Next stop, Chaing Mai!

Chaing Mai is a comfortable, fun, but high pollution city. The old town is surrounded by a moat, and the rest of the city extends around. Uniquely designed temples dot many of the city streets with their sparkly colors. In the evenings there is a night bazaar where the vendors start their prices at double the going rate to see how new you are to the city. It's a lot of fun to haggle for the best price and create a dynamic interaction with the locals. Thai Yoga Massages are offered on almost every street. The cost is about $3 to $14+ for an hour session depending on where you go. There are foot massage stations set up on the sidewalks, and both the tourists and locals take advantage of these. A foot massage is about $3 for an hour! An American even with a small income can live quite luxuriously in Thailand for a lengthy period.

My main interest in Chaing Mai was to study Thai Yoga Massage and Chi Nei Tsang (internal organ massage). I spent two weeks studying Thai Yoga Massage with a wonderful teacher, Therdchai Chumphoopong (Mac). He is a teacher that Sunny Klaber introduced me to (see holy day entry). The first week of study with Mac was a part of our healing arts trip. He speaks english well, is very affable, and has a great sense of humor. The classes are a family affair. His lovely wife Isabelle is there and she's very kind and helpful(if you're lucky, Isabelle may serve one of her delicious, made with lots of love cakes! Those are nice medicines to a day filled with lots of bodywork both giving and receiving.), Mac's brother is a teaching assistant, and Mac's Mum also participates and adds her years of wisdom. Mac learned the art from his mother. He has taught at ITM (a very reputable thai yoga school), and now has his own teaching studio. I highly recommend studying with him. For more information about classes and Thai Yoga Massage, Mac can be reached at mactherdchai@hotmail.com

After two weeks of study in Thai Yoga Massage the one thing I know is two weeks is not long enough. I will need to practice many more years before adding this to my credits. The art is not something that can be learned fully in a couple weeks, arguably no art can. I don't mind a single bit having to return to Thailand for further study. I do feel my current somatic practice has definately benefited from its Thai massage influences. An astute client with Thai massage experience will be able to feel the flavorful Thai spices I do add. Make your appointments today!

Stay tuned for tips and trips to the Chaing Mai Ram (Hospital), Chi Nei Tsang at the Tao Garden, and amazing experiences with elephants at the Elephant Nature Park