“Thai Foot Reflexology Massage” ~ ITM Chiang Mai Method / 8 training time hours / 8 CMTBC CEU’s

Learn how to perform an Authentic Thai Foot Reflexology service that your clients will love. This 60 - 75 minute sequence can be performed with the client on a massage table or in a chair (as done in Thailand!). Your step-by-step guidebook will keep you on the right track as you put your new skills to work without delay! Certificates will be issued upon course completion.

Foot Reflexology is an ancient form of Chinese Massage. It has been used for more than 3,000 years. In this course, students will learn how to perform a 60-minute Thai Foot Reflexology and lower leg Massage that incorporates the use of a wooden tool to stimulate fifty-eight reflexology points on the feet directly linked to the body’s internal organs. This method is combined with thirty-one cream-based massage techniques using hands, palms and fingers to relax lower leg muscles as well as the foot and to stimulate blood and lymph circulation.

Pre-requisite: None / No previous massage experience required - for both general interest and professional continuing education hours.

This course is useful for: All Private/Personal Trainers who work with clients in Pilates, Resistance Training, Yoga and Massage Practitioners of all types.

Banyan Thai Massage is proud to meet the exacting standards as set by the College of Massage Therapist of BC (CMTBC) as well as the BC Recreation & Parks Association (BCRPA). All courses we teach offer the Massage, Spa and Fitness Professional the Continuing Educational Credits they need for Membership Renewal each year. Educational Credits: 8 CMTBC CEU’s and 8 BCPRA CEC’s.

Date: 2 Tuesdays: July 27 & Aug 3, 2010

Time: 12 PM - 4:30 PM both days

Location: Alchemy & Elixir Health Group & Wellness Centre: # 320-1026 Davie St, Vancouver, BC, V6E 1M3

Course Cost: $295 (includes gst & course materials). Credit Card payments are accepted.

Space is limited. Pre registration and prepayment required.

Course Instructor Sharon Brown Horton. For additional information contact: phone 604.773.2645

For on-line registration and more information visit: www.BanyanThaiMassage.com

“Traditional Thai Massage - Level 1″ ~ ITM Chiang Mai Method (24.0 teaching hours)

~ Taught by Sharon Brown Horton

In the first segment of the Traditional Thai Massage Level 1 program, students learn the concept of initiating ‘energy’ movement through the body. Meridiens, main energy lines, pressure points and various manifestations of the body’s physical, psychological and spiritual balance are all introduced. Additional emphasis in this massage is placed on deeply focused abdominal work.

Upon completion of this course, students will learn a total of 63-massage based techniques, combined with Thai Yoga Stretch positions. Applying these same techniques, students and will be able to perform a complete 60-min. massage on a client in the supine and sitting positions.

Course Materials: Students will be provided with the workbook “Nuad Bo Rarn” Ancient Massage of Thailand (Northern Style); ITM International Training Massage School, by Chongkol & Atchara Setthakorn.

Method of practice: This course will follow the ITM School of Chiang Mai, Thailand teaching methods and uses the same course materials.

Students will have the opportunity to both practice and receive Thai Massage by fellow students.

Pre-requisite: None / No previous massage experience required - for both general interest and professional continuing education hours.

This course is useful for: All Private/Personal Trainers who work with clients in Pilates, Resistance Training, Yoga and Massage Practitioners of all types.

Banyan Thai Massage is proud to meet the exacting standards as set by the College of Massage Therapist of BC (CMTBC) as well as the BC Recreation & Parks Association (BCRPA). All courses we teach offer the Massage, Spa and Fitness Professional the Continuing Educational Credits they need for Membership Renewal each year.  Educational Credits: 24 CMTBC CEU’s and 24 BCPRA CEC’s. 

Dates: 4-Thursdays; July 8, 15, 22, 29, 2010Time: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM each day * space is limited. Pre-registration is required to reserve your spot.

Course Instructor: Sharon Brown Horton -for additional information contact: 604.773.2645

On-Line registration is available and for more information visit: www.BanyanThaiMassage.com   

 ~ written by Sharon Brown Horton, Thai Yoga Massage Practitioner at Alchemy & Elixir Health Group in Vancouver, BC.

Originating over 2,500 years ago, Thai Massage is one of the world’s most ancient healing modalities which embraces the philosophy and practical expression of loving kindness. With its roots in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, it made its way in the early years of development to Southeast Asia. For centuries, it was performed by monks in the temples, called ‘Wats’, as one of four elements of indigenous Thai Medicine.

The Benefits

Traditional Thai Massage incorporates elements of mindfulness, gentle rocking, deep stretching and rhythmic compression to create a singular healing experience. As a result, this form of holistic body work harmonizes the body, relaxes tense muscles, increases energy, helps to re-align the body, relieves stress and promotes a peaceful mind.

The Method

Different from Western Massage methods, Thai Massage uses assisted yoga Asanas to open the joints and relieve the tension in surrounding muscles, which allows prana, chi, or healing energy to move more freely throughout the body. Not surprisingly, it is often referred to as the ‘lazy man’s yoga’! Thai Massage allows the receiver to experience a deepening of the Asana (yoga posture) through a deep and gentle assistance, opening the joints without the resistance created when using their own power. The use of gentle rocking, thumb pressure and rhythmic compression helps the body to be prepared for stretches, so that the recipient feels ‘invited’ to receive the stretch and the defence reactions of muscles tightening up are not triggered.

What to expect from your Thai Massage

Thai Massage is performed on a mat on the floor and the client typically wears light, loose fitting clothing – no oils are used. Not only are the hands used to free tension from the body, but Thai Massage Practitioners also use elbows, forearms and feet for interactive manipulation. Massage sessions can last from one hour, up to 2 hours or more. The treatment style is slow, deliberate, gentle, non-invasive and suitable for even the most fragile person. After a thorough health history review, the Thai Massage session is customized to suit the current needs of the body, mind and spirit.

Your Thai Massage Practitioner at the Alchemy & Elixir Health Group & Wellness Centre

Over several years, Sharon Brown-Horton trained in Chiang Mai as well as Phi Phi Island inThailand. She holds her Thai Massage Certificates in Advanced Therapies, Sen Lines, Reflexology, as well as Traditional Thai Massage Affiliate Instructor with ITM of Chiang Mai ~ a school that is recognized with the Canadian Massage Therapy Association of BC . Currently, she offers her Thai Yoga Massage and Thai Foot Reflexology services at the Alchemy & Elixir Health Group and Wellness Centre and teaches certification classes in Thai Yoga Massage (contact Sharon directly for her upcoming availability and certification class dates). With a background in Kinesiology and Health & Fitness, Sharon has been a nominee for the prestigious “YWCA Women of Distinction Award” in the category of Health & Wellness. With a background in Dance, Kinesiology and Spa Therapies, she has been a trainer, teacher and yoga practitioner for over 25 years and has been guest speaker at numerous events throughout North America, as well as St. Lucia and Tokyo. Her practice of Thai Yoga Massage facilitates and promotes a harmonious state of being. This ancient healing work strives to remove obstacles on the path toward The Four Divine States of Mind: Loving Kindness, Vicarious Joy, Compassion and Equanimity.

~ “It is a privilege to touch a person and become a ‘conduit’ for sacred healing energy and I am honoured to be able to offer this Yoga-based healing to my clients. I truly believe that the practice of Traditional Thai Massage has greatly enhanced my life and I look forward to sharing its benefits with my clients at the “Alchemy & Elixir Wellness Centre” for many years to come.” – Sharon Brown-Horton

Client Special Offer Enjoy 15%OFF the regular rate for any “Thai Foot Reflexology”, “Thai Yoga Massage”, when visiting Sharon Brown-Horton as a first time client at the Alchemy & Elixir Health Group & Wellness Centre from now until Dec. 22, 2009.

Share the Love ~ the Holidays are just around the corner! With each Gift Certificate you purchase (from now until Dec. 22, 2009) for a 60-min.Thai Yoga Massage or a 60-min.Thai Foot Reflexology Massage at the regular rate, you will receive a Gift Certificate for a Complimentary 15-minute Thai Massage or Thai Foot Reflexology service that you can enjoy yourself (non-transferrable).

The more Gift Certificates you purchase, the more massage time you accumulate! Gift Certificates (purchased) are good for 1 year from the date of purchase and are transferrable, but non-refundable. Call Sharon Brown-Horton at 604.773.2645 to request your service or Gift Certificate.

Gift Certificates can be sent to you by courier (week-days) when purchasing with a credit card for an extra delivery charge. Offer good until December 22, 2009. Visa & Mastercard accepted.