What is Thai Yoga
Thai massage is more energizing and rigorous than more classic forms of massage.
Thai massage is also called Thai Yoga Massage, because the therapist uses his or her hands, knees, legs and feet to move you into a series of yoga-like stretches. Many people say Thai massage is like doing yoga without any work.
Muscle compression, joint mobilization and acupressure are also used during treatment.
People describe Thai massage as both relaxing and energizing.
Thai massage is usually done on a padded mat on the floor.
No oil is applied, so you are fully dressed. Bring or wear comfortable clothing to the massage.
A typical Thai massage is 60 minutes to two hours long.
Many poeple find that Thai massage has the following benefits
- Relaxation and stress relief
- Relief from sore and aching joints and muscles
- Detoxification
- Improves Circulation
- Increases Energy
- Increases Flexibility
- Improves range of motion
- Centers the Mind and Body
- Feeling of Balance and Well-being
The massage practitioner leans on the recipient's body using hands and usually straight forearms locked at the elbow to apply firm rhythmic pressure. The massage generally follows the Sen lines on the body - somewhat analogous to meridians or channels. A full Thai massage session typically lasts two hours or more, and includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body; this may include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking knuckles, walking on the recipient's back and arching the recipient's into cobra position.
Kim's Training
Kim's Thai Yoga Certification was received through Radiant Lotus Thai-Yoga Body Therapy in 2002 (Level 1) and 2004 (Level 2). The founders are Patricia Kilpatrick and Ko Tan who have studied extensively in the U.S. and in Thailand.
Patricia is a nationally certified body worker, specializing in Thai-Yoga Body Therapy and Thai Reflexology, a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500 hour level as a Svaroopa ® style and Yoga & Meditation Teacher, a certified Emobdyment ® Therapist, and an IARP certified Reiki Master Teacher. Patricia is co-owner of Harmony Learning Center in Decatur and co-founder/director of Radiant Lotus ® Academy of Thai-Yoga Body Therapy.
Ko Tan received his certification of Traditional Thai massage from the Wat Po Traditional Medical School in Bangkok, Thailand. The Classic Touch Institute of Chiang Mai, Thailand also certified him as an authentic Thai Traditional Nerve-Touch therapist. Ko Tan is the co-founder , co-author and an instructor of the Radiant Lotus ® Thai-Yoga Body Therapy. He studied Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Samra University of Oriental Medicine and has been a teacher of Traditional Chinese Medicine Theraphy since 1995. He was one of the few practitioners of the USA invited to the International Chinese Medicine Symposium, Shianghai, China, in 1994. He is a member of the Complementary Alternative Mecial Association (CAMA).
Additionally Kim participated in a workshop with one of Pat and Ko Tan's teachers, Leslie Rahn. Leslie had studied with Kam THye Chow from Canada. Kam is one of the foremost teachers of Thai Yoga. Kim have also studied with Saul David Raye, another industry leader in 2001.
“I'd like to share with you my recent experience having a Thai Yoga Massage. It was really special. You lay down on a big comfortable mat, fully clothed in a quiet, dimly lit room. Kim, who also does the fabulous "Yoga and Chocolate" class, once again works her magic. She gives a wonderful massage that incorporates gentle pressure and slow, easy twists. She pays special attention to your feet for those of you into reflexology. I have to admit, I was excited, but a bit nervous before we started because I wasn't sure what to expect. I found myself just breathing into the experience and quickly became calmer so I could fully enjoy it. It's a bit hard to describe the massage itself as I'm sure it is such an individual experience for each person. I'd bet that Kim would know just how to adjust/accommodate it to each person she's working with. For being such a tiny thing, she is amazingly strong, yet gentle. A very nice balance of deep massage and light touch. It was a very thorough job, really well done. After my massage, I felt calm and energized at the same time. I carried that feeling with me the rest of the day and slept like a baby that night. Thank you to Kim. A truly unique experience! I hope you all will consider this treat for yourself!”
Heidi Sapp