What is it like to give Thai Yoga Massages?

This was a last minute, say 'yes' to something when it comes along workshop. We only bought the ticket 30mins before the workshop started so legged it to the beautiful warehouse like studio in Miami Beach.

I have to admit I was quite uncomfortable at first. I was worried about my back issues and what I might have to do or ask to opt out of and I am really not a physically touchy feely person when it comes to strangers. I had already got these limiting beliefs going in my head from just looking at the photo on the workshop flyer. I was worried about a stranger touching me and me touching a stranger - the awkwardness in an intimate environment especially when I had no idea what I was doing. Funnily enough, earlier that morning unrelated to this, I had said I didn't want a pedicure as I hate people touching my feet. The first massage exercise was touching feet!

The whole point of this experiment is doing things outside of my comfort zone to explore new things, ideas, concepts, experiences so I continued on. I at least felt more comfortable that I was with a close friend so we could partner up and politely laugh through the awkwardness together. That was until we were told to switch partners...

Michelle Berlin (the teacher) explained how Thai yoga bodywork is different to normal massages. It's a combination of passive yoga stretches, acupressure, traction and relaxation techniques. It is as much about giving as it is about receiving - that is what stood out for me and was a small turning point in my perspective in doing this. Instead of giggling my way through it in a child like way given I was uncomfortable, I told myself to take it seriously.

I decided to volunteer to be the 'masseuse' in the first sequence we were given. It started from the feet and rhythmically worked up to the pelvis. We were taught how to use different hand movements and how to move our body in a rhythmic but controlled and balanced way. I could see where the yoga work comes in. I was actually pleasantly surprised at how the rhythm was quite calming for myself giving and for the person receiving the massage, it really did transfer through. There is even a downward dog position for giving a Thai yoga massage!

Next I was a lucky receiver. Again, would normally cringe at the embarrassment of receiving a massage in the middle of the classroom with people watching. I just don't normally like that attention. She showed some really helpful moves to release my lower back where I have most of my disc issues. It felt healing and I was grateful. I let the embarrassment melt away.

As the class progressed, we were shown multiple ways of using our body to apply pressure to other parts of the receiver's body. It was very surprising to see all the different positions and moves that were effective for tension release. I got used to the idea of partnering with strangers and remained open. We finished the class with a relaxing sound healing meditation and I patted myself on the back for saying yes to this opportunity and new experience.

Knowing traditional massages, I used to think that it would be very tiring on your arms, neck and back to give massages all day long, however having done this workshop I found Thai massage work very different. You can use all parts of your body so it's not straining one particular area and there are some very clever ways to position yourself so you are comfortable but you are still able to apply a decent amount of pressure to the person receiving. I also found it therapeutic and more fulfilling than I had thought to be a giver. Not only from the rhythm you apply but the satisfaction of watching someone else enjoy and relax from your work.

In conclusion - pleasantly surprised and definitely usable on my fiancé but probably not something I would pursue as a long term passion. Definitely glad to push myself out of my comfort zone.