stretch for you and helps to ensure you are using your whole body to help give the massage.
This video then takes you on a step-by-step tutorial for giving the massage.
Combine it other videos in this playlist such as ‘Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial’ and ‘Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage’ and you already have a professional level 45-minute massage that you can give. The link to those videos is below in the resources
Click here to watch on Youtube
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Watch the 4 Pillars of Thai Yoga Massage here:
Watch How to Give a Shoulder, Neck, Back Massage here:
https://goo.gl/Hv6XjV
Watch Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage here:
Watch How to Massage at Home here:
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here:
https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai and his team of teachers in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Yoga Teachers Yoga and Thai Massage [Amazing Interview!!]
GET TO KNOW LISA GARSIDE AS SHE SHARES HER STORY AS A YOGA TEACHER AND DOULA IN TRAINING WHO IS JUST STARTING OUT LEARNING, PRACTICING AND FALLING IN LOVE WITH THAI YOGA MASSAGE.
This interview is an insightful look at how yoga teachers and yoga students can use Thai Massage to expand their love of yoga, build their clientele and share its benefits in all kinds of beneficial ways.
Lisa shares stories of what it was like to learn Foundations in Thai Massage and her first month giving the massage on clients at her yoga studio.
She shares how she’s already using Thai Yoga Massage in her classes, how she started practicing right away and the impact the massage is having on her and some of her first clients.
The interview includes stories of giving a massage to someone who has initially very scared to receive it, as well as someone else who has cancer. Lisa is also training to be a doula and shares a few thoughts of how she plans to use it with her clients as they get ready to give birth.
As Lisa says:
“You can’t find the compassion and empathy that you give during your training. It didn’t even feel like a training. It felt like we are all just being cared for in a weekend… Yet you gave us material that we can use right away and that for me is the sign of a good training. And I can use what you taught in a yoga class, in a private lesson, with my children, while I doula. I can use any of this immediately and I really really resonated with the metta and meditation aspects that you teach.”
Lisa is the owner of Ohana Yoga Studio in Contoocook, New Hampshire
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Lisa mentions her new mat…It’s called the Metta Massage Mat.
Check it out here: https://youtu.be/ILROrYDpyl0
Links to articles and interviews I’ve done on the business of Yoga and Thai Yoga Massage:
Podcasts:
http://www.mbomyoga.com/improve-busin…
http://www.theconnectedyogateacher.co…
Articles:
http://www.loveteachingyoga.com/grow-…
http://www.mbomyoga.com/three-powerfu…
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here: https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/catego…
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Life & Thai Yoga Massage Lessons Learned From Kam Thye Chow
THERE WERE MANY LIFE & THAI YOGA MASSAGE LESSONS LEARNED FROM KAM THYE CHOW OVER THE PAST 16 PLUS YEARS THAT I HOPE CAN BE OF VALUE TO YOU IN STRENGTHENING YOUR PRACTICE AND BRINGING THE LESSONS OF THE MAT INTO EVERYDAY LIFE.
Kam Thye was a pioneer of Thai Yoga Massage in the Western World, one of if not the first to teach that everything in the massage is an extension of 4 Basics: Meditation (& Metta or loving kindness), Stances, Rhythmic Rocking and Touch. And by first learning those four basics you become your own teacher and can turn this massage into an art form that’s as good to give as it is to receive.
And those four basics have great application into everyday life to live from a healthier, more mindful place.
He infused this massage with metta and taught that it was the true heart of the practice. He taught that Thai Yoga Massage is the physical application of loving kindness- come to know that within you and that’s how you become an expert in giving the massage. That’s also the key to living life to its fullest. Everything starts from the heart and it’s the only thing you need to find your way through.
Kam Thye also built the Lotus Palm School from nothing, coming to Canada with a backpack and the skill of teaching and giving Thai Yoga Massage. As such he taught the value of hard work, believing in yourself, following through on projects -big and small- to the very end. He also taught not to do things from a place of ‘what’s in it for me’ and rather to work from the heart and do things because they are the right thing to do. The rest will take care of itself.
We were separated for the last seven years of his life and I may have learned even more from him and the values of Thai Yoga Massage in that time than the time we spent side by side. It was essentially applied metta lessons from the mat put into life as I learned to let go, to forgive and to love even after a painful separation. This path showed how it was possible to forgive and hold space and love even without the other person there to help resolve those feelings. How it comes from the inside out and eventually softening happens. Ego, anger, fear can be replaced with love and truly wanting the best for another person and I have Kam Thye and the lessons of Thai Yoga Massage and metta to thank for helping lead the way.
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Watch the 4 Pillars of Thai Yoga Massage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmoUc…
Watch The Art of Traditional Thai Massage here: https://youtu.be/uw27qDIjvKs
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here: https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Still Light Centre in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/catego…
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Thai Massage Foot Techniques How to Give a Great Foot Massage
LEARN AMAZING THAI MASSAGE FOOT TECHNIQUES THAT YOUR CLIENTS AND LOVED ONES WILL ADORE- THAT ALSO ARE AMAZING TO GIVE!!
In this video I teach you six techniques on how to give a great foot massage. The video starts with some background on the ABCD’s of the massage for your comfort and well being. One of the secrets to feeling good while you give an amazing foot massage is to make sure everything comes from your core. The more your lower back is involved, the less reliance on your hands. This video then takes you step-by-step on the techniques for giving the massage.
Combine it Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial and you already have a professional level 30 minute massage that you can give.
The link to that video is below in the RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Watch the 4 Pillars of Thai Yoga Massage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmoUc…
Watch How to Give a Shoulder, Neck, Back Massage here: https://goo.gl/Hv6XjV Watch How to Massage at Home here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmoUc…
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here: https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Study with Shai or another amazing Still Light teacher in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/catego…
Wayne Dyer Wishes Fulfilled and Thai Yoga Massage
I have been learning from Wayne Dyer for several years and this week felt inspired to make a video that shares an ‘aha’ moment that came while reading and applying the wisdom of Wayne Dyer’s book ‘Wishes Fulfilled’ into my life.
It’s about how Thai Yoga Massage can help you to manifest your dream life that is in line with Spirit. It all has to do with the role that feeling your wish fulfilled in your body and holding it in your imagination has to do with bringing that wish into the world.
This video explains how the feelings you get to live and experience in giving a massage built on compassion, kindness, love and mindfulness can drastically impact every part of your life in all kinds of great and unexpected ways.
Check it out!!
Gratitude & Big love
~Shai
Click here to subscribe to my channel and watch this video directly on YouTube!
RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Wayne Dyer’s book Wishes Fulfilled can be purchased here: https://goo.gl/QX4agX
Shai’s book Compassionate Touch which dives deep into the benefits of giving massage can be purchased here: https://goo.gl/FH9jvT
Watch the 4 Pillars of Thai Yoga Massage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmoUc…
Watch How to Massage at Home here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmoUc…
Study with Shai in person: https://www.stillightcentre.com/catego…
SAY HI ON SOCIAL:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaiplonski/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaiplonski/
Thai Yoga Massage Techniques Shoulder, Neck, Back- Seated Massage Tutorial
In this Thai Yoga Massage tutorial video you can learn a step-by-step massage for the shoulders, neck and back in seated position.
This is a 15-minute massage that reveals a professional quality Thai yoga massage, the very same flow that I teach in my Thai Massage 101 training.
In the video I demonstrate and narrate every step of the way.
Please note the liberal use of props such as pillows, bolsters, blankets that are all essential -in my eyes- for optimal support for you and your partner. They are also great for creating professional boundaries when you massage.
To study with Shai and our teachers, click here for the calendar
Click here to watch this video on YouTube!
Please like this video, subscribe to our channel and let us know if you have any questions and how we can help you in the comments box below!
This video is part of an ongoing series on how to give Thai Massage Techniques for the full body.
Click here for the full playlist
Finding Your Ideal Thai Yoga Massage Clients- Massage Marketing Ideas
In this video I share how to attract and find your ideal clients.
Business and marketing do not have to be dirty words if you can embrace your role to share what you love and be authentic doing it. Your role is to educate and be yourself as best as you can be.
At the same time, finding your ideal clients includes becoming very clear about who your ideal massage client is.
There are three questions I want you to ask:
1) Who is your ideal client?
2) Is there a need?
3) Is there a large enough group of them to have as many massage clients as you want?
Specializing is very important and helps you to attract great clients. Some examples of how to specialize include pregnant women, elderly clients, athletes, dancers, business people, yoga therapy etc.
From here, get even more specific and think of that client as a real person and how you will talk to that person. That includes learning the language, their needs, their wants and how you will help them.
Everything you publish, including your website, posters, social media posts, should then be written as if you are talking to them and they will feel like you are talking directly to them.
Your massage marketing tasks are to :
1- Identify your ideal client. Maybe it’s someone who’s already your client, or friend. On the other hand, maybe it’s someone you need to connect with
2- Interview those clients and take notes. Listen to how they talk and what they are talking about their likes/dislikes/needs/pains and write down what they say. Learn about them as well as you can and then speak those words going forward.
3- Answer the question ‘What is Thai Yoga Massage’ as though you’re talking to your ideal client and start building your communication messages so that you are talking to your ideal client.
4- Reach out to leaders and influential people who are connected to your ideal clients. That could be with a free massage, a meeting etc. so they know you are here to help both yours and their ideal clients.
This video is the second of an ongoing series on how to build a thriving massage business that supports your passions in healthy, vibrant and balanced ways.
To study with Shai and Still Light Centre, check out our calendar:
https://www.stillightcentre.com/category/courses-calendar/
Please like this video, subscribe to our YouTube channel and let us know if you have any questions and how we can help you in the comments box below the video!
The Art of Traditional Thai Massage [Rare 1990s Video) Feat. Asokananda, Chaiyuth, Pichet
The Art of Traditional Thai Massage is a documentary about the roots of Thai Massage. Filmed in Thailand in the early 1990s, it features Thai Massage master teacher Asokananda, the first non-native Thai person to write and spread Thai Yoga Massage around the world.
It also includes interviews with his Thai Massage teachers, namely Chaiyuth Priyasith and Pichet Boonthumme.
For the first time, it is being released in its entirety on the internet for everyone to enjoy!
This video traces the history of the massage to its roots in India, through Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka, Laos and Thailand. It reveals footage of some 17th century scriptures written in palm leaves, some of the oldest remaining texts about Thai Massage.
The video delves into the theory and practice of Thai Yoga Massage. That includes discussion of ayurveda, sen line or energy line theory as well as demonstrations of various Thai Massage techniques.
The last part of the video includes aspects of a whole body Thai Yoga Massage given by Asokananda.
This video provides an intimate look at Thai Massage culture in Thailand in the early 1990s. It also includes footage of some of the pioneers of Thai Massage in the West such as my primary teacher, Kam Thye Chow and Saul David Raye.
Republished here with permission from the director and producer Laurie Patton. It is with great gratitude to her for allowing us to share this video to anyone with a love and appreciation for Thai Yoga Massage.
Please go to You Tube to leave your comments & questions below and like this video!
Check out the blog and subscribe to our Youtube channel for more videos pertaining to the teaching and sharing of Thai Massage
The Business of Thai Massage Starts With a Healthy Mindset
In this video, Shai Plonski the founder of Still Light Centre school of Thai Yoga Massage shares what he considers the building blocks to creating a healthy, nurturing, sustaining, successful business.
One that is done right supports abundance and presence as opposed to feeding stress and anxiety.
When approaching the work of finding clients lets be fueled by our love of the massage and all the benefits there are for you and your clients.
Shai shares some key tips on how to organize your time and how much time to dedicate to the business of Thai Yoga Massage
Couples Share Their Impressions of Loving Touch: Couples Thai Massage
Anna and Michael took a weekend long Loving Touch, Couples Thai Massage class and share how the experience helped rekindle their love for each other after 32 years of marriage They talk about what massaging did for them in the moment and how they believe it’ll help them and their children in the future.
Jaki and Henry share how the experience deepened their relationship & how it will help love and loving kindness expand into the world
Karen describes the impact that Couples Thai Massage has on couples… how she witnessed couples who started out with baggage, let it go and find new and better ways to communicate with each other and fall in love again. She shares how loving massage helps you extend the heart of this massage it to your everyday living to all that you do and those you meet everyday.
In 2018 I am teaching Loving Touch Couples Thai Massage at the Kripalu Center in Lenox Mass. Jan. 19-21 & 1440 Multiversity in Santa Cruz CA. Feb. 9-11.
Click here to register for Kripalu
Click here to register for 1440
Click here to find out about more dates
What Does It Mean to be On a Spiritual Path
My new book, Compassionate Touch: Giving Massage for Optimal Health, Thriving Relationships & Spiritual Awakening is now available on Amazon.
This post is dedicated to readers who want to share what it means to you to be on a spiritual path. I think this is a great way to learn from and be inspired by all the amazing ways we are called to share our love and from the heart.
Please post below and get the conversation going!
Here’s how I summed up what it means to me at this particular point in time to be on a spiritual path.
It includes being dedicated to:
- Living a better life
- Surrendering to Spirit or God
- Living a life of service
- Letting go of ego’s grip
- Wanting to be happy and feeling happiness in every fiber of my being
- Pursuing my deepest dreams for a fulfilling life
- Doing a regular practice, which to me these days includes a mix of self-massage, yoga, meditation, hiking and rollerblading (yes, there’s still at least one of us left!)
- Having more meaningful connections with everyone in my life, especially the people I love and care about most
- Exploring and embracing what it means to be empathetic and supportive
- Asking for forgiveness
- Embracing the role of vulnerability and leaning into it as a way to accomplish all of the above
Much love!
Shai
Why Thai Massage Rocks!
Here is an excerpt from my upcoming book: ‘The Missing Link: How to Give Massage for Personal Health, Deeper Relationships & Spiritual Growth
Giving Thai massage as compassionate touch is about as great a way as any to fine tune your awareness. It’s a wonderful way to help shift from the head to the heart. It helps bring to life all of the benefits of your personal practice. Compassionate touch helps you to share the best of yourself with another person. It aids in transcending ‘otherness’ and that vail that says there’s a separation between you and I. Instead it shows you what life is like to merge, to become larger than the sum of our parts. To be moved by giving, by Spirit, by another person and the wonder of it all.
Giving massage from a place of comfort and caring is the antithesis of stress and the patterns that might have caused so many of those issues to begin with.
Compassionate touch has also been a way to show I care when I cannot find the words. That can be especially true when massaging family members. Sometimes it might be massaging someone I’m angry with or who are frustrated with me, or with whom I feel blocked in knowing what to say in difficult or tender moments. This kind of touch gives me a whole other way to relate and very often that can spark the creativity and the words needed to mend fences, and get closer and become more appreciative of one another.
Giving compassionate touch is a way to help someone you care about while also helping yourself. And that helping yourself is not just lip service, massage helps you on just about every level. You get physically stronger from giving, you get more confident in your abilities from helping another, you improve your ability to communicate, you explore non-sexual intimacy and break down barriers of fear and get more comfortable in your body, with your body, and with another person’s body. You share spaces of reverence with your partner, with yourself and with Spirit. Those moments of stillness and touch will be alive with life and the knowledge that you are part of something more.
When you give compassionate touch in this way, you get to experience the right brain so bright and so clear. You become aware of what it means to be connected and how meaningful it is.
And as you continue to give massage regularly, especially with the same person over an extended period of time all of these benefits increase exponentially. You are not the same person as when you started, you blossom.
I am just putting the finishing touches on my latest book and aim to release it on Amazon in July 2017. This is a personal book that shares why giving massage is such a radically powerful way to transform your health, help your relationships with loved ones and deepen your connection to Spirit. It also teaches a sweet flow that includes the secrets to giving an incredible massage. And it’s something you can learn in one afternoon at home.
If you want to be among the first to know when the book is available please click here!
Alleviate Back Pain With One Great Thai Massage Move (Learn Thai Massage)
Prayer Pose -or forward bend- is the answer to the trivia question (99.7% of the time), ‘Shai if you could receive just one move what would it be’?
When you put someone in a forward bend with a customized massage it is a total all in one move that stretches the back, the hips, the legs and neck. And at the same time you get a great back and shoulder massage that gets rid of all kinds of deep rooted tension.
It’s amazingly effective in helping alleviate lower back pain, tightness in the sacrum area and all the pain in the shoulders that come from sitting at a computer all day.
What can I say? This is one sweet move!
When learning and giving it the biggest tip I can give is to have a lot of pillows nearby. Ideally ones of different size and thickness to help make your partner comfortable. With that on hand you can put pretty much anyone on the flexibility-stiffness scale into this pose.
Leave your comments below and let me know how it goes!
Click here to watch on YouTube
Give a Relaxing Neck and Head Massage [Learning Thai Massage]
I am convinced that the tension we hold in our necks is the number one source of pain in our whole body. From the thousands of massages I’ve given, I’ve seen how neck tension leads to shoulder pain and tension headaches. And shoulder pain leads to arms and hand and back pain. Headaches are a pain all to themselves but also lead to grinding our teeth and clenching our jaws.
And it doesn’t have to be that way. If we do a few simple things every week with a partner to massage our necks and heads we can reverse this pain loop and instead have necks and heads and shoulders that are pain free. We can literally take that weight of the world we feel and let it go and then keep it away.
This video gives you an amazingly effective and simple massage in the palm of your hands that you can learn in less than eight minutes and then give to your lover, your kids, your friends, just about anywhere.
And of course if you learn with someone then you get the benefits of a really great exchange.
So what are you waiting for?!
How to Give an Incredible Hands-Free Shoulder Massage in 5 Minutes
Look mom no hands! In fact the best way to massage those shoulders that hold the weight of the world in stress and tension is with your forearm!
It makes massaging so much easier and fun, not to mention more effective. Both you and your loved ones are going to love this one!
This move is called the Rolling Pin with the idea that you transform your forearm into a massage tool. In this video I take you step by step on how to do this.
Practice on your own thigh to get the hang of it, remember the principle of ‘how slow can you go’ and easing into things and you are about to know one of the real tricks of the trade. Within a few minutes you’ll know how to give the most incredible shoulder massage imaginable.
BTW, it’s also a great way to make friends 🙂
Click here to watch you on YouTube
Happy massaging!!
Shai
Learn Thai Massage at Home: Foot on Foot Massage
This super simple foot massage is incredibly effective and will leave your partner feeling relaxed and blissed out!
It involves using your feet to give a massage making it easy to give as little or as much pressure as you like – and you’ll be able to get into all kinds of therapeutic places.
If you’ve never even thought of using your feet to massage before, you’ll wonder what took so long!
This video walks you through everything you need to know 🙂
One caveat is that it’ll feel so good to give and receive you may want to give it everyday!
Click here to view on YouTube
How to Give an Incredible Back Massage [Learning Thai Massage]
Up to 80% of Canadians and Americans suffer from back pain at any given time. It is the second most common reason to visit a medical professional. But most problems are a result of lifestyle choices and that means the best way to fix the issue is also through changes to lifestyle.
Exchanging high quality back massage on a regular basis with people you care about is some of the best preventative medicine you can do to alleviate many symptoms and to avoid having any back issues at all.
This video teaches you how to give an incredible back massage that will leave your partner in bliss and feeling like they have a whole new body. And best of all when you know what you’re doing, it doesn’t have to hurt you to give either. Quite the opposite, you will feel energized and rejuvenated just from giving massage. That is what giving a great massage is all about!
Click here to watch on YouTube
How to Create a Loving & Supportive Atmosphere in Your Massage
Three Questions To Ask At the Start of Every Massage
Those first few moments of your massage are essential to establishing the right kind of communication, expectations and rapport with your partner.
Get this part right and you are well on your way towards giving an incredible session.
It can be hardest to establish this with loved ones, friends and family, because you know each other well.
Boundaries get blurred, patterns of communication are already well set.
But if you follow and build off of the approach presented here you will build an exchange founded on love, harmony and caring. And that can also spill over into other parts of your life and relationships.
Click here to view on YouTube
4th Pillar: The Secret to Giving a GREAT Thai Massage
I am revealing the most important secret of my Thai Massage school and life’s practice.
Knowing and applying this secret to giving a massage is what allows you to learn at home. It can make the difference between giving an incredible massage versus one that is painful for both you and your partner. It will set you on the path to success when it comes to giving massage in a way that also does wonders for your physical and spiritual health.
The fourth pillar of Thai Massage is all about understanding this one sentence and applying it to how you touch: “How slow can you go, how high can you fly”
Check out the video to know exactly what this means and easy steps for how to put this knowledge into action.
Practice! Love! Share!
Click here to watch on YouTube
3rd Pillar of Thai Massage: Leverage Through Rocking
This Thai Massage lesson teaches you all about rocking.
You want to rock your body as you massage in order to create leverage. This means your whole body helps you to massage and your hands or whatever you use to massage (elbows, forearms etc.) becomes on extension of your core.
The other reason to rock is to help facilitate an exchange of energy. It brings out the dance and the rhythm of the massage.
Combining the first three pillars of Thai Massage: Meditation, stances and rocking means you have set an incredibly strong foundation to help you feel great and strong while you give massage.
Click here to watch on YouTube
2nd Pillar of Thai Massage: Stances and Body Mechanics
If you are going to learn to give Thai Massage you need to know how to use your whole body to help give. This makes massaging as fun and comfortable as possible.
The second pillar of Thai Massage is called stances. These are the positions to put yourself in when giving the massage.
Get on a mattress, thick carpet, or yoga mat covered in blankets and practice these stances.
When you start learning some massage techniques, you will start by putting yourself one of these stances – the one helps you use your whole body.
Watch on YouTube
The Heart of Thai Massage: Meditation & Metta
We begin! t’s time to shift gears and start teaching you some Thai Massage essentials that help you to start massaging at home and becoming your own teacher!
Over the coming weeks and months I will continue to release a video every week or so that covers a topic or a Thai Massage move that you can teach yourself and start massaging with.
These videos will be on the blog and in playlists on YouTube.
We start with the foundation of the practice… The four pillars that you need to learn in order to start teaching yourself how to give an incredible massage. The first pillar is meditation and metta and it defines everything we do in the massage.
This video breaks it down for you and also includes a guided meditation. Come back to it often, just like we do at the start of every class. It will help bring calmness and presence and help you get in touch with your own body and all that incredible energy and metta flowing within!
The one thing I want to ask of you is help spread the word! Lets get these videos into the hands of everyone you think would benefit and enjoy learning massage 🙂
Click here to watch this on YouTube
Why and How You Can Teach Yourself to Massage at Home
You already possess the skill of touch and can easily learn to give a great massage at home.
This video shares some stories of how massaging helps your relationships.
You have three teachers that are here to help you learn how to give amazing massages.
The first is yourself through the four pillars which give you the tools you need to be your own teacher.
The second is your partner who will help guide you on exactly what she or he likes
The third is your teacher and the techniques I share after more than 15 years of teaching thousands of students of four continents.
Buckle up and lets enjoy the ride!
BTW, this is the final segment in the current series. you can watch the whole playlist as one on YouTube by clicking here.
Ayurveda Meditation on the 5 Elements & 3 Doshas
Learn about Vata, Pitta and Kapha and the five elements from the inside out with this guided meditation. Shift from the head to the heart and body to get a real sense of how we have space, air, fire, water and earth within.
Perfect for anyone learning about ayurveda and wanting to bring this wisdom into your life to give deeper meaning to what it’s all about.
Guided by Shai Plonski, founder of Still Light Centre school of Thai Massage…
Part of our Thai Massage training includes learning the fundamentals of ayurveda -timeless Indian medicine- and how to incorporate it into customizing Thai Massage. Our viewpoint is that giving a great massage is all about seeing and treating your client as unique and tailoring the massage specifically for them on the physical and energetic level.
Ayurveda gives us essential tools and language to do just that. And meditating on the core aspects of ayurveda, namely the 3 doshas and 5 elements helps you to create a deeper relationship with the medicine in your hands and body.
To do this meditation, find a quiet place and put yourself in a comfortable seated position, be it on a chair or on a cushion with your back straight, shoulders relaxed and able to take full breaths. Press play and away you go!
Click here to view this on You Tube
Change Your Life, Exchange Thai Massage
In this video I ask you to dream and think of how your life would change if you gave and received massages regularly? How would that affect your relationships, your body, your connection to spirit?
I would ask you to consider how valuable massage is to a healthy, vibrant life and for you to know how accessible it is and how you can teach yourself from the comfort of your home.
Leave your comments below and share what exchanging massages over the course of your lifetime would do for you…
Why is Thai Massage as good to give as it is to receive
In this video I break down how amazing it is to receive Thai Massage. I give a quick overview of the benefits of receiving massage that makes it one of the best things ever
And then I make the point that GIVING Thai Massage is at least that good. And the way you learn to massage is from a place of comfort and from what feels good for you. That way of giving is so essential in sharing and elevating love, both in you and with another person.
Giving massage is like being in a classroom of the spirit where you learn to share love, inside and out. It is felt, it is real, it breaks down the illusions of our separation and we are changed forever.
Click here to watch this on YouTube
