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Thai massage license

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I stumbled across an article from the Naga center in Portland, OR. I’ve been familiar with them for over a year now, occasionally returning to their website to check out the structure and well, to feel like I’m visiting family.

When I ran across the above article I felt somewhat sad. It brought home to me just how alone I feel at times. In the bodywork world, I’m a fringe of a fringe. What do I do? I know I engage in some of the most healing bodywork on the planet. Let me say that again, I engage in some of the most healing bodywork…on the planet. I was taught by my teacher and absorbed everything I could over the course of several years. As a teaching assistant I watched like a hawk and continued to apprentice myself to glean any information I could about this healing work I’ve grown to love.

Who gets it? Not many. If you’re reading this in and around Austin, TX most of our citizens don’t even know what Thai massage is. Those that have had it, may not have had a session that was any good. Who is the teacher? How long was the course? Are they a licensed therapist? The list of questions go on but here’s my opinion on the matter folks. I’ve lived in Austin, TX for six years and you know who gives me bodywork? My students. I can barely find anyone who practices this healing art and after conversations with my teacher, took up the banner and decided I’d pour my being into creating a dent in Austin, TX. You may not know what Thai massage is now but give me 20 years and it’ll be as common as swedish and deep tissue.

Should Thai massage be regulated beyond the usual massage licensing board in the state of Texas? I put my palm gently on my forehead and lament whatever thoughts come up. I recently started teaching anyone who wants to learn through the Austin Thai massage group on Facebook. Why? Why would I give it away? Quite simply because someone gave it to me.

My holding up the banner is because I was taught traditional Thai massage by a competent and thorough teacher who gave me her blessing to start teaching others. When people want it, here you go. Your sincerity is enough, let’s get to healing. There’s no need for you to be a licensed massage therapist to practice this work. I honor, obey and follow the rules and regulations of the state of TX but reading the article from the Naga center I realized how alone I’ve felt. Six years I wandered around knowing nearly no one knew what I did, where it came from or what its benefit was. Massage is done on a table, cream is used and the client is naked. The first obstacle new students who are massage therapists face is they come to me and I say, “get rid of your table, get rid of your cream and leave the clients clothes on.”

I will continue teaching and promoting this healing work because it’s needed. Need, not want. People are in pain, they suffer. Who gives them relief? I remember Jesus’ saying, “Come to me ye who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” We should be following the advice of great teachers. I’ve said it before to a group of massage therapists and I’ll say it again, If Jesus returned to earth today and performed healings, he’d be put in prison for practicing medicine without a license.

Thai bodywork, Thai massage has a home in Austin, Tx. I’m helping to promote, educate and preserve this tradition. No fluff, solid substance and deep healing. Massage therapists, do yourself a favor. Come see what the fuss is about.

Namaste,
Robert

Is Thai massage, massage?

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Over the years I’ve grown past borders, boundaries and certain conceptions. The way I work is based on ten years of experience and the practical necessity of doing what works. My work comes out of helping myself first, then I pass that information on to you. I’m doing quite well and it helps me speak authoritatively on the subjects I address regarding health.

A client commented on my work and asked how I knew to work a spot on his leg. I told him that his arches are fallen, that it’s rotating his legs inwards and causing a case of flat back that contributing to his low back pain. No frills, no fuss, just alignment. He told me he didn’t think other massage therapists would have noticed his feet and I’m again reminded of why I’m teaching Thai massage and what I do. I’m good at it. Really good. I’m not just rubbing cream on you, I’m trying to find the key that unlocks your posture and allows you to heal.

Thai massage isn’t really massage as far as most are concerned. Someone told me recently that their spa job didn’t like them stretching clients. The concern was that she was helping make the clients better and therefore the clients would leave. How would they make money? Thai massage is so far out of left field to most people that they can look at it and be puzzled. I practice it, teach it and promote it because it works. Simple, so simple most massage therapists are ending their careers early and losing out on what I consider the best bodywork around.

Thai massage is done on a mat, not a table. Thai massage is done with clothes on, not nude. Thai massage is done without creams or lotions. Those three things can leave a massage therapist disoriented, I’ve seen it in my classes. They settle in quickly and I’m drawing the creative, the visionaries and healers in our profession to the work but I see the momentary bewilderment in their eyes. Thai massage takes what you think bodywork is and turns it upside down.

When I teach at a local massage school, the first thing I do is take off my shoes and do a headstand. The whole class looks at me puzzled and I ask them, “what does this do?” As they speak and we talk about it I’m sending a message visually, I’m here to turn your education upside down. If you grab what I’m teaching, take it and use it you’ll come out on the other side whole. No ego, no pat on the back, this is hard work but it’s worth every bit of effort.

Is Thai massage, massage? Depends on what you think massage is. What’s your goal? My goal was health. I wanted no back pain. I wanted to stand tall, to sit upright and be able to meditate. I can do all of those now. Do you want less back pain? Do you want to heal from old injuries? Do you want better posture? Do you want to make contact with your soul? Do you want to be centered and calm? Do you want a better life? Thai massage can help give you that.

No ego. Ten years experience. On a good day I sit and realize my spine feels cushioned, whole and supported by angels and clouds. I can only smile. My work, my life and my practice are the same. This isn’t a intellectual exercise, this is real life. Massage as most think of it only took me so far. I still use it when appropriate but most people need Thai bodywork or Thai massage. I see you stand and feel your pain from slouching. I sense your anguish and frustration with life. I feel it because I’ve been there, past tense. I’ve kept working on it and every day it gets a bit better. Less strain, less stress, better breathing. That can also be yours.

Come get a session, find out for yourself.

Massage therapists, forget what you’ve been taught. Step into a new way of doing things. You’ll save your hands and build a career, the kind that will allow you to prosper spiritually and financially. 20 years from now Thai massage will be as ubiquitous as swedish and deep tissue. Trust me.

Shock and awe

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I don’t usually feel like a rock star but ten years into my practice I sit back and realize my skill set has made me one of the best of my profession. My clients are those who wish to get better and will work to get there. If they’ve come in just to relax we won’t get very far long term. It’s not just providing bodywork it’s providing education and therapeutic exercise to get a client where they want to be.

At a party recently a young man was asking me about yoga, Bikram yoga specifically. He started by asking how I’d gotten so ripped. I laughed and realized he was talking about this photo:

I found it funny because in western culture abs are something of a symbol. Male health and virility are all in the abs I think, least the cast of 300 will tell you so.

He asked what I do and I told him I do Bikram once a week on average for the past 6 years. I also do other yoga, work on clients, eat well and stay active. Nothing crazy is done, just a simple and good life. In discussions about work and clients he asked if I wanted clients to come back again and again because it’s good for business. Emphatically I replied no, that’s just the opposite of what I want.

Over a short conversation I explained to him that if he came to see me, my goal is to help make him better, to give him the tools to make himself better so that I’m no longer needed. Then, he’ll tell all of his friends. That’s where my clients come from. This is no revolving door practice. If you want a therapist who’ll try to schedule your next session immediately with some pressure, sorry, you’re not going to get it from me.

A client came in recently with the usual upper back and neck pain. In the course of our intake he mentioned many herniated discs, ongoing pain for years and I began for me what is my usual work. I began the massage and told him, “you need to begin taking yoga classes.” After a brief back and forth he explained that the doctors told him, “no yoga.” I politely told him that his doctors didn’t know what they were talking about.

How can I say this? I’m only a massage therapist and yoga instructor and certainly not a doctor. Quite frankly, most doctors don’t seem to know what they’re doing to their patients long term if what I see every day is any indication. Nerve blocks, pain medication, unneeded surgeries and thousands of dollars worth of tests to try to diagnose what? Most of these clients simply suffer from chronically poor alignment and myofascial pain. The simple form is their posture sucks and they hurt. How do I know?

Laughs out loud. Lol Because I used to as well. Then I thought for myself and grew up. I was man enough to challenge every notion thrown at me.

Yoga is not what most people think it is. The practice is broad. I can teach it to an athlete. I can teach a 90 year old lady and I can teach someone who’s doctor has told them yoga is bad. Yoga isn’t what you think it is. If you hurt, my suggestion is you need to find a good teacher and learn.

Working on the client, observing his posture and back curvature I asked if he had any numbness or tingling in his hands. There was no reason for me to ask, nothing on the intake indicated this. I can see! I’ve done this ten years. Yes, he told me, his right hand goes numb. I reached over to my old friend the rotator cuff and began my usual work. 5 seconds later I hear groaning and ask, do you feel that in your hand? Guess what the reply is?

You do not have to have a medical degree to heal yourself. I’ve worked too long and too hard to butt up against medical professionals who won’t grow up and give their clients real information and a populace that’s too lazy to get better. I cannot do it for you. I will help, I can lead you to water, but you must drink.

Massage therapists, if you’re reading this you’re missing out by not sitting in my studio and begging for me to teach you. Nothing I do is a secret but no one is doing it. Don’t believe me? I’ve been in Austin, Texas for 6 years and I don’t have a regular massage therapist. Know why? I haven’t found one good enough to give me the work I desire. This isn’t being uppity, it’s being honest. I’m teaching Thai massage to students to get them to work on me.

You want to get better? Forget what you’ve been told by overweight doctors who smoke and have bad relationships. You want to heal, go to someone who’s healing themselves. Do what you’ve always done and you get what you’ve always got. I’m sick of seeing clients lumber into my office with horrible posture and a list of medications a mile long wondering why they’re sick while doctors and pharmaceuticals companies shake hands and smile at each other.

My health, I’ve earned it. Plain, simple and you can to. I don’t just give you advice, I follow my own.

Can you hear it? Off in the distance. I hear shock and awe. How can he say such things?

I can say it with all the righteous indignation I can muster at 35 years of age. It’s your life! This is not a game. Harness your body and grow well. I’ll see you soon for Thai massage and a yoga class.

Thai massage is deeper

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Thai massage is relatively new to central Texas. I continue to promote the work and educate bodyworkers and the public as to the differences. I’ve worked for ten years and if you give me an option Thai massage is what I’ll get nearly every time I work with a therapist. When students ask me why I started teaching I tell them I need someone to work on me.

The depth that I need to access, the muscular insertions and alignment needed are easily provided with this bodywork. Fortunately for therapists it’s also easier on our hands and bodies.

Swedish and deep tissue massage are the most common forms of bodywork performed in the U.S. American schools have pushed massage and bodywork regulation that’s having most states license massage and this is the primary bodywork taught in most schools.

Swedish of course is originally from Sweden and is generally long flowing strokes over muscles and skin using creme or lotion. This flowing motion not only relaxes muscle but improves vascular flow of blood and lymph in particular.

Deep tissue is a western anatomically based focus on particular muscles or groups of muscles. This is usually done after some Swedish work to open up an area. The superficial muscles are relaxed to allow the therapist in so to speak. Then using fingers, elbows, forearms or knuckles the therapist sinks into the tissues to relax and flush specific muscles that are tight.

Both of these kinds of bodywork are effective and there’s a reason they’ve become nearly ubiquitous. As I once heard someone say, “You can’t sling a dead cat in Austin without hitting a massage therapist.” Yep. Most of those massage therapists are doing swedish and deep tissue.

So how does Thai massage fit in?

In my professional opinion Thai massage is deeper than deep tissue. It does not use cream, you’re not undressed but Thai massage can access musculature that most deep tissue therapists overlook in my experience. Thai massage doesn’t cancel out this other work, I use it myself daily depending on a client’s needs but Thai massage differs in a very specific way. It honors movement.

When I lift someone’s arm and rotate their torso I’m getting their trapezius and rhomboids to lengthen. Even without pressure what I’ve done is taken the muscles and lengthened them all the way down into their insertion and origin. Tendon is what connects muscle to bone and in Thai we work down to it easily while saving my hands.

Thai massage in this way allows me to use my body more efficiently and accesses that deep spot the client wants worked on. Once you figure out the pattern and unwind it you feel like you’ve done a great job and the clients respond very well to the practice. I’ve had clients tell me repeatedly that they can’t believe they wasted their time and money on those “other” massages.

Like deep tissue? You’ll probably love Thai massage. Leave your clothes on and your preconceived notions at the door.

See you soon for Thai massage in Austin, Texas.

Business

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I’ve worked for years to increase my practice, build what I’m doing and in the past two years really decided it was time people listened. At 25 most people assumed my health was a gift of genetics but ten years later people look at me and start to wonder what it is I’m doing that seems to be working. I ache, I hurt and regularly I might add but, I can control it. Bodywork and yoga have provided a solid platform along with dietary changes that allow me to heal myself to my ability. That control leads to less depression, less frustration and lots of hope.

This week I had to turn away three clients, three of my regulars I see once a week. I, Robert Gardner turned away work and money. I reached my limit. My work has grown to the point that scheduling is needed in more detail, regular time off must be scheduled and my prices/rates need to rise more. I love what I do and it shows. To turn away work is something I’ve dreamed of and it only took ten years, two states and innumerable breaths to reach.

You want a session of Thai massage? It’s $100.00 per session and you’ll need to schedule two weeks in advance. I’ll see you soon. Thai massage class starts at 830am tomorrow.

Namaste’…bitches.

Thai seated back pt.3

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This is the last in our series on Thai massage from a seated position. All three of these videos and the work can be viewed and performed in sequence to make a little routine your friends will thank you for.

The value in Thai massage lay in its ability to use body weight effectively. It’s similar to jiu jitsu in that you’re using the receivers body and weight against itself to apply pressure. Work smart, not hard. For massage therapists with an active practice it creates space to save your hands and allows new opportunities in movement.

Dancers, yoga students and martial artists especially appreciate the work. If you’d like to learn Thai massage register for class this Friday.

Thai seated back pt.2

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This continues our series on Thai massage in a seated position. The video shows work that’s used on an extremely common problem area, the upper back where it meets the neck. Levator scapulae are the muscles that go from the top of the shoulder blade to the base of the skull and they’re often tight and tense. The use of the elbow saves your hands, allows you to work effectively without strain.

Share these with friends. They’re easy to perform techniques that post little risk when done in communication with those you’re working on. Ask those who receive from you how it feels. Better still show them how to perform it and trade. The best way to learn is to give and receive.

See you soon for a Thai massage class here in Austin, Texas.

http://robertgardnerwellness.com/class/thai-yoga-massage/

Thai seated back pt.1

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This new video shows work around the scapula or shoulder blade. For people with constant upper back and neck issues this is a good way to begin the process of opening the chest and having that slumped forward posture start to change. This usually brings some relief from upper back pain albeit temporary. This particular stretch is easy to do while someone is seated on the floor or in a chair so it’s good to use on friends and family at parties.

Opening the rhomboids, trapezius and erector spinae addresses some of the core issues that come from computer work. This chin jutted forward slouch is bad for posture long term.

Thai massage classes including certification are ongoing in the new year. Look for emails and updates here and on facebook/twitter. See you all soon.

Happy New Years everyone. I wish us all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.

Thai massage in Austin

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Often people ask what Thai massage is? I’m finding more and more that I’ve learned my way into a spot that most don’t understand or find themselves aware of. Thai massage isn’t massage in the same way that swedish and deep tissue is. Thai massage is done clothed on a mat on the ground and resembles passive yoga more than some sensual oiled session most massage therapists provide.

Thai massage has its place within western bodywork at this point and I’ve little doubt that in 30 years time it’ll be as ubiquitous as swedish and deep tissue are. I loathe to think massage therapists are ending their careers far too soon by working ineffectively and abusing their hands. Thai massage helps me make use of my feet, heels, toes and knees in a way that was liberating when I first started using it.

Over the holidays try this Thai neck massage out on friends and family. If their response is, “oh..that’s really tight or that feels really good” you’ll see why Thai massage is spreading. It’s extremely effective and easy to use.

If you’ve never had a Thai massage give yourself a Christmas treat and schedule a session. There’s no reason to continue having back pain. Call to schedule. 512 905 2298

It’s better than this?

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A client I worked with recently had low back pain. As usual I had him lay down on the table and performed Thai massage on him. Having never had a massage before the client didn’t know what to expect, he just wanted help with his low back.

As we went along the client commented on how much better it felt already. I explained to him briefly how tight muscles cause pain. If I have him curl a dumbell and hold it for ten minutes he’ll report that his arm hurts. Same thing holds for your back. If muscles contract or stretch and stay that way without relief, pain is the result. If we get them to relax, your nervous system sighs in relief.

He told me he wished he could just stay this way. If he could only figure out how to remain like this he’d be fine. I told him he could, it’s called yoga. He said, “It’s better than this? Are you sure?” I laughed and explained to him that the very same things we’re doing together, he can do on his own. His advantage is that he can push himself right up to his edge, then breathe into it for a better stretch. The other is that he can take it with him wherever he goes. Once he’s learned yoga, he can use it whenever he wants.

He would be a non-traditional student. I’d guess he’s in his 60’s and he’s concerned about his health as he ages. He’s not limber, flexible or young. He’s certainly not a south Austin 25 year old hipster. He is however a perfect candidate for yoga. He’s human and smart enough to listen to how his body feels. His body feels better after Thai massage and his body will respond just as well to yoga. If he’s smart enough to follow his instincts his chocolate just might fall into his peanut butter. Chocolate is Thai massage and yoga is peanut butter, they belong together.

These healing traditions are for everyone. They can allow you to live a life you’ve only imagined.


http://its-that-easy.net/yogakate/main.php?id=32

Older age doesn’t mean decay and suffering, it means older age. No judgements. If you work with your body your physical form is maintained and you can be more healthy and more vibrant than you were at 20. You’ll certainly have more wisdom. He asked me why no one had told him about this Thai massage or yoga before, he’s had back pain for 15 years. I told him no one is sticking a camera in my face to let me tell people.

After finding a copy of Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar he expressed great optimism about aging. Iyengar is in his 90’s and though mostly retired from teaching he has an active practice. My client having a model for old age and living well made him even more optimistic about his life. After all, he’s got another 30 years to explore what he’s just found.

He recounted that he’s borderline diabetic but his blood sugar has stabilized. He’s not changed anything in his diet. When he asks me why I say, “no idea.” I smile and we continue exploring whatever it is we’re both doing that makes us feel so much better. This is the healing path.

Another massage?

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In working as a massage therapist I’ve encountered so many people and so many bodies that I’ve built a mental catalog of structural issues and things that cause musculoskeletal pain. When I began my work years ago I would ask clients questions, “What do you do for work, play, exercise? Where are you experiencing tightness or pain?” I began to dislike the answers I was given. The reason was that after about 500 clients I already knew what the answers were usually. Upper back and neck pain are the most obvious and I dedicated years of my life to studying the problem, working on my own pain from a whiplash and scoliosis.

Ten years later, I know what I’m doing. I still learn new things, new approaches and methods but I’m highly skilled at what I do. I’ve gone beyond just being a massage therapist. If someone tells me I’m just a massage therapist my hackles raise. You’ve not understood my teaching.

If you come to see me for bodywork I’ll do everything I can to help you. This includes the Thai massage you’re receiving but I’ll tell you to start doing yoga. Not if or maybe, I will mention it. It’s rare that I do not. I can have you be a regular client and help you, we can give you another massage. Bodywork is wonderful but active and passive forms of care are best and work together.

So here’s the deal. Do you want another massage or do you want to get better? If you want to heal, the best way to do that is take what I offer and work on your own healing. That is what I teach. It’s you. You can heal yourself. I’ve done it, continue to do it and best of all I can eat whatever I want. No worries or anxiety about food. My body hurts less, my joints improve, I dare say I’m mostly mentally stable and honestly yoga has helped me be one of the sanest people I know.

It’s not just me. Yoga is a tool. Use it. Bodywork and Thai massage are as well, use them. I teach and offer them both. I can give you the map, but you my friend must follow the path.

I’ll see you soon for your Thai massage and yoga class here in Austin and Round Rock.

What is Thai massage?

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I get this question more than anything regarding my work. There isn’t really a category for what I do. I’m a yoga teacher, bodyworker and cook but really what I do is take my life’s work and offer it to you. If you have posture problems and back pain I can help you.

Thai massage is far too vast a subject for a single blog post but maybe this will become part one of ninety thousand. Thai massage is in short, the best bodywork I’ve ever received. I’ve devoted my life to practicing it along with yoga to pry apart the secrets of the human body and healing. In that ongoing quest to help myself I’ve become a wonderful person along the way, whatever seed was there originally has sprouted and is producing fruit.

I work on someone with back pain in ways they’re unfamiliar with. I move you around on a mat while clothed on the floor and stretch, press, pull and knead all the tension away. When you walk out of my office you feel taller, less encumbered and closer to how you felt when you were a baby, you could stand but without postural tension and distortion. The physical connects to the spiritual. I use the handle I’ve been given, the body. “The body is my temple and asana are my prayers.”~~BKS Iyengar

People often wonder how I know where to press or what to stretch. I can only communicate my experience over the past ten years. I’ve had more pain and aches than I care to remember but out of that reservoir of experience emerged a healer. I can unwind the patterns because I’ve experience unwinding them in myself. My maps are yoga and Thai massage. I had to travel the path though, otherwise it’s just images on a page.

You can take the journey as well. Thai massage is the best bodywork I’ve received and I’ve scoured the US and various states looking for more. If I find anything better I’ll learn it and start teaching it in addition. For now if you want the best massage in Austin or Round Rock, Texas you come to me. If you’re a massage therapist and want to learn Thai massage you come to me as well. You can settle for less in a bodyworker and healer but with the stress of family and jobs don’t you deserve the best? Isn’t it time you felt less pain and let someone help you feel good regularly? That, my friends, is what Thai massage is as well as yoga. It’s a path to healing.

Get a session before Christmas by calling soon. I don’t have much space available. Business is busy.

Namaste’,
Robert
512 905 2298