Thai Yoga Massage author: Kam Thye Chow Healing Arts Press Inner Traditions International 2002 ISBN #0-89281-937-5 Thai Yoga Massage is one of the most interesting concepts on healing that I have read about in a long time. I would love to say that I have experienced it - I will have to hold that thought for the future, when I can locate a practitioner. The basic concept of this method of massage is the incorporation of yoga, Ayurveda and meditation into one modality. The aim of Thai Yoga massage, in addition to stretching and toning the muscles, is to improve circulation, relieve muscle tension and spasm, boost the body's metabolism and immune system, and balance the energetic bodies. The author, Kam Thye Chow, is from Malaysia and is of Chinese descent. His background studies are tai chi chuan, chi kung, massage and herbal healing. His personal brand of Thai Yoga massage is called Lotus Palm Thai Yoga Bodywork. The Lotus Palm technique emphasizes balance, centering, transition and safety. Why safety? Because the practitioner is working with the client in making the body moves - the "dancing meditation". This is a form of massage adapted specifically for westerners, for their more sedentary lifestyle. There is just enough background information in this book to make this type of massage understandable. Chow discusses such things as Sen lines, Marmas (pressure points), the five elements (ether, air, fire, water and earth), and the three Dosha's (Vata, Pita and Kapha). Over 50% of the book is focused on body positions and techniques, with very explicit instructions on palming, thumbing, stretching and breathing. Each body position consists of a description of the position, ways to adapt the position if need be for greater comfort, benefits and precautions and the Dosha type that it is recommended for. There is a wonderful section on how to close a session, by giving a facial massage and holding your hands in prayer to develop mindfulness and a spiritual connection. For those wishing to see clients on a business basis, Chow has included templates for a personal health questionnaire, a consent form, and an Ayurvedic Constitution questionnaire. These are all things that are necessary obtain the information that will allow you to do your best for your client. Whether or not you choose to go into massage therapy as a business, I found this technique to be of great value, and would recommend this book to anyone interested in massage as a healing and a spiritual modality. (c) September 2003 Bonnie Cehovet Personal Lifestyle Reading - I offer a Personal Lifestyle Reading using Tarot that looks at past, present and future influences in your life, at the energies that are currently available to help you along your path, and at those energies that are appearing as challanges. My goal is to offer you insight into your decision making process, as well as tools that you can use to both better understand your path and make conscious, choice centered decisions. Home Personal Empowerment links Personal Empowerment articles View My Guestbook Sign My Guestbook Graphics by Art for the web