Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1451559
spine as you very gently stretch their arms back. On their inhale, release the intensity of the stretch and move your foot to another position anywhere from the ilium to the scapula on the erectors. Exhale, stretch, and press. After a handful of repetitions on one side, repeat on the other. Then practice pressing both feet on both sides of the erectors on your client's exhale. Once received, back walking might be the best way to let a person "walk all over you." TRICEPS STRETCH AND SQUEEZE This is another technique that can be practiced traditionally on the fl oor or on a massage table on clothed or draped clients. Begin by bending an elbow, then brush open a palm to fl ex the fi ngers back. Now lift the bent elbow and guide the open palm to rest palm down (if possible) next to their head. Stack elbow over wrist and support their bent elbow with your outside hand and begin to stretch the elbow superiorly—and then squeeze the triceps away from the bone. Alternate between stretching and squeezing. As you stretch, be sure not to press the elbow down into the table; rather, stretch the elbow to the wall in front of you (go for a curved-arc stretch directionality). Create the quintessential traditional Thai rhythmic, rocking sensation as you alternate from the stretch and squeeze. Traditionally, there is not much petrissage or squeezing in Thai massage, but we use creative license as we follow the Thai adage "same-same, but different." STICK IT TO 'EM For therapists who have a tendency to overuse their thumbs, the Thai wooden stick provides a respite for repetitive strain. Believe it or not, with practice, this wooden tool can act as an extension of your own hand, and clients won't even know you're not using your thumbs. The Thai stick has a narrow and broader tip to powerfully release adhesions or pressure points in the feet. It can also be used like a gua-sha (or scraping) tool. Play with holding the stick in comfortable ways without over-gripping. This is a powerful modality and can benefi cially impact the entire mind, body, and heart. HEARTS FULL OF THANKS Our many travels to Thailand and being immersed in her various healing approaches has transformed us and allowed us to evolve beyond our American roots. We discovered a loving kindness lifestyle that focuses on relieving the suffering of others, and, just as importantly, reminds us to include ourselves in the therapeutic relationship. We learned how to leverage our bodies to give the most impact in every session with the least amount of effort: also known as living metta. We discovered that traditional Thai massage was not complete without setting intentions and developing a meditation practice—also growing metta. And we realized we do not have to give until it hurts. Our times in Thailand continue to infl uence who we are and what we do. It has come to be the place where we go to refresh, restore, and heal. We are eternally grateful for Thailand and the opportunity to continue to study and share the rich history, culture, and ancient healing art of Thai massage in all its many forms. May you be blessed and fi lled with good energy (or as they say in Thailand, lom). With hearts full of thanks, —Kap Khun Krap and Kap Khun Ka ("Thank You" in Thai) L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 43 Heath and Nicole Reed regularly host continuing education retreats in Thailand, learning with their Thai teachers and marinating in the loving culture, scenery, food, and healing Thai bodywork. For at-home access to Thai bodywork, Living Metta offers Table Thai Yoga Massage and Thai Refl exology with the wooden stick home- study courses. The Reeds invite you to join the Living Metta family with a free 30-day trial with access to their complete Thai Yoga Massage webinar and home-study library.