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Traditional Thai Massage
‘Suffering is universal and inevitable...
There is a way out of suffering’
[Buddha]
Due to the confluence of history and geography, this traditional bodywork has its roots in India over 2.500 years ago... Those of you who practice Yoga will be quite familiar with many of the positions taken both by the practitioner and client ~ hence the more modern term of Thai Yoga Massage. Still actively used in Thailand's health centers and clinics, it is considered fundamental in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and systemic illness. Performed on a thick mat on the floor, the body is stretched, rocked and kneaded with a resulting suppling and structural aligning of the body. Both the northern (Nuad Boran) and southern (Jap-Sen) styles are incorporated~ combining the rhythm and stretching characteristic of the northern tradition around Chiang Mai with the acupressure and deep nerve work with origins in and around Bangkok. Unlike westernized massage techniques, no oil or lotion is used and the client remains fully clothed during the session.
Steamed herbal packs are incorporated into sessions, and are prepared according to traditional specifications. These wonderful packs are used to free joints, clear the lungs, increase overall circulation, reduce inflammation, and ease pain. Additionally, the synergistic properties of the herbs have a slightly soporific quality which gives the recipient a general sensation of intense lassitude ~ yet interestingly leaves one invigorated and alert following a session.
The Thai tradition of treatment is so comprehensive and vast that most techniques associated with western bodywork are in some way encompassed in a full session. Your therapist has a wide background in deep tissue, therapeutic, and clinical massage, neuromuscular therapy, anatomy and kinesiology, in-clinic work and study, as well as influence from the osteopathic field, and has studied under four traditional instructors in Thailand.
At EquiLibrium, Traditional Thai Massage with the application of herbal packs is the preferred choice of the therapist when choosing bodywork. We feel that a medical tradition which has been honored and practiced for 2.500 years is worthy of respect and is beneficial as a complete treatment. Click here to learn more about Shivago Komarpaj, the ‘Father Doctor’ of Thailand, and some of the history surrounding Traditional Thai Massage.
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Yoga Therapy
It is interesting to note that there are more individuals practicing Yoga in California alone than in all of India… It is also noteworthy that the population of the USA is, by statistic, the most unhappy and dissatisfied nation in the world. Could there be a correlation between these facts?! A 1994 German study, which compared a group of women practicing Hatha Yoga to a second group that did not, found that the yoga-practicing group showed markedly higher scores in life satisfaction, and lower scores in aggressiveness, emotionality, and sleep abnormalities .
Yoga is not simply the mastery of asanas (postures). It can be used to calm the mind, relieve stress, reduce pain, and (to you doubters, recent science says so!) to ameliorate medical issues such as asthma, COPD, multiple sclerosis, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, insomnia, depression, high blood pressure and arthritis. (View Article)
EquiLibrium offers Yoga as a way to free the body and put conscious-awareness into daily activities. The focus is on the individual and each session will reflect this approach incorporating classic Hatha yoga, adaptive poses and modifications, and Ruesri Dat Ton (Thai Yoga)
Yoga Therapy:
- Private Sessions: One-on-One Focus
- Small Group (maximum 6): See Yoga Classes below
- Comprehensive Program: Combining Yoga with Traditional Thai Massage
- Customized Yoga Program: The instructor will meet with you for a one hour session to evaluate your needs and ability, then create a flexible yoga routine that can be modified as needed. Depending on experience, you can then elect to continue on your own, schedule sessions to modify poses or alter the routine, or continue with private sessions following the customized program
- Yoga for the Work-place: Small group, Chair Yoga, Occupational (Details)
Yoga Classes:
- Specialty Classes (Workplace, Senior, Lifestyle, Cancer, Stretching, Chair Yoga)
- Focus on Multiple Sclerosis Yoga for MySelf (Yoga for MS)
- Yoga for the Work-place (Details)
What are some of the possible applications and benefits of yoga?
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Regaining flexibility and range of motion after injury or surgical procedure
- Increasing balance and proprioception
- Easing pain from arthritis, scar tissue, fibromyalgia, joint contracture
- Getting going again after a long sabbatical from exercise
- Injury prevention… From backyard gardening to the local marathon
- Body awareness... How you use your body, listening to its pain messages, learning to alter potentially damaging movement and postural habits
- With regular, gentle practice an overall toning of the body and sense of well-being lead some to make healthful changes in life-style and thinking patterns as well as having an appreciation (rather than negativism) for their body
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Multiple Sclerosis
"I don't want to stop being Who I Am..."
This is a phrase heard more than once while working among those of you with MS. It is a reflection of the frustration experienced when trying to keep up with the pace of the modern world, work, and quite frequently the personal stress of juggling a family and well-intentioned friends.
MS is not who you are, but can become a second skin which constricts one in such a way as to challenge even the simplest effort, altering how we are:
- how to go up the stairs
- how to get out of the car
- how to grasp-turn the door handle
- how to let others understand you are just fine {‘Maybe a little tired, though’}
Therapeutic massage with stretching and joint mobilization has been shown to help, from stress management and depression to spasticity and atrophy prevention. Thai Massage incorporates stretching, range-of-motion, acupressure, structural work, and soft tissue manipulation, and can be effective in relieving paresthesias and pain due to muscle contracture. The therapist is aware of symptomology and stages of MS progression, as well as having clinic experience and active participation in local groups. There is also a personal interest due to family acquaintance and consequently the nuances of MS are familiar ground.
We also offer private yoga therapy sessions, as well as a weekly class for those with diagnosed MS. It is our experience, and has been statistically shown, that Msers favor yoga over any other form of CAM treatment. (View article)
All sessions are at your location, avoiding the need to put out extra effort. Each individual will have specific restrictions and requirements, therefore each session will be tailored to that day's indications.
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Groups & Corporate
Yoga at Work | Ergonomics | Corporate Wellness
We offer several options for the work-place, ranging from corporate programs to small group classes, as well as custom sessions for the individual employee (or employer!)
Chair Massage
A simple way to ease stress and the aches and pains of everyday life. Convenient for workplaces, fundraisers and conferences, as well as a pleasant way to reward employees. Please contact us for specifics on group bookings and event reservations.
