In 2004, I was introduced to traditional Thai yoga therapy by my

fellow teacher, Gabriel Hall.  I had a series of treatments with Gabriel during a challenging and stressful period in my life.  I very much appreciated the interactive nature of this ancient healing modality as a potent exchange of energy between giver and receiver.  It was truly unlike any other type of body work I had ever experienced and its therapeutic benefits were immensely impactful.  Then, in 2008, I was able to revisit Thai yoga therapy during my yoga teacher training with Saul David Raye, who is one of the main teachers of this healing art in the U.S.  This time though, I was able to get a taste of what it felt like to play the role of practitioner rather than recipient. I was instantly hooked and became inspired to become a practitioner myself.

In the fall of 2010, I had the great privilege of traveling to the place where this tradition has been rooted for the last 2000+ years, Northern Thailand- Chiang Mai to be exact.  I trained with a master teacher who was a senior student of Saul's teacher, Asokananda.  After spending a month studying and immersing in the cultural & spiritual traditions of Southeast Asia, I returned home a certified practitioner of this sacred healing art, following in the footsteps of my teachers, their teachers and all the teachers that came before them.  

Thai yoga therapy dates back over 2500 years and was founded in India by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha who was the physician to Buddha and his sangha (order of monks and nuns).  It is rooted in ayurveda and Buddhist spiritual practice and is the physical application of metta- loving kindness- and healing touch.  Shortly after its initial development, Thai yoga therapy found its way to Northern Thailand, which has been the center for carrying on the tradition ever since.  This healing modality combines rhythmic massage, acupressure, stretching and gentle twisting to open the flow of prana- vital life force energy- throughout the main energy lines of the body, resulting in a powerful release of stress and tension.  As a result, the recipient is brought into greater balance, harmony & vitality while the connection between mind, body & spirit is deepened.  Additional benefits of traditional Thai yoga therapy are:
 

Thai yoga therapy is different than massage techniques we are familiar with in the west in that it is done on the floor on padded mats.  All that is required of the recipient is that they wear comfortable clothing (just like what you'd wear to yoga class) and prepare to be relaxed deeply!