About Six Elements Bodywork
In traditional Thai medicine teachings, the experiences common to humans are described as earth, water, fire, wind, space and consciousness. The words go beyond common use to describe experiences of solidity, fluidity, heating/ transformation, and movement - all of which exist in space and we are aware of them through consciousness. We live in a constantly changing interplay of these experiences. Each must be strengthened or eased at different times in order to keep them balanced enough to support basic existence, wellness and thriving.
About the Bodywork and Therapies
My training comes from:
Traditional Thai medicine theory, assessment, manual and herbal therapies:
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Techniques for every layer of the body: skin, tissue, sinews, bones and organs
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Joint mobilizations
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Targeted stretches to enhance comfort and preserve or increase mobility
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Cupping and Scraping therapies
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Herbal Therapies: infused oils, compresses, steam baths and more
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Traditional approaches to prenatal and postpartum care
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Injury care
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Daily habit and body care coaching
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Reusi Dat Ton (similar to Yoga)
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Thai abdominal massage
Modern Western practices theory assessment and manual therapies:
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Kneading and gliding
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Active Release
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Pin and Stretch
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Fascial Release
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Visceral Manipulation
If you have experience with a therapy that has worked for you before, we can have a conversation about including this in treatments. But in order to provide the most therapeutic effect, we don't offer techniques as menu options.
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FAQ:
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Is it deep tissue? Does it hurt?
The work can be deep tissue, but it can also be gentle. I follow what is happening during the visit and tend to treat layer by layer.
Some sessions can include intensity, but only when deemed appropriate by both parties. It is important to me that we not cause a new problem from backlash while trying to resolve your existing issue.
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Thai massage- that's the stretching massage right?
Thai therapies include many wonderful tools and stretching is only one of them. Some sessions include lots of big movements and stretches, others include a little or more subtle stretching and movement, and others have no stretching at all. What we do depends on the situation at the time.
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Do you do full body massage?
I don't tend to follow formulas that require a certain number of minutes on each part but I do listen to the person and the body. Sometimes we stay with one small area for a long time, sometimes we start in one spot, then follow the issue through multiple areas and sometimes we address the whole body. We make the treatment plan together and my goal is to address your concerns and what the body shows me.
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What should I expect?
Treatments are generally fully clothed and occur on a floor mat.
Bring clothes appropriate for yoga or exercise and be ready for herb and/or oil stains.
No jeans, skirts or bulky pockets.
We approach the session from the whole picture of you. Treatment may include herbal therapies, daily habit coaching and any of the therapies and approaches listed above.
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What if I have trouble getting to the floor and/ or back up?
I have options for this. Before your appointment, let's have a discussion and see what measures would be appropriate for you.
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Do you do medical massage? Sports massage?
I have given successful injury care for
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Auto accidents
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Worker's compensation injuries
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Athletic injuries
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And other acute and chronic injuries
I have also helped people improve issues like headaches, chronic pain, scoliosis, carpal tunnel, frozen shoulder, fibromyalgia, IBS, plantar fasciitis, and more.
People treated have been runners, weight lifters, new and seasoned parents, elders, desk workers, construction workers, yoga practitioners, and others.
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What do you do for pregnancy or postpartum sessions?
PRENATAL CARE:
Treatments are usually gentler and include minimal to no stretching.
We don't want to over-stretch loose ligaments or overwork the body resulting in excessive toxins and causing (even more) exhaustion.
Sometimes there is some deep work, but I try to keep it site specific rather than systemic. Pillows abound.
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POSTPARTUM CARE:
From a Thai medicine standpoint, the first month is a crucial time for rest and expelling extra water, accumulations and toxins.
We have specific postpartum treatments as well as education before the baby comes.
Message me to learn more- ideally let's make a plan before the baby comes but you can also message me if the baby is already here too.
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How often should I come back?
This depends on many factors, including the severity or priority of the issue, life schedule, finances and other logistical factors. We can discuss and find a good fit for your life.
Reusi Dat Ton
The Reusi tradition, (pronounced: Roo-see or Loo-see) is credited as one of the main sources of the medicine tradition and what we now experience as Thai Bodywork.
During our sessions, I often take time to coach people on a little bit of breath work, postures, movements, daily habits or other practices from RDT. Some people choose to devote much of, or the entire session to this work.
RDT has been used to improve range of motion, boost circulation, increase physical strength and endurance, support mental health and and mental focus/ concentration, assist injury recovery, improve sleep patterns and transform the body and mind.
This has been a major subject of study for me since 2010 and I can attest personally to the benefits in my own body, mind and life. I have watched fellow practitioners change and heal using RDT, and I see results when even the simplest principles are applied during a healing session.
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The self-healing practice of Reusi Dat Ton (RDT) as a whole system is a vast subject that includes study of anatomy, natural sciences, cyclic phenomena, daily habits, herbal medicine, meditations, chanting, breathing techniques and posture practices (asana). Each aspect of RDT can be applied medicinally, according to the needs of the practitioner. It is believed that from these self healing practices, a system was developed in order to heal others, which informed what we now see in treatment sessions.
The ancestry of RDT can be traced back thousands of years to practitioners in the Himalayas, as can the currently well known practice of Yoga, though the two systems evolved in different areas with differing inner approach. They are like siblings in this way.
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Meet Sarah
When introduced to Thai bodywork about 20 years ago, I felt immediate simpatico. As a lifelong dance geek, I was drawn into the movement as well as the wholeness that seemed to exist in the bodywork. Fortunately, I have found mentors who have been leading me over the years into ever deeper understanding of the culture, traditions and medical knowledge within which the bodywork lives. These studies have changed me in every way, and I believe myself to be a healthier, happier person because of it. In addition to Thai healing studies, I have learned from teachings in structural bodywork and visceral manipulation. This rich background results in sessions that are unique and can be deeply transformative.
The work I do is focused on maximizing healthy function and reducing suffering. I have a personal affinity for injuries, chronic pain, digestive issues, emotional stress in the body, and women's health- especially postpartum care.
It is critical to keep in mind the teachers and lineages from whom I have received information and teaching. I regularly give support according to my abilities to mentors in Thailand and the US, and as able, joyfully give dāna (giving with a happy heart and no expectations) to support other teachers and those in need.
Hablo español (bastante bien).