A uniquely relaxing yet energizing way to achieve balance and healing.
Traditional Thai massage is a dynamic yet comparatively little-known form of bodywork that combines elements of acupressure, stretching, reflexology, the application of herbal compresses, prayer, and meditation. This therapy has benefits for anyone-young or old, active or inactive, healthy or not. Sometimes called “lazy man’s yoga,” it stretches the muscles, increases the joints’ range of motion, and balances the flow of energy throughout the body to promote healing and well-being.
Thai Massage provides fully illustrated, step-by-step instructions that enable the reader to use this integrative and interactive therapy (with a partner) at home. It also explains the history and philosophy behind the techniques and discusses their connections with Buddhist thought and practice, yoga, Ayurveda, the body’s energy lines, and acupressure. It is a complete guide to an ancient practice that benefits body, mind, and spirit.
About the Author
Ananda Apfelbaum, featured in TIME magazine’s August 2004 issue, is the author of Thai Massage, Sacred Bodywork published by Penguin and Putnam. She also produced the instructional accompanying DVD, Thai Massage, Sacred Bodywork. She has been performing bodywork for the past 16 years. Ananda presented Thai massage workshops at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, NY from 1991 to 2003 and was on staff at Omega’s Wellness Center throughout that time. She has also taught Thai Massage elsewhere in the US and internationally.
Ananda is a graduate of the Swedish Institute in NYC. She furthered her studies in Japan, China, and Thailand. After getting introduced to Thai Massage, Ananda decided to specialize in it as Thai massage spoke to her dance and movement background. She trained with several Thai Massage masters in Chiangmai, northern Thailand, especially with Ahjarn Pichest Boonthumme. She is certified from the Old Medicine Hospital in Chiangmai.
In addition to her Thai massage work, Ananda is a writer, documentary photographer, dancer and founder/director of the Tibetan Relief Project.
