April 9, 2009

Hello,

This issue's main article discusses Thai massage, and my continuing financial wellness series is a bit different this month and introduces you to the Boundless Living Challenge.

If you are interested in essential oils and aromatherapy, you can download my aromatherapy ebook and sign-up for my essential oils mailing list.

Enjoy!

Carol
Young Living Essential Oils

Thai Massage - What is It?

by Lita Stone

Thai Massage, the traditional form of massage therapy used in Thailand, is rapidly becoming a popular form of massage in the United States. A new career direction for many Massage Therapists, it is a deeply relaxing style, done on a mat on the floor, rather than on a massage table.

Schools teaching Thai Massage are increasing, especially in California. For someone with an adventurous spirit though, it is interesting to note that it is often cheaper to fly to Thailand and attend a school, in comparison to taking a training at home. The main cost is flying, then the schools there, as well as living expenses can be quite inexpensive! This has become a popular way to learn Thai Massage and get a wonderful vacation and experience at the same time! I would recommend exploring the schools in the more rural Northern Thailand.

Thai Massage, called Nuad Phaen Boran or Ancient Massage, in Thailand originates from the time of Buddha. When Buddhism reached Thailand in the 3rd or 2nd century BC, temples were built with adjacent dispensaries and medical schools as an integral part of the religious system. Massage and other healing arts were taught and applied in the monasteries and within the family, passed down orally from teacher to student.

Generally Thai Massage is done in loose comfortable clothing on a mat or pad on the floor. Techniques similar to Shiatsu and Acupressure Massage are used along with passive stretches. Thai massage is also called Yoga massage because much of the treatment is focused on stretching the entire body, as is yoga. Similar to Shiatsu, acupressure, and yoga, the client's core energy is stimulated and rebalanced, enhancing greater health and well being.

Thai Massage works on the major meridians, or energy flows, which run throughout the human body. It aims to harmonize the body, to loosen and release blocks, and to feed deficiencies along the energy lines. Energy blocks or congested areas are released and the prana, or the core energy of the body, can flow freely again, feeding and nourishing the entire body and its organ systems as intended.

An ingenious system of movements allows the therapist to manipulate the client without much effort. Every movement is designed to support the client as well as the therapist, often giving the therapist a comfortable stretch as well. A wonderful feeling of inner connectedness and balance can be felt as client and therapist relax into the stretches together. Done in silence, this form can become a kind of meditation for both the giver and receiver, encouraging a state of calmness and peace.

Additional benefits of Thai Massage include relief from pain and muscle tension, a general increase of energy, improvement of the circulation of the blood and lymph, an increase in flexibility, a more balanced nervous system, and a peaceful relaxation of the body and mind. A must to try for anyone seeking a natural way to increase their overall health and well being. And typical to massage in general, it feels great!

About the Author

Lita Stone of http://www.Massageclips.com has been practicing as a certified massage therapist for over 20 years. She's now sharing her favorite techniques and teaching how to give a deeply relaxing and effective massage on her selection of massage instruction video downloads. Sign up now for her Free Massage Training Video!

Take the Boundless Living Challenge

Last July, Bob Doyle launched his first Boundless Living Challenge, where participants were invited to commit 45 days of their lives to realizing their greatest passions!

Nearly 4000 people participated, and in that 45 days, miraculous things occurred, and people all over the world realized dreams that many had thought impossible - because all previous attempts to realize those dreams had seemingly failed.

The Boundless Living Challenge, which costs nothing to join, provides participants with the tools, resources, education, and incomparable support they need to achieve amazing things, even if they've tried numerous times before without success.

Bob just let me know next Boundless Living Challenge begins April 16th, and he wants to invite you to be a part of it!

To launch this event, Bob had a special radio program on BlogTalk Radio about a week ago.

On the replay of the call you'll hear many of the participants of earlier challenges to get an idea of just what's possible. I know 45 days doesn't sound like a lot - which makes the results you'll hear about even more spectacular.

You'll also learn exactly how the challenge works, what you'll be offered - again, at no charge - and how to make the most of your 45 days.

Here's where you can sign up for the challenge and learn how to listen to the replay of the special radio program: http://tinyurl.com/ck3vup.