Synthesizing
Ancient Healing Arts with Modern Science and Bodywork Modalities
We
all tend to see our bodies as "frozen sculptures" --
solid, fixed, material objects --when in truth they are more like
rivers, constantly changing, flowing patterns of intelligence.
-- Deepak Chopra
Thank
you so much for the wonderful Thai yoga experience
yesterday. I feel less achy and easier in my
movements. I also slept very deeply. I can hardly
believe it! I am so thrilled to have so much of the
pain gone. A thousand thanks. -- Jennie Mosher, 2005
"Prone
on the yoga studio floor with Robert Cuozzi's
knees on my back, I lift my shoulders off the
blankets. Cuozzi grasps my wrists and pulls
slightly back as his legs form a counterbalance
against my spine. My chest stretches forward, my
back arches. I feel like a Viking goddess strapped
to the prow of a sailing ship, free and open"
-- Anne Miller, from Restorative Stretch, a
feature article in the Albany Times Union, 2007
Authentic
Thai Yoga Bodywork, An Ancient Healing Art
Traditionally called
Nuad Boran, Thai Yoga Bodywork is an ancient healing art. The technique combines aspects of stretching, palming, acupressure, gentle rocking, Ayurveda and energy balancing. With a rhythmic, flowing and meditative approach, a skilled practitioner assists a fully-clothed recipient into a sequence of yoga-inspired postures, creating a deeply relaxing and therapeutic experience. Treatments are given on either a comfortable floor mat or a sturdy massage table. An
optimal session length is between 90 and 120
minutes. For many, the immediate and lasting
benefits are profound and substantial.
As described in Massage & Bodywork Magazine: "The theoretical basis for traditional Thai healing is rooted in the belief that all forms of life are sustained by a vital force
(lom) that is carried along invisible energy pathways (sen) running through our bodies. This energy force is extracted from air, water, and food, and it is believed that disease and dysfunction come about when energy becomes blocked along these pathways. Accordingly, Thai massage’s intent is to free this trapped energy, stimulate the natural flow of life force, and maintain a general balance of wellness.
Through assisted yoga, the body is able to be moved in ways that are difficult to attain through normal exercise and individual practice. Relaxed, deep breathing helps to bring about proper balance and a peaceful state of mind. The practice of Thai yoga massage is also a spiritual discipline since it incorporates the Buddhist principles of mindfulness (breath awareness) and loving kindness (focused compassion). The benefits of all these techniques, when shared by practitioner and client, help to bring the treatment session to a focused and profound level. The result of a full-body Thai session is often an exciting and powerful mind/body experience, bringing both the recipient and the practitioner to greater states of physical and mental well-being."
http://www.massageandbodywork.com/Articles/AugSep2004/thaimassage.html
"The
result of
a full-body Thai
session is often an exciting
and powerful
mind/body
experience"
What
To Expect Before, During and After a Session
My
goal is always to deliver you the most highly
satisfying experience, from the moment you arrive,
till the moment you leave my studio.
If
it is your first time visiting my private studio, I will
gladly meet you in the conveniently located parking
lot, only a short distance from my door. If
our appointment ends after sunset, I will also walk
you to your car if you so request.
I
always allow ten or so minutes before and after each
appointment for session-related discussion, or
friendly conversation. However, your time
constraints and personal preferences are always
respected. Intake discussions can be as brief
as a few minutes and your choice to maintain
silence after a session is also
respected.
During
a session, I will do everything to ensure complete safety and
will respect your physical and emotional
boundaries. You are fully clothed during Thai
treatments, and I will
never over-stretch or force your body into difficult or
uncomfortable postures.
During
a session, there is constant
contact between us, using
precise techniques of palming, thumbing,
compression, stretching, rocking and rhythmic, range
of motion enhancing movements. Because
Lotus Palm Thai Bodywork emphasizes the transmission
of loving-kindness (metta, in Pali) this
experience is generally very soothing and meditative
While
working, I utilize my thumbs, palms, hands, elbows,
knees, forearms, feet, and toes in a manner that is
tailored to the needs of your body.
Exceptional
foot massage techniques, used with the intention to
re-energize your skeletal and visceral
systems.
Joint
mobility techniques, often resulting in happier
ankles, knees, hips and shoulders.
Meditative
music, chosen specifically to balance your energy,
and to enhance your experience by
activating your innate relaxation response.
Possible
Benefits
Thai
Yoga
Bodywork often immediately results in easier
movement, profound relaxation,
greater
mental clarity, and improved posture.
For
many, it is an effective physical and emotional
healing modality, especially beneficial for
stress-related conditions. For
some, it is an excellent pre- and post-event bodywork
modality for sporting events and the performing
arts. For most, Thai Yoga Bodywork is a remarkable
balancing experience, leaving the recipient feeling
refreshed and renewed.
According
to the Association of Bodywork and Massage
Professionals (ABMP), the benefits of Thai Yoga
Bodywork are:
Heightened energy levels.
Improved body-mind connection.
Improved circulation
and lymphatic flow.
Improved range of motion.
Increased flexibility.
Rejuvenated body and mind.
Relief for pain and muscle
tension
"Experts say there is an interesting
dichotomy with Thai massage, as it both relaxes and rejuvenates. After the session,
some clients report feeling awakened and energized, while also feeling deeply
grounded and at peace. Thai massage is based on an energetic
paradigm of the human body and mind. In this tradition, energy is thought to travel
on pathways, called sen, throughout the body. Through the movement and massage
components, the goal in Thai massage is to ensure energy is flowing freely along these
pathways as a means for wellness."
-- ABMP