THAI STRETCH
"...like doing yoga without putting forth any effort!
"yoga for lazy people"
"yoga massage"
What is Thai Stretch?
Commonly referred to as Thai massage, this is actually not massage at all but more like "applied YOGA". Interactive between the practitioner and the receiver, it is performed in a choreographed series of techniques on a mat, with the participants wearing loose comfortable clothing. The practitioner assists the receiver in yogic positions; deep stretches for the muscles and joints.
Brief history of Thai techniques:
It originated in India during the Buddha's lifetime, over 2500 years ago, early in its development it found its way to Southeast Asia where, for centuries, it was performed by monks as one element of indigenous Thai medicine. The Thai people, like many others in the orient, saw illness as an imbalance in the body/mind/spirit and they would seek help at the local temple.
Brief description:
Thai Massage is manipulation of the body using passive stretching done by the Thai practitioner to a passive subject.
The effect:
Uniquely relaxing as well as energizing. Receiving a Thai session is a bit like doing yoga without putting forth any effort!
To prepare for Thai Yoga Stretch:
Dress in comfortable, loose clothing and wear layers. Shorts and a T-shirt, or leggings and a sweatshirt would be appropriate.
Eat lightly beforehand. Try not to eat a big meal the day of the session, and nothing at all one hour before this for your comfort, as many movements compress the abdomen.
All movements are passive. Try not to "help" the practitioner with the movements, as they are most effective if you do nothing at all. Resist the inclination to help, and allow yourself to receive and relax!
Debra's rates for Thai sessions are the same as individual training sessions- $125 at your location (add $50 if Henderson or Summerlin area)
FAQS
What is Mind Body Fitness?
What is Yoga?
What are some of the benefits of yoga?
Is yoga for everyone?
Do I need to already have a certain amount of flexibility to do yoga?
What if I am overweight and out of shape and very self-conscious about it?
What if I hate my body and can't stand the way I look and move?
What if I can't perform the postures correctly?
Can yoga help alleviate back pain?
How is yoga different from stretching and normal exercise?
Will yoga help me lose weight?
Will yoga help me to stop smoking?
Is yoga a religion?
What if I've had an injury or recent surgery?
Can yoga help women through pregnancy and delivery?
How often should I practice yoga?
What should I wear or bring to class?
Do I need to use a special yoga mat?
...MORE FAQS
What is Mind Body Fitness?01
Nowadays, the fitness industry has designated a special category of exercise to recognize and differentiate yoga apart from other methods. Also in this category are Tai Chi, and Pilates which are gaining in popularity as other methods of mindful movement. Mind Body Fitness is defined as noncompetitive movement with mental focus on the performing muscles using the breath as a centering activity with awareness on proper anatomical alignment and physical form, tapping into internal energy reserves.
What is Yoga?02
Yoga is a total system of health and fitness that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. Yoga means "union" bringing a person's mind, body and spirit into balance for complete health. This is accomplished through a series of yoga poses or postures, and special breathing and relaxation techniques.
What are some of the benefits of yoga?03
Reduced stress and anxiety, improved flexibility, strength, and increased circulation, improved concentration, more energy, and an overall sense of well-being. Studies have also shown that yoga can help reduce high blood pressure and chronic pain.
Is yoga for everyone?04
The only prerequisite is being able to breathe. You don't have to be flexible or strong to start yoga.
Do I need to already have a certain amount of flexibility to do yoga?05
It would be like thinking you needed to get well before going to the doctor! Flexibility is improved with practice just like all other aspects of fitness. At any age and state of condition, an individual can improve with progressive practice.
What if I am overweight and out of shape and very self-conscious about it?06
If you can recruit a support person to accompany you the first time that always helps. However, after attending your first class you will learn to gaze inward and not outward and get past any negativity (that is what the rest of the class will be doing--no one is looking at anyone else). In the very first class, you will feel an enhanced sense of self acceptance and well being that builds toward a wellness way of thinking and living. You will learn to enjoy the way you make yourself feel with yoga and forget about negative attitudes toward your body or your performance ability.
What if I hate my body and can't stand the way I look and move?07
Then you are doing well to start yoga practice! No other activity can do more for negative self image than yoga. Yoga allows a mindful approach to movement which will create an opportunity for you to replace each negative thought with self acceptance and encouragement. Ask any mental health expert. We ALL talk to ourselves all the time. It is an ongoing internal dialogue that can easily be reprogrammed to guide us toward becoming our best instead of holding us back. This is paramount in all areas for physical and emotional well being. In class you will check the internal dialogue and rephrase it during yoga. "I am improving my body with every posture" as opposed to "I can't do this stretch correctly".
What if I can't perform the postures correctly?08
You will be able to perform yoga appropriately for your level of condition in the very first practice. It will be "correct" for you. A more advanced practitioner may have to go further in a posture or movement to achieve the same progress that someone new would, that's all!
Can yoga help alleviate back pain?09
Yoga strengthens abdominal and back muscles to better support the spine and torso. Make sure you have been released from medical care to exercise. Most physicians encourage yoga practice before conventional exercise because they know it is more mindful and you will become in tune with your capability and be less apt to overdo it.
How is yoga different from stretching and normal exercise?10
Regular exercise is externally focused and usually competitive, even if only competing for one's personal best. Yoga, by contrast, is a process. The idea is to focus your awareness on what you are doing and how you feel as you do the postures. Breathing techniques calm the mind and facilitate stretching and well being. Participants complete their practice with a sense of fulfillment and harmony. Conventional exercise can sometimes cause one to focus on a negative body image, but yoga allows one to embrace and enjoy the body regardless of condition. A positive experience can be had in the very first practice. Hence, people are more motivated to practice yoga and adhere because of the psychological benefits. It is a self-nurturing experience allowing you to retrain the way you "talk to yourself" in a more positive way.
Will yoga help me lose weight?11
Yoga can make you look and feel better, even help you slim down. Practicing yoga regularly will tone and firm your body while burning calories. The relaxation techniques will also help you curb "stress eating. "Yoga is also about healthy living, which includes a healthy diet. That doesn't mean you have to become a vegetarian, just that you should be conscious of the foods you eat. Regular practitioners of yoga find that they actually gravitate toward more conscious eating habits adopting an all around wellness mentality.
Will yoga help me to stop smoking?12
Many people have stopped smoking with yoga. Relaxation and meditation can reinforce will power and conviction while breathing techniques cleanse the lungs helping to eliminate stored toxins which perpetuate cravings.
Is yoga a religion?13
No, it's a philosophy. The physical and psychological benefits of yoga are real and don't discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender or any other way people categorize themselves. In the eastern culture of India where yoga originated, yoga exercise is practiced in conjunction with other branches of yoga including a Hindu belief system. Today, in the west most yoga is purely Hatha (physical). Although, some instructors (not this one) may lead chanting of 'OM' which is mostly considered a centering exercise rather than a religious ritual.
What if I've had an injury or recent surgery?14
Depending on how serious it is, you may want to consult with your physician before starting yoga or any exercise program. Tell your yoga teacher (hopefully that will be me!) about your condition so he/she can adapt poses to your abilities. You will learn to be aware of yourself as you adventure into the yoga experience.
Can yoga help women through pregnancy and delivery?15
Pregnant women can perform basic poses to improve their fitness and well-being by strengthening the pelvic area and easing back strain.
Relaxation and breathing techniques help them from pregnancy to birth and afterward.
How often should I practice yoga?16
It is good for your body to do some stretching daily. Take class two times a week and strive to include some stretching with daily activities.
What should I wear or bring to class?17
Wear anything that is comfortable that allows you to move and stretch. Many people find that shorts or loose-fitting pants and a T-shirt work fine. Yoga classes are done in bare feet, so you'll be removing your shoes before class begins. Try not to eat for at least 1 hour prior to class. It is much easier to do the postures on an empty stomach and you will feel better afterwards.
Do I need to use a special yoga mat?18
A few prefer to have their own special mats, but it is not necessary. Our yoga floor at Black Mountain Recreation Center is thickly matted so all you may want to bring is a towel. The towel is useful as a stretching "loop", as well as, serving as a barrier to lay your face on when lying prone on the stomach.
Should women do Yoga during menses?23
Mostly it's a matter of personal preference. For women who do choose to practice, it is suggested that they avoid practices that might interfere with the downward flow or cause discomfort.
Can Yoga control high blood pressure?24
Studies have shown that certain Yoga practices can help some patients control their high blood pressure. In general, Yoga promotes health, a sense of calm and relaxation, teaching you to be aware of your body and to listen to the signals it sends. Particularly belly breathing, has been shown to reduce stress and induce relaxation, or alternate nostril breathing, which also helps reduce stress and induce relaxation. Studies show meditation (rather than medication!) can be a great help in controlling high blood pressure. Certain Yoga postures should be avoided if you have high blood pressure and there are also a number of postures that you should approach with caution and not hold for extended periods of time (more than a few breaths). Monitor yourself through close awareness of how the postures make you feel.
Can Yoga help cure migraines?25
Regular practice of Yoga, including postures, breathing exercises and meditation can help relieve some of the suffering and make the condition more manageable. Postures will help improve blood circulation and also relieve physical tension and stress, which may be a contributing factor to migraines.
Can Yoga help if I suffer from anxiety?26
Yoga postures, meditation and breathing helps reduce stress and anxiety levels. It also helps build feelings of confidence and well-being and creates stronger sense of self, all of which can help reduce levels of social anxiety. You may begin to sense the conditions that lead up to an attack and deal with them before they get out of control. It's important to start and maintain a regular practice. You should feel some immediate temporary relief but the fact is that (and even with medications) yoga practice may take several months before it offers you a noticeable significant change.
Is there an "official" criteria one must fulfill to become a "certified yoga teacher" or is it basically individual to the certain yoga schools?27
There are no nationally recognized standards. Certification programs range from a weekend course to multi-year programs that are the equivalent of a college degree. The Yoga community, like the ever-evolving fitness industry strives to raise the bar on for national standards. The Yoga Alliance, has outlined training requirements that Yoga teachers must meet in order to become "registered" Yoga teachers. The training requirements are reasonable and followed by most major training organizations.
Do I have to be a vegetarian to practice Yoga?28
Although the traditional Yoga diet is vegetarian, you don't have to be a vegetarian to practice Yoga. Most regular yoga practitioners tend to modify their diets to maintain the optimal natural high of feeling light and that usually leans away from red meat after a while. Some, for philosophical reasons opt toward a flesh-free diet. One's awareness toward diet does seem to change with yoga practice.
Is Yoga a New Age practice?29
Yoga is an ancient practice and is thousands of years old. New Age movements have adopted elements of Yoga because Yoga and New Age movements share a focus on mind/body development.
What's the difference between a yogi, a guru and a swami?30
A yogi is someone who practices Yoga. Guess what?! That could include you. A yogin is a male Yoga student, a yogini a female student. A guru is a teacher. "Swami" is a title of respect for a spiritual master.
Is Yoga aerobic exercise?31
Aerobic exercise improves oxygenation of the blood through an increased heart rate and deeper breathing which can be achieved during some flowing sequences done continuously for at least a 15-20 minute period. |
