New Info Cards for my Thai practice, they look like this!

New Year, New Hips

Encouraging and building wellness in the hips is a common request Thai bodywork addresses and its quite effective at it. Hip health can of course lead to greater back health, too. Here is a sample of technique that is beneficial for some bodies. (All sessions are customized to the client as an individual so this particular technique is incorporated as appropriate and not used as a standard.)

Thai Yoga Massage: A MID-BACK EXPERIENCE

Here's a quick glimpse of Thai massage where you can get a sense of the general vibe and some very basic technique. Every session is customized for the client's ranges of motion and specific physical circumstances, so the work shown here is not suitable for every body. Fore instance, someone with "frozen shoulder" or any other limitation related to this posture or these movements would not get this particular sequence. Learn more about my bodywork including schedule, gift cards and location here.

The Bliss of Thai for Friends & Family, a workshop

Be guided through a flow of techniques and postures for an easy to remember sequence. Come away from this workshop having received and learned how to give this accessible massage sequence and a new way of connecting with friends and family. The art of Thai Yoga Massage is beneficial to the mind-body of both giver and receiver!

Thai Yoga Massage, rooted in Traditional Thai Medicine, Yoga and Ayurveda, is an ancient healing art using elements of acupressure, energy work & yoga to relieve mind-body tension & imbalances. Typical results are feelings of lightness, more mobility and a lasting sense of peacefulness.

Sessions are done fully clothed on a padded mat on the floor. Wear comfortable, loose or stretchy clothing that allows ease of movement and warmth. Mats will be provided. Yoga or massage experience is not necessary. Come alone or with a friend or partner. Registering early will guarantee you a spot (there are only 12 available).


Teacher: Claire Stillman

When: Wednesday, November 18, 6:30-8:30 pm

Where: myOm Wellbeing 7963 N Port Washington Rd, Fox Point, WI

Cost: $25 per person at the door ($20 advance) / $40 per couple at the door ($35 advance)

Register at MyOmWellbeing.com  or email claire@omTownYogis.org

All participants receive a $20 discount or a 15 minute add-on on a Thai Bodywork session at myOm Wellbeing!

While every day is made up of moments coaxing our gratitude, the fall seems like the time this action -- gratitude as action -- seems to get highlighted a lot. So in that spirit I bring you the Friends & Family Fall Discounts!

Sessions can be booked online here.

As another part of this Special, a 10% discount can be applied to Gift Certificates now through Nov 30! Use promotional code: FRIENDS

Order Gift Cards Online

THAI BODYWORK IN FOX POINT

Good news, my north shore peeps, there's a new wellness center in town: myOm Wellbeing in Fox Point. This charming, calm, happy space is owned and managed by Traci Schwartz Sanderson, Fox Point resident, mom, wife, school activist, knitter, aesthetician, yoga teacher, wellness evangelist, the list goes on...

myOm Wellbeing offerings skincare, makeup, yoga, Reiki and Thai Bodwork. Fantastic! Learn more about myOm and book me for Thai online HERE.

Moonlit Yoga - a curated collection of Yoga tools for a good night's sleep

When it's the moon's time to shine, it is a serene and nourishing time for gentle yoga techniques. These are tools that calm the nervous system, prepare for sleep, and help let go of the day. I take my time with these and choose which I visit and for how long intuitively depending on where my body-mind goes, with very little thought if any. Just moving into 1, 2 or several of these is perfect. Comfortable to do in pj's, these are delicious for just before curling up with a book in bed or simply drifting into slumber for the night.

On the floor - with or without bolsters, blocks, or a strap...
When I have a lot of energy and want to wind it down:
    Moon Salutations
    (Chandra Namaskara)
    Shoulderstand
    (Salamba Sarvangasana)
    Plow Pose
    (Halasana) (if my back line is feeling flexible)
    Fish Pose
    (Matsyasana)

If I use one or more of these more active winding-down poses above, then I would follow with one or more of these more passive poses below.

When I am feeling tired, lazy or just want to explore deeper relaxation:
    Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani)
    Plow Pose (Halasana) (if my back line is feeling flexible)
    Reclined Cobbler's/Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)
    Reclined with 2 blocks in T formation (one along the spine under the upper back, the other cross-wise under the head). Legs in baddhakonasana-style or simply extended along the floor
    Full or Extended Child's Pose (Balasana)
    Simple supine twists

On or off the bed if you have a firm mattress - just a luxurious way to unwind -- also a nice way to wake up...
Happy or half baby pose (Ananda Balasana)
Full Child's Pose (Balasana)
Legs up the Wall (Viparita Karani)
Simple supine twists

Usually seated in any comfortable, upright fashion
Alternate nostril breathing Nadi Shodhana {video of nadi shodhana}
Simple breathe or visual meditation, mantra, or candle meditation

And of course for serious relaxation indulgence, Yoga Nidra. Here is a guided Yoga Nidra practice.

There are many more possibilities in the vast toolbox of Yoga that are worthy of exploration. Thanks to the folks at Casper Sleep for requesting (inspiring) this post! Additions and comments welcome!