There are 8 full class days this month teaching Thai massage in Austin. More business is cropping up, social media is taking off and within the next year I suspect my business will change more than even I realize. New heights, new challenges and I use what I teach to help me stay calm and centered. More yoga and Thai massage please.
Thai bodywork is on the upswing and I’m going to do everything within my power to use it, transform it for westerners and make sure the public knows there’s more to massage than cream and a table. The time is now.
Looking back it’s nice to see I’ve been saying this all along. The link contains a video with Kira Balaskis. After all these years it’s still one of my favorite Thai massage videos.
https://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.png00Robert Gardnerhttps://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.pngRobert Gardner2013-01-10 15:36:442013-01-10 15:36:44Looking Back #2
We’ve had many new students recently and also many new followers to our social media. As we just passed two years posting to the blog I want to post some occasional looking back posts. These will highlight blog posts from the past that I’ve enjoyed and show those who’re new what may be hiding in the blog.
Having my own space on the internet has allowed me a soapbox. Being able to share what I love and change the world with my joy is great. Thai massage is blooming. Here’s a post where my work started to come together. Simple videos showing easy to use techniques to work on people. Austin Thai massage
https://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.png00Robert Gardnerhttps://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.pngRobert Gardner2013-01-05 02:34:592013-01-05 02:34:59Looking Back
Bikram yoga and Thai massage have been the cornerstones of my health regimen for years. I discovered Thai massage and yoga at around the same time then later bumped into Bikram practice. I’d never seen anything like Bikram yoga. My first class was an arduous, sweaty, New Orleans original with humidity that makes Austin look like child’s play. I tried, did what I could and left wondering what the hell did I just do?
Over the years I’ve integrated knowledge and distilled the essence of both practices into my own work as a bodyworker and yoga teacher. I ran across this article on blood stops the other day.
Blood stops in Thai massage are not something often spoken of. It’s a higher skill, taught later in my series of Thai massage classes. I learned them years ago, use them with clients and later realized while taking Bikram classes that Mr. Choudhury had incorporated specfic poses in his sequence, along with the heart pumping heat, to do the same. The tourniquet effect and a blood stop are essentially the same physiological mechanism.
This isn’t new information to me. I know it in the way that one knows your lover, from intimate contact and ongoing communion. What I was impressed to find was, oh someone else actually knows this and wrote about it. I rarely see Thai massage and Bikram yoga mentioned in conversations together and found it interesting that Bikram’s yoga was referenced twice in the pdf.
Bikram helped teach me to do some Thai massage to myself. Thanks to the staff at Yogagroove for helping me keep the blood moving all these 7 years. If you’re interested in my work there’s an Introduction to Thai massage class coming in late January.
https://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.png00Robert Gardnerhttps://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.pngRobert Gardner2013-01-01 15:44:102013-01-01 15:44:10Bikram yoga and Thai massage
Thai massage is old world asian physical therapy. You’re not having a client do exercises but the therapist is helping extend range of motion in joints, softening muscle tissue and allowing the nervous system to idle in neutral.
Many people are keyed up. Modern life in cities is a constant blur and trying to remain sane is often a struggle. To say we’re scattered is putting it lightly. In yoga I’ve heard teachers talk about what it means to embodied. As a yoga teacher and practitioner I completely understand that process and its value. Thai massage allows me to give clients a small taste of that.
Life can be fun, full of joy and you can have less pain. Being in your body, enjoying the sensations of a therapist compressing muscle and moving you around can produce warm, glowing, nurturing sensations. In a culture where people touch little and have high degrees of back pain, Thai massage is desperately needed.
Low stress, better health and a more integrated sense of well being? Sign me up! Thai massage is the best.
https://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.png00Robert Gardnerhttps://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.pngRobert Gardner2012-11-07 01:53:402012-11-07 01:53:40What is Thai massage pt.4
Thai massage is bodywork designed for those who meditate or have the desire to do so. The bodywork has immense capability to help the human body heal but one of its additional long term the long term benefits is that it allows the receiver to drop in and tune into their own biorhythms.
Everyone develops muscle tension, small misalignments and imbalances which Thai massage helps unwind. Having your brain stop telling muscles to contract, you can then relax, ground and move more deeply into a meditative space. I’ve seen it time and again with clients who report surprisingly that they weren’t tired at all after a session and even had some trouble sleeping. Usually they report they felt so good they wanted to keep going and doing things. That same energy, can be channeled into meditation.
Instead of feeling lethargic after Thai massage most report feeling light, unencumbered and having increased feelings of mental well being. Insight would be a strong word but clearing muscle tension in the body allows one to see more clearly the issues at hand to focus and deal with them. As I write this I realize the depth and scope of the bodywork I’ve chosen to focus my career on. It’s got great depth.
https://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.png00Robert Gardnerhttps://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.pngRobert Gardner2012-10-28 14:33:102012-10-28 14:33:10What is Thai massage? pt.3
Thai massage is bodywork that’s designed for those who do yoga. I’m consistently amazed that Thai massage hasn’t taken the yoga community by storm but I believe modern yoga is slowly starting to catch up.
Thai massage puts one through a series of poses similar to yoga poses and stretches many of the same muscle groups, like the hamstrings, glutes and calves. The difference is that a good Thai therapist can get about 10% extra stretch out of muscle and you as a receiver can just relax and let go. Typically in yoga you’re working many muscles to release a few. There’s no substitute for a regular yoga practice but Thai massage can help those who do yoga pin point problem areas to work on and excel in their practice.
The compressions in Thai massage on some areas like the glutes and hamstrings is something that’s difficult to achieve on your own. Bringing fresh, highly oxygenated blood into the area is good and generally refreshing. The letting go that happens during Thai massage allows the spine to stabilize and balance while the hips to open so you can sit and meditate, which is what yoga is designed to help your body do to begin with.
“Thai massage is to yoga as chocolate is to peanut butter.”~~Robert Gardner
https://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.png00Robert Gardnerhttps://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.pngRobert Gardner2012-10-24 08:31:032012-10-24 08:31:03What is Thai massage? pt.2
I’m often asked what Thai massage is. The answer is simple, for most people in the west, it’s the best bodywork you’ve never had. I stumbled onto the work 8 or more years ago and little has changed my life so fundamentally other than yoga. The two practices are the most healing regimens I’ve discovered in the past ten years of scouring the planet. Healing comes from within and both practices help you cultivate, increase and channel your own healing potential.
Swedish and deep tissue are the most common forms of bodywork in the US currently. In 20 years or less I believe Thai massage will be as ubiquitous as what you receive at any spa or chiropractors office. As I try to write this blog post I recognize that anything I say about Thai massage, doesn’t even remotely do it justice. It’s the best.
My Thai massage classes start with an Intro. to Thai massage class that’s 14 hours. This introductory class is a solid get to know you but my full training encompasses not just traditional Thai massage as taught in Thailand but a blend of western bodywork like trigger point therapy, rehab exercises and a full gamut of information related to pain management and spine rehabilitation from 8 years as a yoga teacher. Where does the yoga end and the Thai massage begin? Chicken or the egg?
You can study Thai massage in many places. You can only study what I do, with me. I’m helping shift how bodywork is practiced in Austin and the rest of Texas. When I am old, I wish for people to thank me for helping them when no one else could. I want students to cherish what we’ve shared and allows them to help others, build careers as healers and saved their hands all at the same time. I want both to understand that I’ve put humans above profit and healing above all else.
https://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.png00Robert Gardnerhttps://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.pngRobert Gardner2012-10-17 17:20:382012-10-17 17:20:38What is Thai massage?
Pondering massage therapy Austin, Tx I’m blown away. I’m up way too late and I’m teaching an Intro. to Thai massage class tomorrow. Seven years in and when clients ask me who I see for bodywork I hang my head and tell them it’s why I started teaching, I need someone to work on me. None of the therapists I’ve met over the years have the skills I need to access what’s inside my body and work on me as I would work on me. It’s not ego, just fact. If you’re reading this, and you’re the bodyworker I’m looking for, please contact me.
The state of Tx has CEU requirements for it’s massage therapists that are half what they were in my home state of Louisiana. I need bodywork on par with what physical therapists provide. In Louisiana that gap wasn’t that large, I’d fallen into a group of Highly skilled Thai massage therapists and my teacher and her students could work on me if I needed. Here in Austin, Round Rock…I hear an echo.
In discussing business with an associate I tried to describe the marketplace I’m in and the utter frustration of it all comes pouring in. What is the use of selling a Lamborghini when everyone announces that their Toyota takes them where they want to go? Anyone can go to massage warehouse surplus but who wants to see what bodywork can really do?
What is Thai massage? To me that’s like asking who is Jesus. It’s the thing that let all the light in and showed me life was worth living. It can do the same for you.
When teaching Thai massage the most common question I get is, “What is Thai massage?” When I’m asked that all I can think is you’ve been getting substandard table massage. I’m biased but ten years experience makes me believe it’s still the best bodywork on planet earth.
Thai massage is 2,500 years old and said to have been invented by the Buddha’s doctor. It’s a healing art so deep that much like yoga I doubt I’ll ever exhaust the potential contained within. Not only do I believe Thai bodywork can help alleviate or lessen common medical conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, arthritis and chronic pain but I also believe it can lift your spirits. If you’re not spiritual, no worries there’s no mumbo jumbo speak going on. I know what I know. When you integrate your body, next comes your mind and spirit.
This short video is a sampler from my Introduction to Thai massage class. Thai massage is massage but it’s bodywork. Thai massage is larger than any label you give it. It’s done on a mat on the floor traditionally and I’ve spent ten years scouring the planet to find the best and this in my not so humble opinion is it folks. If you know of something else, let me know, I’ll be learning that soon.
A new client had a Thai session with me recently and just kept saying, “awesome.” She further commented that she felt this was the best bodywork she’d ever had and couldn’t imagine that she’s lived this long and not received it. That is why I decided to teach. This work is too good to keep a secret.
Class is this Friday, see you then.
Special thanks to Patrick Marron, Katie Krieger, Audra Schimek, Bret Rogers and Allen Hudson seen in this video.
https://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.png00Robert Gardnerhttps://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.pngRobert Gardner2012-08-28 23:57:032012-08-28 23:57:03What is Thai massage
I spend more time working on upper back problems than anything else. The junction between the upper back and cervical spine is one of the most dysfunctional areas of the body and the stresses and strain of driving and working at computers will keep me busy with clients for years to come. Fortunately these issues are easy to address once you know what you’re working on.
The paraspinal musculature that runs along the spine is often over stretched like a bow string or tight as it’s pulled along the lamina groove. Pressing into these muscles feels good to clients and slowly helps restore normal undulation and movement to the serpentine structure of the normal human spine. Backbending and scapula retraction also make a huge difference long term.
Rememer to take it easy on your thumbs as you work on someone. Rome wasn’t built in a day nor were good spines. Honor your own body and joints. Use muscle and body weight and don’t overtax the joints in the small structures of your hands. Leverage and adequate use of body weight are what allows Thai massage to be so effective. Move and bring the client along with you.
Try this on friends and family, they’ll thank you.
https://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.png00Robert Gardnerhttps://www.robertgardnerwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Robert-Gardner-Wellness-Header.pngRobert Gardner2012-08-25 08:33:222012-08-25 08:33:22Thai massage upper back
Forward bends are calming. In yoga classes I always notice their soothing nature as they allow your spine to roll towards a fetal position. Long term many people take on this rolled forward position and form a slouch, primarily in their upper back that I spend time trying to help clients with. Ideally your spine moves within a full range of motion and your soft tissues support good posture throughout your day.
Backbends are the healers of the spine for many reasons but I’d never trade them in for simple forward bends. This seated forward bend you do in Thai massage is done at the end of a session when your client is seated and you’re feeling open, free, unencumbered.
Creating length on the spine is good for the long term health of the vertebrae and posture. Long term it takes pressure off of the discs, prevents herniation, bulges and the like. In yoga you’re working in standing forward bends in turning the whole spine upside down and tractioning it. Usually this is stopped by intolerably tight hamstrings and one should be conscious to stretch the hamstrings and take pressure off of the low back. This is done by gently bending the knees and allowing the torso to rest on the thighs.
I spend large amounts of time performing bodywork no one has ever had before. The longer I work, the more I see it and the more I realize I’m honoring traditions others don’t even know exist. Thai massage may be new to Austin, Texas but it’s 2500 years old. When I perform seated massage people say, “I didn’t know you could massage someone who was sitting.” I then realize, well, I’m doing things differently and from a different cultural context.
Shoulder blades are often stuck on the torso. They become frozen in place, limiting mobility and movement and along with it your angel wings are clipped. Open the shoulder blades, allow them to fall back opening the heart and you can fly away my friends.
This simple twist helps open the scapulae, sounds professional doesn’t it? I even used the plural. 😛 You also get movement to the spine itself to allow flow, undulation and deeper spiraling movement.
Avoid twisting anyone with herniated discs or spine surgeries. It’s not a good idea and you can hurt someone if you’re being forceful. Go slow, communicate with the person you’re working on and help someone feel good today. Opening movement in the spine makes someone feel free, open and receptive. It also goes a long way to helping with recurring back pain and tight muscles along the spine.
