by chamofix on June 20, 2010
After the intensity of three different massage training courses (sports massage, pregnancy massage and thai massage), it’s now time to write up my case studies, progress my project about the effects of massage in pregnancy and enjoy the practising of our Thai Massage training with other like-minded massage therapists in Chamonix. BUT I also need to focus on something less task-oriented.
It’s so easy to get swept up with work duties and deadlines and hence jeopardize the personal promises to reach marathon fitness, to use my Chamonix lift pass more often and to enjoy the sports that enticed me to live here. So this month is all about the great outdoors… and being disciplined enough to cap my working hours so that I can fulfill that work-life balance that so often sways towards my desk. While I’m at my desk, I’m taking care with my posture, keeping my head from tilting forward into the screen, occasionally doing some “glute clenches” and taking a regular few moments to gaze down the valley from Argentiere to the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc Massif.
Our Thai Massage course with Dani from Yoga Groove really reinforced all that we’ve been taught about good posture for giving a massage. In Thai Massage philosophy, the practitioner should also be benefiting from the massage by adopting energy giving poses and a calm mind. And my Chamonix massage clients are feeling the difference from the subtle changes I’ve been making…focusing on better, deeper massage techniques that rely less on strength but more on body weight and perfect posture. The more comfortable the masseuse feels, the more in tune with the client she is.
I’ve been aware of this from the start, but it’s lovely to relearn the experience through a different massage technique and philosophy. “Physician – Heal Thyself!” is an ancient wisdom. So less nagging my massage clients in Chamonix to drink more water and do more yoga… I’m now refocusing my own energies on better postures while I massage, a slightly longer daily yoga routine (EVEN if I have an urgent email, etc), keeping hydrated, taking time to enjoy healthy meals, and using my Chamonix lift pass for high altitude runs and bike rides.
First stop, a wee cafe up the Aiguille du Midi to write up those wonderful pregnancy massage case studies at altitude.
As a vote of good karma to fellow mountain runners who are embarking on the Chamonix 10Km, Chamonix Cross du Mont Blanc (23Km) or the Chamonix Marathon Du Mont Blanc (42km) on the weekend of 26/27th June, you’ll get free 20mins with any ChamoFix massage of 30mins or more if you show me your race bib or medal!
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by chamofix on June 9, 2010
The Chamonix Thai Massage course is led by Daniel Anner, who also teaches Yoga and Acro Yoga in Geneva, and studies these practices all over the world. Here’s Daniel Anner’s story of the Thai massage he teaches, straight from the horse’s mouth:
About Daniel Anner & his Thai Massage Teaching
“In 2002, I was initiated to yoga in San Francisco, California, while studying psychology and International Relations, and learned many different yoga approaches since. In 2005 I started to teach yoga in Geneva, at the United Nations, WTO and World Economic Forum, as well as private classes and other environments.
Thai massage came naturally into my life, as a yoga teacher exposed to different therapies I discovered this beautiful practice 3 years ago while training as a teacher in AcroYoga. As Thai massage is very diverse, and has stretches similar to yoga postures, it has become a perfect add on for my work and personal practice.
Since Thai massage has found me I have trained and studied intensively, and started to offer Thai massage weekend courses in Geneva in 2009.
I often use yoga and/or Thai massage for my students and clients, depending on the therapeutic need at that time.
Thai massage is one of the most ancient form of bodywork, around 2500 years old and created by Shivago Komarpaj, 
also influenced from Indian, Chinese, Southern Asian traditional medicine. Dr Shivago Komarpaj was the physician, doctor and personal friend of the Buddha; he is known as the father of Indian and Thai medicine.
Only 30 years ago and thousands of years before, Thai massage was only to be found in temples, as a Buddhist and meditative practice, a spiritual exchange to self heal and help others heal.
As we are in a strong time for change and transitions, this massage and many other ancient therapies have become more easily accessible. I personally believe this is no coincidence: now is a time to heal ourselves and become more conscious of our behaviors and ways of living.
Yoga, Thai massage and related therapies are the natural cure for modern day diseases: stress, tension, depression, migraine…
Yoga and Thai massage are the easiest, most natural and accessible form of therapies and best prevention; once learned they can be used as a personal tool for survival of daily life. The newer version of massage in the west are directly based from Thai and Ayurvedic massages, but often misses the energetic element of wise bodywork, focuses on muscles and the mechanical aspect of the body, omitting the mind and soul.
Many teachers inspire me: the present ones are part of the sunshine network created by Asokananda, who first translated the Thai massage knowledge into English language 20 years ago. My main teachers are part of the Thai Massage Circus and Osteothai schools.
It is a privilege to offer this ancient massage and to teach this art to people.”
Dani’s yoga, acro yoga and Thai massage practice: www.yogagroove.ch
Dani trains and practises with www.thaimassagecircus.com and www.osteothai.com
Readings for Chamonix Thai Massage Course
Art of Traditional Thai Massage by Asokananda
Le massage Thaï by Arnaud L’Hermitte (Auteur), Stéphane Koniecpol
Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar
Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by BKS Iyengar
Date and times: Friday 11th June: 1830 – 2200h; Saturday 12th June: 0900-1230h and 1400-1900h; Sunday 13th June: 1000-1600h
Venue: Insted Language School in Chamonix
Price: 220e
What to bring: yoga mat, blanket, cushion or pillow, packed lunch or a dish to share, an open mind
What to wear: loose clothing that you’d use for yoga
Look forward to seeing you at our first Thai Massage training in Chamonix Mont Blanc!
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