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Reflections on my First Partner Thai Workshop

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I had such a great group of people at my Partner Thai Workshop! Everyone came ready to learn and spend some time connecting with their person! We covered some of the basics of Thai massage, though we barely scratched the surface. My favorite moment was right at the beginning. We started as all Thai massages start, with the Puja, or the prayer. There are so many things that go into the puja - traditionally it is a prayer to Jivaka, the founder of Thai massage and the physician to the Buddha. It also includes centering oneself, offering thanks to one's teachers, and a wish that the client might be well. This last concept is what we focused on, bringing in the Thai principle of Metta, or loving-kindness and compassion, and we opened with simply connecting with our partner and offering a prayer or wish that they might be well. It was a beautiful way to start off our evening together, and I hope everyone left feeling more empowered to offer compassionate touch to their loved ones at hom...
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Assisted Cobra Pose

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Have you tried Cobra pose in a yoga class, but couldn't fully relax into it? Assisted Cobra is one of the classic and most recognizable poses in Thai massage. The great thing is that YOU don't have to do any work, your only job is to relax and let go I to the pose. Cobra is a full body stretch and depending on how your body moves, it might stretch your calves, quads, abdomen, shoulders, upper arms, or neck. There's a lot of different ways to do this pose, so if you're looking at the pictures thinking "My body would break if someone did that to me!" don't worry!!! I adapt each pose to your body. A variation of the pose may be more appropriate for you, and we'll work together to find just the right stretch that you need! Are you in New Haven and are looking to try Thai Massage? Shoot me an email and we'll get you on the schedule!
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Thai Massages Take TIME

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Did you know that traditionally, a Thai massage is 2-3 hours long?! Often we are 30-40 minutes into a session before a client fully relaxes, and that's when the deepest work begins. Your mind takes time to cease chattering. Your spirit takes time to trust and relax. Your body takes time to fully let go of control. And when you are fully relaxed, you become more open and aware. Your breath deepens. You become attuned to the subtle movements and energy of your body. Your mind calms and rests. Reaching this space takes time. It also takes practice. Full relaxation does not come easily, but clients who I've seen for years say they can relax as soon as they enter the treatment room. They've created a habit, and as they enter a space that has already felt safe before, they can easily let go. I encourage clients to make regular, recurring appointments because those who do receive the best results. AND (because 60 minute appointments never seem like enough) I'm automatically ad...
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5 Reasons to try Thai massage if you don’t like Swedish or Deep Tissue massages

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Swedish and Deep Tissue massages are great, but they’re not for everyone! Since I've started my practice in New Haven, I've started the only practice dedicated to Thai Massage in the city. But w hy might you consider trying a Thai massage if you don’t like other styles of massage? You don’t want to get undressed. This is so important if you are at all uncomfortable getting partially or fully undressed for a massage, even though you’d be modestly draped with a sheet and blanket. In Thai massage, you stay clothed the whole time. Just remember to wear loose or flexible clothing (like athletic pants) so you can move freely. You don’t want to feel oily afterwards. Often clients are returning to work or other activities after their appointment and don’t want the feeling of oil lingering on their skin or hair. Thai massage uses static pressure instead of gliding pressure over the skin, so there’s no need for oil. You want more assisted stretches. While there may be some stretching in ...
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What is Interoception?

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  I’ve been returning  to my thoughts around interoception, or the internal felt sense. Interoception has a lot of definitions, but one way to think of it is the sensations deeper than our skin - internal rather than external stimuli and experiences. It includes sensations such as your heartbeat, breath, hunger, thirst, digestion, and urge to eliminate. It also encompasses experiences like the release in a good stretch, a hip with a dull ache, lightheadedness, or a feeling of smooth movement in a joint. Interoceptive sensations can be things we enjoy, don't enjoy, or that we feel neutral about. They also can be information about areas of our bodies that could return to homeostasis, or balance. They may be an invitation to various actions or activities, such as intentional rest, eating a meal, helpful movement, or, my favorite, a massage. For years I've been working on a list of interoceptive words, and much like I've used a feelings wheel to explore my emotions, I've us...
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A New Massage Home!

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If you've been following me, you may have seen when I posted earlier, but I am happy to finally announce I'll be working out of The Breathing Room in New Haven CT! I'll be offering Thai Massage at the studio Monday- Friday. Most of my sessions include a blend of Thai styles, but I tailor sessions to your needs and goals. I offer Thai Stretch Sessions, Dynamic Thai Massage, OsteoThai, and Thai Abdominal Massage. Stay tuned for other offerings once I get settled, such as partner Thai classes, restorative yoga and Thai massage workshops, and massage CEUs.
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Client Graduation. What Happens When a Client Leaves

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Last week I graduated a client! What does this mean? Clients come to me with many different goals. Some are looking for specific pain relief. Some want regular self care. Some start Thai massage to support their mental health. Some of these goals are ongoing and simply become a part of the clients regular routine, but when these goals are specific and we reach them, the relationship changes. A client had been coming every week or every other week for over a year. They started because they needed pain relief and intentional stretching, but they also began to notice the mental health benefits of regular self care. As their pain has subsided and they've found motivation to start working with a personal trainer, they don't need Thai massage as often. So the relationship changes. I often see my regulars more frequently than I see some friends, so I'm always sad to see them less. BUT, I am SO happy to see my clients moving forward with their goals and feeling better in their bodi...
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