Life's too short not to feel good in our bodies.
Thai Massage & Bodywork is based in Marquette, Michigan, but travels throughout the U.S., Canada and Costa Rica, teaching group and private continuing-ed courses as well as giving bodywork and breathwork sessions.
Our specialties are compression-focused Thai Massage, Thai Abdominal Massage, Chi Nei Tsang, Self-Massage, and Breathwork. Exploring, opening, and restructuring the body and breath are powerful tools for making lasting changes in our physical and mental bodies. In short, we aim to provide the space and opportunity for opening and healing for all ages and capabilities on all levels. Our motivation is to help people move through this world with awareness, grace, integrity, and a bigger smile.
Meet Christopher
In 1993, I walked away from my successful construction company in Evanston, Il, gave away or sold everything I had accumulated and travelled to Costa Rcia. On my return a year and a half later, life seemed to have stood still, but now I knew there was so much more than the illusion I had been absorbed in. This began my heart-opening journey into massage, bodywork and self-rediscovery.
For the past thirteen years, I have traveled annually to Thailand, spending 1 to 2 months, not only to get my own body worked, but to continue my study in both Thai Massage and life. I have worked with many teachers there, but I always return to master Pichest Boonthumme.
I feel we all have a bag of "issues' that burdens us; some of us carry bigger bags than others. I am here to continually look through my own bag, and clean out what no longer serves me. Going through this process helps me feel brighter, healthier, and more capable of loving unconditionally. Receiving and giving bodywork helps me accomplish this.
I am passionate about assisting people in opening up their bodies, emptying the bags that weigh them down, and making life more effortless. (It's easier than we realize!) Providing three to five hour sessions combined with breath work has provem to be very transformative in this regard.
I am grateful to witness the incredible power of deep, ego-less, spirit-connected bodywork and breathwork in transforming peoples realities
Meet Kate
This Wisconsin dairy farm girl explored many careers-wildlife researcher, veterinarian, landscaper, jewelry designer, dancer, yoga teacher, massage teacher, business manager - before realizing the common thread of these diverse interests.
She thrives on balancing and supporting the highest potential of the people and projects around her.
She is the organizer of this Thai Massage & Bodywork team who holds the container for the magic to unfold. And she's a darn good breath facilitator, teacher, and masseuse to boot. Kate has been working with Christopher since 2001
She has come to deeply understand and articulate Christopher's unique massage skills which is an invaluable asset during the courses they teach. She also brings left-brain medical training , breath awareness training, and life-coaching experience to the mix.
Benefits of Deep Bodywork
LASTING EFFECTS
IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
RELIEVE CHORONIC AILMENTS OR IMBALANCES (PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME)
HELP DETOXIFY THE BODY AND BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
FEEL MORE GROUNDED AND CONTENT; LESS IRRITABLE AND ANXIOUS
SLOW THE AGING PROCESS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY DO SESSIONS REQUIRE AT LEAST 3 HOURS
Basically, because everything is connected. For example, if Christopher works on a block in the leg, much of the energy moves down andn out of the knee and foot. However, some of it will move back up into the back. Subsequently, the back and neck will also need attention to completely move the energy up and out of the body. Also, Christopher moves slowly, spending enough time on each point, allowing his client to breathe into the area and the muscles to release a layer of congestion. Christopher continues to hold or work the area while the client breathes into it again, the muscles and fascia release more, etc...If the massage is shortened, Christopher is unable to work as deeply and there is significantly less benefit received. Many people have thought that three hours would feel too long, but almost everyone is shocked at how quickly the time seems to pass.
WHAT MAKES CHRISTOPHER'S BODYWORK UNIQUE?
The length of time spent and therefore, the holistic, full-body results. This allows Chris to go deeply into areas of the body which normally are not given enough time. Even people who have significant experience receiving bodywork are impressed with how different they feel after one of Christopher’s sessions. Breath work. The addition of guided breathing completely shifts the depth of the massage. The meditative environment. Christopher invites a space which allows many people to access a world beyond their thinking mind. This is the place where the most powerful healing occurs. The combination of tending to the physical and energetic aspects of the body. The learning environment. Most people discover new things about their body and go home with ideas for keeping their body feeling better.
WHAT MAKES CHRISTOPHER'S BODYWORK UNIQUE?
Certainly this varies for everyone. Many people feel significant changes after the very first session. However, when someone really wants life-changing effects which hold, they will typically get three to five sessions every five to seven days. The first massage or two generally cover the entire body. Subsequent sessions may involve several hours working deeply in one area.
COURSES
In all of Thai Massage & Bodywork’s courses, you will have at least two instructors: Christopher & Kate.
They have been teaching together since 2002 and have become such a complementary duo, that they have a hard time imagining how any high-quality course could be taught by only one person. You receive two, hands-on, attentive over-achievers helping you discover your authentic bodywork offering. They never hold back information. Kate and Chris want you to go home feeling inspired and with more info than you expected.
Most courses have around 10-20 students. Any larger classes will have another teaching assistant. It’s important to us that your time and money are well-spent. We tailor each course to the interests of the students, so the ‘same’ course will be a little different every time. For this reason, students often repeat courses.
We are happy to travel to your hometown! Let us know if you would like to host a course. We love to share the art and ease of therapeutic bodywork.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Advanced Therapeutic Thai Massage; Short courses (upper or lower body)
These 2 day courses are intended for Thai Massage therapists who would like to explore the art of deep, therapeutic bodywork. Students will practice identifying congestion in the body, learn advanced techniques for working deeply and therapeutically, and learn ways to incorporate breathwork into the massage. Students will also learn how to effectively use their knees, feet, elbows, and props, with attention on how to minimize effort when giving a massage. A therapeutic sequence (either upper body or lower body) will be covered thoroughly. NCBTMB CE’s: 14
Advanced Therapeutic Thai Massage; Long course
These five to ten-day intensives are designed for massage therapists who would like to immerse themselves in the dance of therapeutic bodywork. Topics covered include body assessment, breathing techniques, sensing the body and the movement of energy, working deeply and therapeutically, minimizing physical effort, abdominal massage, and essential self-bodywork techniques. Students will practice using their feet, knees, elbows, and props such as hanging straps. Specific therapeutic techniques for the entire body will be covered, including how to approach chronic sciatic, knee, back, shoulder, and neck pain and other restrictions. Each intensive is a little different depending upon the interests of the students. Time and space is provided for students to practice, explore, and thoroughly grasp the concepts and techniques. Class size limited to 15 people. NCBTMB CE’s: 36-42
Thai Abdominal Massage & Chi Nei Tsang; Levels 1 and 2
The majority of physical and emotional imbalances and congestion are stored in the abdomen, yet ironically, abdominal massage has become virtually a lost art and science. All energy lines pass through the abdomen, and this area becomes a ‘dumping ground’ for stagnant energy. This is perhaps one of the most profound forms of bodywork. In addition to addressing physical ailments associated with all the internal organs, this work is proven to have incredible healing effects throughout the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies. Chi Nei Tsang is slow and precise work, and this class will proceed with careful awareness and attention to anatomy and energy flow. Take advantage of learning this invaluable information for your client’s health and for you own health.
Level 1 focuses on discovering the expansive world in the abdomen and how to touch a belly. A 90 minute sequence is covered thoroughly. The class includes a significant amount of hands-on practice.
In Level 2, we explore the physical and energetic anatomy more thoroughly, including the pathways of the Thai sen and Chinese meridian lines as they pass through the abdomen and connect with the rest of the body. We discuss common abdominal pathology and how it might be addressed. We also look at dis-ease elsewhere in the body that may originate in the abdomen.
The abdominal Long Course combines levels 1 & 2 and allows for more time to integrate the work through the whole body. Deep belly work mobilizes energy in the whole body, so we learn how to follow and clear the energy out to help balance the body.
All classes address the imperative component of working on ourselves in order to be an effective bodyworker. Breathing, meditation, and physical exercises are included.
Using Long Compressions and Props; Maximize effect, Minimize effort
Long-held compressions have always been a part of Thai massage, and are a very effective technique to release chronic congestion and tension in the body. However, they are uncommonly used either because it becomes painful for the practitioner or ineffective because there is a lack of training of the subtleties and direction of compression work. Christopher Ray has focused most of his massage work around long-held compressions for 15 years, and through experience, has turned this style of Thai bodywork into a powerfully therapeutic art-form. This class is open to all massage therapists and body enthusiasts who would like to explore the movement of congestion in the body and minimize muscular effort with their work. These concepts and techniques can be a great adjunct to your massage practice or private yoga sessions. These key bodywork principles of working from a place of ease and sensitivity apply universally, whether your style includes longer compressions or is more mobile and fluid.
Topics Covered:
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The Breath. Fascial, muscular, and energetic congestion rarely moves without the assistance of the breath. Learn how to assess and coach a useful breath pattern.
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Direction and movement. A compression is not a stagnant, waiting game. The angle and speed of entry, following the tissue as it releases, and subtly coaxing the tissue are all essential components.
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Using feet, knees, elbows, forearms, and sit bones. Our hands, neck, and shoulders cannot withstand a massage career if we are muscling our way into a body. Compressions require steady patience and pressure. Thus, you will practice using your body weight applied through various body parts to comfortably and safely apply a good amount of pressure. Since practitioners vary widely in their shape, size, and range of motion, we will help you find body mechanics that suit your body. There are many ways to accomplish the same goal.
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Using props. Props are essential to facilitate ease and comfort for both the practitioner and client. We will explore the use of straps, blocks, and bolsters.
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Stripping. Stripping complements compression work and utilizes the same concepts of body mechanics and props.
Thai Massage Therapeutics
These 1-day (7 ceu) classes focus on one area of the body, and thoroughly explore therapy to assist healing common ailments such as frozen shoulders, low back pain, injured and/or stiff joints, plantar fascitis, migraines, neck pain, and more. You will practice identifying the source of the ailment and following congestion along fascial and Sen lines. Every ailment can be approached in several different ways, so you will have the opportunity to practice and discover the techniques which are most comfortable for your body. Comfort and ease are critical for maintaining the longevity of a bodyworker’s career. These classes are intended for massage therapists (table or Thai) who would like to offer deep, permanent healing for chronic ailments. All practice will take place on the floor, and the approach is based on Thai bodywork theory, but these techniques can easily be applied to the table.
Self-Bodywork; (AKA: Self Massage with Balls)
This fun, useful class is designed to show you how you can easily release tension, aches, and restrictions from your body using balls, sticks and other tools. You’ll learn techniques for the whole body; from your toes to your nose. The techniques are designed to go beyond just a “feel good” experience; this is deep bodywork intended to release congestion and pain, and provide you with more energy, flexibility, and range of motion. People walk out of the workshop feeling amazed at how much better they feel and how easy it is to do. Open to EVERYONE
Thai Massage Using Straps for Ease and Strength
This class is now a part of the “Compressions” classes. Christopher Ray-style strap systems will be set up for all of the Compression and Thai Massage ‘long’ courses.
Essential Bodywork to Share with Friends
In this fun, useful class, you will learn a handful of effective and simple techniques for assisting a friend or loved one with releasing aches and pains. For example: sitting on someone’s legs to provide lower back relief or using your elbows on their shoulders to relieve neck pain. These are deep bodywork techniques and intended to done with ease and minimal effort. You will gain a better understanding of where pain originates and how the body is connected from your toes to your nose. The use of appropriate breathing techniques will also be explored. No prior massage experience needed.
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