Thailand – 2013 Q & A

As you may or may not know, I will be heading back to Thailand for a follow-up trip. This trip is to continue my education for Thai Massage and I will bring back the ability to teach basic Thai Massage and work with special health cases. Many of you have asked questions about the purpose of this trip and have been looking for some additional information. Below are a few of the questions that have been asked, along with the answers. I hope this clears up some questions you may have had.

Question 1

What is the difference between Thai massage and regular massage?

WHAT!? You STILL haven’t tried a Thai massage!? I cannot believe it! A Thai Massage (also called “Thai Yoga Massage” or “Lazy Man’s Yoga”) is performed on a mat on the floor, using stretching and compression techniques over the recipient’s body. There is no oil used, usually, and the receiver is fully dressed in athletic wear or loose fitting clothes so that he or she can be moved around easily in. A full body Thai massage should be given over a time of approximately two hours. There are shorter Thai massages available (90 minutes and 60 minutes) but those are generally problem focused and cut a number of therapy techniques out that might help restore balance to the body as a whole. This, like any other massage, requires feedback from the recipient so the giver (that’s me) will know if the pressure is too light or too heavy, etc. Please do try Thai, it is a great therapy!

Question 2

Why are you returning to Thailand?

This higher level of education will certify me to work with special health cases using Thai massage and let me educate regular people like you to perform basic Thai Massage for your family and friends inside your home. You will not be able to use this for income though. You MUST go through massage school and pass an examination by the Department of Health to charge money for massage services in the USA.

Question 3

When will you be out of the office?

27 Oct. through 22 Dec.

Question 4

What is your school schedule?

Class begins on Friday, 1 Nov. and graduation day is Friday, 20 Dec. Class is M-F 9-4 with lunch 11:45-1 and tea at 2:15.

Question 5

Why are you going to be gone so long?

Last year I completed levels 1-2-3 covering Basic Thai Massage, additional techniques for specific conditions, herbal ball technique and foot massage with reflexology therapies. This year I will continue with levels 4-5 by working in nursing homes and special-needs children’s homes. The next level is a five-week Thai Massage Instructor’s Certification.

Question 6

Are you going again after this, or will you be done?

When this trip is complete there is one advanced teacher training certification left. This training is only offered over 10 weeks during the summer. I will register for this while in Thailand this autumn. I’ll have you know, I have no intention of traveling back to Thailand in 2014!

Question 7

Will you be able to refer me to someone for treatment while you’re gone?

Yes! Please email me if you’re in need of a referral and I will see to it that you get the care you need while I’m unavailable. I know plenty of bodyworkers offering deep tissue, relaxation, Thai, sports massage, acupuncture, yoga therapies, etc. A number of you have expressed to me your concerns that you don’t want to try another therapist, but I hope if you truly have a need you will ask for a referral. I promise I have your best interests at heart and want you to have the best health possible (even in my absence).