What is Yoga-Thai Massage? For clarity, although in common English we use the word "massage" when we talk about Yoga-Thai Massage, we do not mean it in the same context as the typical Western usage. In the West, "Massage" means something like a "Rub Down" primarily referring to systems derived from Swedish Massage and Massage Therapy. "Thai Massage" (a.k.a. Phaen Boran Ráksãa Thaang Nûat) is completely unrelated! Yoga-Thai is a form of complimentary and integrative medicine from Thailand. Based on ancient Yoga and Ayurveda (East Indian Medicine), it incorporates everything from Yoga positions and Yoga therapeutic practices to Reflexology and Thai-style foot massage. As a holistic and natural system, we believe that the human body is sacred and all touching is significant. Yoga-Thai treats the whole person in their entirety... mind, body and spirit. How does it work? The intensity and the results of this therapy depend on the necessity, desire, focus and skill of the practitioner in harmony with the necessity, desire, receptiveness and presence of the client. The healer (practitioner) is not separate and apart from the client - they are co-facilitators and participants in the practical expression of compassionate healing care. The Dancing meditation of Yoga-Thai is also special in that it seems to perfectly support and integrate with virtually every other conceivable healing method from Chiropractic and Osteopathy to Cranial Sacral and Chakra balancing. Its energetic focus on SEN lines or Thai "meridians" is similar to that of acupuncture and shiatsu. Call 616.235-YOGA  (9642) no payment information taken on-line | appointment not official until confirmed

Why is it different or special? Contrary to the popular Swedish massage of the West, which focuses on the physical aspect of the body with the kneading of muscles, Thai Massage combines techniques usually found isolated in the Western physiotherapies including Trigger Point Treatments, Myofascial Techniques, Neuro Muscular therapy, and Manual Therapy among others. The combination of energetic and physical aspects is what makes Thai Massage unique and so effective. As we said previously, much like a hug, Thai Massage can convey care and consideration and love with physical pressure. The difference of Yoga-Thai is the level of sophistication in exchanging this love with pressure. How is it performed? Opposite of Western massage, Yoga-Thai is performed on a mattress set up on the floor to allow freedom of motion and body-weight distribution. The receiver remains comfortable and fully clothed and there no oils or lotions applied. Traditional Yoga-Thai massage is really a deep, full-body treatment, starting at the feet and progressing up to the head. Using a sequence of gentle, flowing exercise movements, the joints and the muscles of the recipient's body are moved, loosened and stretched (some stretch applications linked to Yoga).  It is the combination of yoga stretching, calmness of meditation, with acupressure, exercise movement and reflexology that makes it a healing art. This unique type of “massage” influences the energetic side as well, restoring the flow of energy throughout the body with applied acupressure on the sen energy lines of the body, aimed at harmonizing and energizing. Full foot reflexology, hand, and neck massage is part of Yoga-Thai Massage, wonderful presses and stretches for limbs and body, energizing and relaxing at the same time.

What are the benefits or Yoga-Thai Massage? Thai style healing therapies may be the most significant advance in physical medicine for the management of chronic pain and resulting disability. Thousands of clients have received, finally, relief from chronic back pain, migraine headaches, soft tissue disorders and syndromes, complications of inflammatory process, lymphadema, and joint pain through this form of healing touch. Physical •    Assists in detoxification of the body and boosts immune system •    Increased blood circulation, lower blood pressure •    Good for muscle relaxation, increased flexibility and mobility in your muscles •    Improved breathing •    Improved posture, balance, corrects body alignments and dissolves energy blockages •    Improved athletic performance •    Eases arthritis and back pain. •    Helps tone the body, strengthen joints and fight diseases, including chronic joint problems •    Prevents illnesses and alleviates degenerative diseases Mental •    Improved outlook on life; build an emotional balance •    Increased concentration and creativity / mind and body concentration •    Clear and calm the mind •    Gain mental clarity Psychological •    Reduce and relieve stress and anxiety •    Boost inner energy levels •    Develop discipline and self-control •    Achieve better health and increased vitality. •    Raise the energy level and stamina •    Build internal power (and creates a natural confidence) About Laura Armenta Laura holds 15 years of experience in holistic health.  She has been a yoga devotee since 1991 and began teaching Hatha Yoga styles in 1997.  In 2000, Laura also began an in-depth study of Ayurvedic Medicine as well as Thai Massage with Dr. Anthony James. An avid interest in Thai massage resulted in certification in Nuat Thai or Nuad Boran / Yoga-Thai therapy through LUMA Center in Shelby, MI; she is a member of The International Thai Therapists Association, Inc. and has also trained with other world-renowned Yoga-Thai massage masters like Kam Tyne Chow and Kira Balaskas. She has attained such a level of skill that she now has referrals from such Grand Rapids physicians and dentists such as Dr. Kevin Flood. Her other complimentary trainings in the Holistic field are Healing Touch, energy balancing with Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls, Feldenkrais Method, Gyrotonics, Tai Chi and an intense as well as professional dance training.   Call 616.235-YOGA  (9642) no payment information taken on-line | appointment not official until confirmed