About Six Elements Bodywork
In traditional 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 elements and need them balanced enough to support basic existence, wellness and thriving.
Thai Bodywork and Healing Therapies
There is no simple definition that answers many of the questions I get: Is it deep tissue? Does it hurt? That's the stretching massage right?
Thai healing arts focus on assessing and supporting the whole person, removing obstacles to normal function and easing suffering as much as possible. My focus of study has been on the body therapies, herbal treatments and Reusi Dat Ton, but there are a wide variety of techniques and approaches depending on the situation and the practitioner's emphasis in training. Each session can look vastly different from another so the main defining characteristic of Thai bodywork is whether the practitioner is using Thai theory.
Here, we generally work on a floor mat using hands, arms, legs, feet, herbal therapies and whatever tools seem appropriate for the moment. I have training in many manual techniques, herbal applications, cupping, scraping (known as Gua Sha in Chinese medicine circles), tok sen and more. While primarily a bodywork practice, we are always working with every aspect of you as a person and the focus of individual sessions may vary.
The experience can include anything from gentle and relaxing work with no stretching or movement at all, vigorous deep tissue techniques, stretching, conversation about health strategies, using movement practices or any combination of those. We could focus on one specific location or work more systemically, depending on the imbalance and what is needed. Because I've also done trainings in modern structural bodywork and visceral manipulation and other modern ideas, they do get mixed into sessions as deemed appropriate. I primarily use a Thai traditional lens as much as possible.
Herbal Therapies
Herbal formulas are an integral part of traditional healing.
We have balms, liniments, compresses, Thai aromatherapy, full body steam baths, yoni steams and more. Often formulas we use are hand made by myself or a colleague, in small batch form. Most of the time these will just be part of the session as needed. See Services for more information.
The Reusi
A Reusi, pronounced something like Roo-see or Loo-see, holds a specific role in traditional Thai society, similar to the Yogis/Rishis of India and similar roles in cultures across the world. They carry on knowledge and practices passed from teacher to student through thousands of years. Those that hold medicine and the self-healing practices of Reusi Dat Ton have had a tremendous contribution to Thai medicine and the body therapies we practice today.
Reusi Dat Ton practices include using daily habits, breath work, stationary and moving postures, meditations, visualizations and more. RDT and Indian Yoga both descended from practitioners in the Himalayas, though they have evolved in different lands and with different core focus. In this way they are like siblings.
RDT has been found to improve range of motion, physical strength, mental health, focus & concentration, injury recovery, sleep patterns and much more. 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, and also by watching the results for my fellow practitioners. I see results when simple principles are applied during a healing session as well.
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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 form. Fortunately, I have found mentors who have been leading me over the years into deeper understanding of the culture, traditions and medical knowledge within which the bodywork lives. These studies have changed me in every way, and as a result 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 in all aspects of being alive. 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).
While I don't currently speak Thai, I have been ever so slowly learning in pieces...