Thai Bodywork
by Brooke Dillane
Thai Bodywork is a traditional style of massage stemming from ancient practices such as Ayurveda and yoga. I came across this practice quite by accident many years ago while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand. The roughly two-hour-or-so session (in Thailand we learn to not live by the clock) left me feeling curious about the way my body was worked and amazed at how full of life it felt! Rather than being a “wet noodle” I stood up feeling refreshed, very much awake and calm.
Since my years living in Asia (Thailand and Japan) I have gravitated toward healing arts as a means of understanding how we can live in our bodies with greater balance and less pain. After years of studying and teaching yoga in the Grand Rapids area I started studying Thai Bodywork with my teacher, Chuck Duff, of Thai Bodywork School of Massage in Evanston, IL. It is a natural complement to yoga, offering deep, supported stretches and greater awareness of where the body is holding.
Designed to be beneficial to both the recipient and giver, Thai bodywork employs hands, feet, arms and legs to guide the receiver through a flow of “postures”. Specific body alignment will provide balanced and well-supported tissue compression and deep stretch. This practice is very accessible as it is performed on a floor mat with pillows while wearing comfortable clothing.
Breath is the means through which one connects the body, mind and spirit in the moment. Thai bodywork shares the principles of yoga that address the human experience physically, energetically, mentally and spiritually. In this session you will enjoy 90 minutes of breathing back into your body in a supportive environment that allows it to receive, release and revive.
Since my years living in Asia (Thailand and Japan) I have gravitated toward healing arts as a means of understanding how we can live in our bodies with greater balance and less pain. After years of studying and teaching yoga in the Grand Rapids area I started studying Thai Bodywork with my teacher, Chuck Duff, of Thai Bodywork School of Massage in Evanston, IL. It is a natural complement to yoga, offering deep, supported stretches and greater awareness of where the body is holding.
Designed to be beneficial to both the recipient and giver, Thai bodywork employs hands, feet, arms and legs to guide the receiver through a flow of “postures”. Specific body alignment will provide balanced and well-supported tissue compression and deep stretch. This practice is very accessible as it is performed on a floor mat with pillows while wearing comfortable clothing.
Breath is the means through which one connects the body, mind and spirit in the moment. Thai bodywork shares the principles of yoga that address the human experience physically, energetically, mentally and spiritually. In this session you will enjoy 90 minutes of breathing back into your body in a supportive environment that allows it to receive, release and revive.
