An authentic guide to Thai yoga massage, a unique therapy that combines stretching, breath work, assisted yoga postures, and pressure point therapy.
• Includes more than 80 illustrations, 30 charts, and a complete series of postures for a two-hour full-body massage.
• Author Kam Thye Chow has taught massage in Thailand and throughout Europe and North America.
Until recently Thai yoga massage was virtually unknown in the West. It has its roots in both the ancient healing traditions of Ayurveda and Thai Buddhism. In this unique practice, the therapist gives a full-body massage that combines palming and thumbing along the Thai energy lines and pressure points with gentle stretching, movement, and breath work reminiscent of tai chi. Using his or her own hands, feet, arms, and legs, the practitioner gently guides the recipient through a series of yoga postures, creating a harmonious and therapeutic “dance” that leads to greater physical awareness, grace, and spiritual energy.
In this comprehensive guide for practitioners, Kam Thye Chow leads readers through every aspect of this dance--from its history and philosophy to a detailed presentation of a complete Thai yoga massage session. This important reference includes more than 80 illustrated postures, 30 charts and drawings, and a complete series of postures for a two-hour full-body massage that focuses attention on both the upper and lower body, which receive equal stress in the Western lifestyle. Information on contraindications, anatomy, and physiology integrates Western medical knowledge and theory with this ancient tradition. Massage therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and other medical professionals will find Thai Yoga Massage an important and innovative complement to their practice.
"Only a true master of Thai massage could present this profound healing art with such clarity and precision, and make it so accessible. The spirit of loving-kindness that pervades Kam Thye's method is essential for healing our world."
"With Thai Yoga Massage Kam Thye Chow establishes himself as one of the leading voices in the development and transmission of this ancient practice. A supremely accessible teacher, Kam Thye is masterful with detail and nuance. This book will open up the healing world of Thai massage to thousands of eager students."
"A complete manual of instruction, Thai Yoga Massage is necessary reading for anyone interested in this indigenous healing art and its contemporary practice. Kam Thye Chow is a sensei of the art and spirit of his work."
"Kam Thye Chow is an integrator, one who brings the depth of an ancient tradition into practical application, adapting Thai massage to the needs of our modern lifestyle without losing its integrity. His book is like his work-masterful and full of love. I recommend you read it slowly."
