Herbal Bodywork From Thai Traditions

A workshop mini-series in which massage therapists from any modality immerse in herbal formulations and bodywork applications from Thailand

Lovingly hosted by The Bright Moon Institute in Sante Fe New Mexico

Join me (Naj/Nephyr) in Sante Fe New Mexico where our days will dance between the kitchen witchery of making Thai herbal formulas, and using our herbal medicines on one another as we practice applicable Thai bodywork techniques that can be utilized in any setting, be it advanced Thai work on the mat, or incorporated into a table practice. Each workshop is stand alone, but with a through-line to one another such that in taking the whole series we fill our healing arts tool basket to the brim. These are unique and advanced Thai healing arts classes presented in a way that is accessible

Part I ~ Herbal Thai Abdominal Massage
Part II ~ Thai Herbs and Injury Care
Part III ~ Thai Herbal Topicals for Bodywork

Part I ~ Herbal Thai Abdominal Massage

We begin with the core on the equinox. Deep Thai abdominal massage training including use of Thai oils, liniments, and herbal compresses. In this workshop we will review the anatomy and physiology of our amazing viscera as we learn to do deep healing abdominal massage incorporating herbal medicines we will make together.

March 21st-23rd, 2024

In this class we will:
• Learn to give a full deep visceral bodywork session in the Thai tradition
• Make Thai herbal compresses and oils
• Learn applicable Thai medical theory
• Study organ anatomy and physiology
• Discuss and in some cases taste Thai herbs for digestive health and well being
• Daily traditional chanting
• Celebrate the equinox
• All the lovely unpredictable bits that make each class unique

Part II ~ Thai Herbs and Injury Care

This is an herbal medicine centered workshop in which we will learn to care for sprains, strains, contusions, fractures, and wounds by making a variety of potent healing medicine formulations from Thai herb lore.

May 2nd - 4th, 2024

In this class we will:
•  Learn fundamentals of injury and wound healing
• Make Thai liniments, salves and poultices
• Work with massage applications and contraindications for injury
• Further our discussion of Thai medical theory
• Learn wraps for various injury presentations
• Daily traditional chanting
• All the lovely and unpredictable bits that make each class unique

Part III ~ Thai Herbal Topicals for Bodywork

We finish our series with the the solstice and bringing an array of topical herbal formulas into our massage practice. Use of herbs in a massage treatment is standard in Thailand whether one is receiving from a traditional medicine doctor or from an untrained family member doing household massage. Wander through any market in Thailand and you will find herbalists selling massage balms and liniments. The one most commonly known in the west is Tiger Balm, a mass marketed version of something that any herbalist or massage therapist in Thailand has their own formula for. In this class we will make our own massage balms and liniments as well as some other topicals that bring deeper healing to a bodywork practice. And yes, we will give and receive massage potent with the aromatherapy aspect of these wonderful formulations.

June 20th - 22nd, 2024