Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/121374
ABMP Member Profile Compiled by Jed Heneberry Following My Passion to Thailand f irst tr i p to T h ai l a nd, 1 998 C hi a ng M h ai , T ai l a t ong Fest ival rafts, Loi Kra Lauren Bear My Making f lo wer I fell in love with Thai massage on a business trip many years ago. When I learned how old the practice was, and that it was intertwined with Buddhism, I was enchanted. It is a specific skill set that's been cultivated for more than 2,000 years by a people who have my heart. For me, it's the most effective technique to receive, and the most ergonomic to perform. I enjoy how you feel during the session (nurtured) and when you're finished (energized, but relaxed). As my practice has changed, I've been longing for a deeper connection to the work. There are a lot of people who don't really understand the cultural and spiritual practices behind it, and I think something gets lost in translation without that understanding. So, this summer, I'm so excited to return to Chiang Mai, Thailand, to study. I love the place, the people, the food, the massage, the temples. I'll visit the ruins of Ayutthaya—the historic home for traditional Thai massage, before Wat Po in Bangkok was ever conceived—and my studies will include anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology from the perspective of traditional Thai medicine. When I finish, I'll be certified to teach by the Thai government. In the West, we have a tendency to delve into many things, but we rarely go deeper and learn the finer points of what we do; that lack of focus prevents us from becoming a master of anything. I would rather have a small toolbox that I use with precision than a large toolbox filled with things that don't serve my clients or me. Perhaps it's the Eastern influence, but I value specialization and focus. , 2000 Different Strokes: the voice of ABMP nd