History: Thai Massage is believed to have been developed by a doctor from northern India known as Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha. He was the personal physician to Gautama Buddha and Magadha King Bimbisara. The Thai massage techniques originated from India and have existed for more than 3,000 years. However the massage was popularized in Thailand.

In a Traditional Thai Massage you will be guided into various flowing movements and Yoga-like positions - with stretching, pulling, rocking and pressure applied along all the body's Sen (energy) lines. [The sen lines correspond with Chinese acupuncture and ancient Indian Ayurvedic medical practices.]

The practitioner uses a combination of hands, feet and elbows to apply pressure (without utilizing oil). These techniques help relieve tension, enhance flexibility and range of motion. The movements involved help force circulation of blood to the usual and new areas of your body. With better circulation, your whole body’s' organs can receive oxygen more easily.

Overall Benefits: *Improves range of motion/flexibility, *Increases pain threshold while relieving muscle tension, *Stimulates and enhances the circulatory system, *Stimulates the body's natural-internal healing properties, *Reduces stress levels by reducing cortisol levels (a stress hormone) while it increases serotonin (a “happiness” hormone), *Improved energy flow (the mental, physical and spiritual connection).

Equipment: A Traditional Thai Massage is performed on a Thai Mat on the floor.

Attire: both client and practitioner are fully clothed in comfortable loose clothing (i.e workout or yoga wear.) text goes here

A Thai herbal compress massage is also known as Luk Pra Kob, or the "pressing herbal sphere," in Thailand. It is a hot treatment using fresh or dried herbs like kaffir lime, galangal, camphor, turmeric, and lemongrass tied in an unbleached cotton cloth. The herbs in the compress have properties that are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and antioxidant.

Each of the herbs, carrier oils and essential oils have their own unique benefits. The combination of the heat and herbs help relieve sore muscles, improve circulation of the blood and lymph system while stimulating internal organs.

It is the ultimate healing treatment that combines aromatherapy, thermal therapy, herbal therapy and massage all into a single treatment!

History of Yoga: The practice of Yoga was developed in ancient India around 3000-1800 BCE. The word yoga, from the Sanskrit word yuj means to bind/ "union".

Yoga is a sensible approach to mental and physical health that embodies more than poses (asanas) and movements. It is a science and a way of living intended to work on all aspects of a person (the physical, mental, emotional, psychic and spiritual self.)

Science: Physically - Yoga aims to bring about balance and coordination in different bodily functions and systems. When imbalances occur, the body does not function in harmony and at times can cause systems to work against each other which can allow disease to manifest. Practicing certain yoga poses can help stimulate the endocrine and nervous system; which improve their efficiency and in turn will help the body fight disease and heal the body.

Mental and emotional - Yoga cannot “cure” the ills we encounter in life, however it offers techniques to help us cope with the negative feelings and thoughts that we might experience. Self-observation and awareness taught through yoga can help one become less attached/as affected when we encounter negative experiences in our life. Some poses and breathing exercises have immediate cleansing and relaxing effects if practiced while suffering from emotional or mental distress.

Psychic and spiritual - the awareness we gain through yogic practices will gradually lead us to understand more subtle areas of existence. (Understanding how we connect with the world around us, and how a disturbance at that level of existence can affect us personally at a physical, emotional and mental level.)

Way of living: It is a means of harmonizing ourselves and our lives.

Through various internal and external yogic practices, you will improve your current ability to focus (till you can without distraction), gain control of your senses, breath consciously, increase body awareness, correct alignment, improve your posture, strengthen the core, and improve your balance overall (both internally and externally). *Meaning your mind will become more flexible as well. We become better at coping with the minds fluctuating thoughts and emotions - in spite of life’s unpredictable and uncontrollable changes. Our personal behaviors and perceptions of the outer world will be influenced and changed; we then become more capable of focusing on our inner-selves which will help up reach/experience enlightenment (samadhi).

Breathwork (Pranayama) is conscious control of breath; controlled inhalation, exhalation and retention. In a typical class the lesson will begin with light chanting or a mantra, followed by breathing exercises and *concentration exercises which can help with meditation.

Meditation is the continuous stillness of the mind without distraction or interruptions - a meditative state can be acquired by practicing breathing and concentration exercises.

Benefits:

• Purify the mind and body (prepare for meditation or concentration)

• Relax and activate both the left and right brain

• Correct your breathing habits (long, deep and unforced)

• Balance energy

• Expand energy

coming soon