Thai Massage

About the Book & Video  |  Book Content  |  About the Author

About the Book & Video

Originated in Thailand for over 2,000 years, Thai massage works to clear energy blockages and restore balance and harmony to the body. The practice combines typical Westernized massage therapy practices, including trigger points and myofascial release, with stretching similar to that of yoga. It has even earned the name "lazy man's yoga." Like yoga, Thai massage helps to strengthen the body and increase flexibility, while allowing the client to benefit from the relaxation and healing properties of massage. Thai massage is administered to fully clothed clients on floor mats. Practitioners use their own body weight to position clients into yoga-like forms while instructing clients on proper breathing for maximum results.

This practical and highly illustrated introduction to the principles and techniques of Thai massage discusses the theories of Thai medicine and its Chinese and Ayurvedic influences. It offers clear and easy-to-follow descriptions for all Thai massage techniques accompanied by full color photographs and drawings, with arrows to indicate direction of movement. Basic explanations describe how massage therapists can use elements of these techniques and apply them immediately in their own practice. The book includes a DVD with 45 minutes of video showing techniques and routines in real time, to demonstrate appropriate pacing.

Features:

  • New! Full Colour photographs
  • New! 45 minute Thai massage techniques on DVD
  • New! Increased coverage of body mechanics
  • New! Chapter on Correlations with Yoga
  • New! Suggested sequences
  • New! Muscle Atlas
 

$66

Book content

Foreword by Ted J. Kaptchuk

Introduction: Closing a Circle

1. Traditional Thai Medicine

A brief history of medicine in Thailand
Buddhist influences on Thai massage
Basic Theories
-The issue of wind
-Sen: the energy pathways of the body

2. Rules, Methods and Techniques

Rules
Methods
Body Awareness
Working Postures
Rhythm & Flow
Therapeutic Actions: East and West
Overcoming Limitations
Techniques
Precautions and contraindications

3. Client in Supine Position

Legs and feet
-Working the Sen lines of the legs
The abdominal region
Chest, shoulders, neck, arms
Face and neck

4. Client in Lateral Recumbent Position

Legs
-Stretches applied with the feet
Hips and back
Arms, hands and fingers
Stretching techniques

5. Client in Prone Position

Feet and legs
Back and shoulders
Stretching Techniques

6. Client in Seated Position

Shoulders, neck and back
Face
Stretching Techniques
Ending the session
Unit 3-Application for Practice

7. Suggested Sequences

Timeliness & Timelessness
Suggested Sequence for a 60 Minute session
Suggested Sequence for a 90 Minute session
Suggested Sequence for a 120 Minute session

8. Correlations to Yoga

Resources
Appendix A: Muscle Atlas
Appendix B: Mantra
Conclusion
Bibliography

  
 
 
 

 

About The Instructor
Dr. Richard Gold graduated from Oberlin College with a BA Degree in World Religions. He graduated from New England School of Acupuncture in 1978. Since then he has devoted himself to studying, practicing and teaching oriental medicine. He has participated in advanced studies in Shanghai, China, and studied Shiatsu in Osaka, Japan in 1986. He holds a Doctorate in Psychology. In 1989 Dr. Gold graduated from the program in Nuad Bo-Rarn at the Old Medicine Hospital, the Foundation of Shivago Komparaj, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Currently he is a senior instructor and member of the Board of Directors at the International Professional School of Bodywork (I.P.S.B) in San Diego, and also the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, and the Pacific Institute of Oriental Medicine in New York City.

See Dr. Gold's website http://www.traditionalthaimassage.com

Read Richard's article on A Guide to Traditional Thai Massage

 

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