Traditional Thai Massage classes with Lyrea Crawford

Lyrea Crawford is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider. She originally studied Nuad Bo Rarn (Traditional Thai Massage) with Lana David as part of her Practitioner of Healing Arts training at Windemere Institute of Healing Arts. Lyrea apprenticed to teach Traditional Thai Massage with Lana, and then completed further studies with Rose Griscom of the Institute of Thai Massage USA, and at Kam Thye Chow’s Lotus Palm School. During her travels to Thailand, Lyrea trained at Wat Po Chetawan, Sunshine, Loi Kroh, and Lek Chaiya Massage Schools. Her Thailand studies included special focus on the osteopathic correlations of Traditional Thai Massage with Arnaud (Arno) L’Hermitte. Lyrea is a Yoga Alliance therapeutic yoga instructor (RYA-500), a T'ai Chi instructor and a teacher of a meditation method called "The Ishayas' Ascension." Traditional Thai Massage is strongly emphasized in her private healing practice. WI LMT #2584-046; NCBTMB Approved Provider #450824-08. Click here for additional background info.

Class offerings include:
Traditional Thai Massage Levels 1 & 2
Course Description: Traditional Thai Massage is a beautiful and elegant therapeutic healing modality. It dates back 2,500 years and is said to embody the practice of "loving-kindness." The work consists of slow rhythmic compressions on the muscles, gentle rocking, deep flowing stretches (similar to assisted yogic asanas) and thumb presses on specific energetic pathways. The basic theory of the work is to open and create Thai Massage stretchspace within the body, balancing it and allowing it the freedom to move and work harmoniously. Traditional Thai Massage is performed in a quiet meditative atmosphere on a mat on the floor. This enables the practitioner to use graceful whole body movements and even pressure. The client is dressed in loose comfortable clothing. The client and practitioner work together with conscious awareness of the breath. During the course of a treatment, practitioners utilize their thumbs, fingers, hands, elbows, knees and feet to manipulate and stimulate the body. The major emphasis of the Level 1 class is to provide step by step demonstrations of the supine and sitting positions along with ample supervised hands-on practice to gain proficiency. You will receive instruction in proper body mechanics, practitioner preparation and self-care through yoga. We will also look at the history, philosophy, benefits and contraindications of Traditional Thai. By the end of Level 1, you will be able to give a complete Thai session, adapting it to the needs of your client.
Traditional Thai 2 training amplifies the solid foundation that students received during their Level 1 studies. Course work continues with step by step demonstrations of the lateral recumbent and prone positions along with ample supervised hands-on practice to gain proficiency. A greater depth of information is provided about indications and contraindications. Approaches to different working situations such as the massage table are demonstrated, and students go through an exercise of treating a client seated on a chair. With a large repertoire of techniques now available, emphasis is placed on choosing the most appropriate techniques for each client’s situation, and adapting the techniques as needed. Students receive further instruction in proper body mechanics, and practitioner self-care. By the end of Thai 2, students have a working familiarity with the diverse range of Thai techniques and are able to give sessions that are tailored even more specifically to each client.

Level 1 Dates
Madison, WI: March 12-15, 2010  (Friday thru Monday)
Hillsboro, WI: July 23-26, 2010  (Friday thru Monday)

Level 2 Dates (Please note that Level 1 is a prerequisite for Level 2.)
Madison, WI: May 7-10, 2010  (Friday thru Monday)
Please check back for additional dates.

Madison Classes:
Madison classes take place at Body In Balance, 6333 Odana Road in the Olde Towne Office Park. Local information is available at
608-270-5212. Class hours are Friday 8 AM to 6 PM, Saturday 11 AM to 7 PM, Sunday 8 AM to 6 PM, and Monday 8 AM to 4 PM, with a one hour lunch each day.
Hillsboro Classes:
Hillsboro classes take place at the teaching facility on Lyrea's home property in the rural Richland Center/Hillsboro area of southwest Wisconsin. Please contact Lyrea for info on lodging, etc. Class hours typically run 10 AM to 6 PM on Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturday & Sunday, and 8 AM to 4 PM on Monday with a one hour lunch each day. 
CE hours: 32 NCBTMB CE hours per class.
Fees: $495 per class
Registration:

Specify Course
Enter Class Dates

Space in classes is limited. Registrations are accepted in the order they are received. Pay in advance via Paypal, or mail a minimum $200 deposit and your contact information at least 10 days in advance to: Lyrea Crawford, 18918 County Highway D, Hillsboro, WI 54634. If a class is already filled or cancelled, your deposit may be applied to another class or refunded according to your preference. Otherwise deposits are not refundable.
What to wear & bring: Please wear comfortable clothing such as yoga or sweat pants -- no jeans with zippers please. Come well hydrated. Each participant is asked to bring along a flat sheet, and a queen-sized “eggcrate” or “memoryfoam” pad, and several pillows.

Valentine's Day Afternoon Retreat
Course Description: A nurturing gift for Valentine's Day - open to friends, partners, couples, family members, and individuals. See the general description of Traditional Thai Massage found under the Thai 1 & 2 class. During this 4 hour introductory retreat, participants will learn a short Traditional Thai protocol and will be provided with basic information on the benefits and contraindications of this work. Attention will be given to quality of touch and body mechanics that benefit both partners. A wonderful way to spend some quality time!
Date: Sunday, February 14, 2010
Class Location: Tapestry Yoga Center, Room 203, 500 East Jefferson, Viroqua, WI 54665
Class hours: 1 to 5 PM
CE hours: Note that this class does NOT qualify for NCBTMB CE hours
What to wear & bring: Please wear comfortable clothing such as yoga or sweat pants -- no jeans with zippers please. Come well hydrated. Each participant is asked to bring along a flat sheet and several pillows. It would be helpful if anyone that has access to a “eggcrate” or “memoryfoam” pad could bring that along too. A limited number of pads will be available at Tapestry Yoga Center.
Fee: $100 for any two people registering together, or $65 for an individual. The fee includes the handout.
Registration: Please send your payment in advance to Kathy O'Rourke, c/o Tapestry Yoga Center at the address above. Space is limited so please register early.
If the class is already filled or cancelled, your deposit may be applied to another class or refunded according to your preference. Otherwise deposits are not refundable. Registration questions? Phone: (608) 637-6950 or email info@tapestryyogacenter.com

Therapeutic Points in Traditional Thai Massage

Class Description: This class will be primarily focused on the auxiliary therapeutic points that are described in the engravings at Wat Pho, in Bangkok, Thailand, including their attributes, therapeutic indications and contraindications. Protocols will be taught for addressing quite a few specific structural
issues (such as shoulder pain, stiff neck, knee pain and so on). Our focus will be on the incorporation of these points into our "hands-on" practice of Traditional Thai Massage.  Prerequisite: Thai 1 & 2 or instructor consent.
Dates: March 5-7, 2010
Class Location: Hillsboro, WI, in the teaching facility on Lyrea's rural home property in southwest Wisconsin. Please contact Lyrea for info on lodging, etc.
Class hours:
9 AM to 6 PM on Friday;  8 AM to 5 PM on Saturday; and 8 AM to 4 PM on Sunday, with a 1 hour lunch each day.
CE hours:
23 NCBTMB CE hours.
Fee: $395

Registration:

Space in classes is limited. Registrations are accepted in the order they are received. Pay in advance via Paypal, or mail a minimum $200 deposit and your contact information at least 10 days in advance to: Lyrea Crawford, 18918 County Highway D, Hillsboro, WI 54634. If a class is already filled or cancelled, your deposit may be applied to another class or refunded according to your preference. Otherwise deposits are not refundable.

6 Hour Introduction to Traditional Thai Massage
Course Description: See the general description of Traditional Thai Massage found under the Thai 1 & 2 class. During this 6 hour introductory class, participants will learn a short Traditional Thai protocol and will be provided with basic information on the benefits and contraindications of this work. Attention will be given to quality of touch and body mechanics that benefit both partners.
Date: Friday, March 26, 2010
Class Location: Massage & Spa Professional Academy, 17 13½ St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Class hours: 8 AM to 3 PM with a 1 hour lunch.
CE hours: 6 NCBTMB CE hours
What to wear & bring: Please wear comfortable clothing such as yoga or sweat pants -- no jeans with zippers please. Come well hydrated. Each participant is asked to bring along a flat sheet, and a queen-sized “eggcrate” or “memoryfoam” pad, and several pillows. A few eggcrate pads will be available at the school for your use.
Fee: $135 includes handout.
Registration:
The registrations for this class are being handled by Massage & Spa Professional Academy. Your contact information and fee must be received at least 1 week in advance at the school. If the class is already filled or cancelled, your deposit may be applied to another class or refunded according to your preference. Otherwise deposits are not refundable. Mail your contact information and fee to:
Massage & Spa Professional Academy
17 13½ St. NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Registration questions? Phone: 507-536-4076 or email info@m-spa.org

Luk Pra Kob, the Art of Traditional Thai Herbal Compresses
Class Description: Luk Pra Kob is the wonderful art of using warm herbal compresses in conjunction with a massage treatment in Thailand. Various blends of medicinal herbs and plant resins may be wrapped in cotton cloth, steamed, and then applied directly onto bare skin or over clothing. Traditionally, the compresses have been used for stimulation of mind, body, and energy by soothing and relaxing tense, sore, pulled, or overworked muscles; to open energy lines; and to break up congestion in the lungs and sinuses. Other uses include relieving arthritic pain, softening and conditioning the skin, and increasing circulation of the blood and lymph. Many of the herbs are considered to have a general tonic effect on health and longevity, while others are said to have specific properties such as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, moisturizing, and analgesic.
During this one day class, we will look at the various traditional herbs that are incorporated into the compresses, along with additions and substitutions that are readily available in our area. We will spend time actually preparing the herbs and making our own compresses, and then we'll give each other a Luk Pra Kob treatment.
You will have an herbal ball to take home with you at the end of the day.
Date: Monday, March 29, 2010
Class Location: Massage & Spa Professional Academy, 17 13½ St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Class hours:
8 AM to 5 PM with a one hour lunch.
CE hours: 8 NCBTMB CE hours
Fee: $150 tuition plus $40 fee for class manual, herbs and supplies used during class.
What to wear & bring: Please bring or wear loose comfortable clothing that you are not concerned about getting stained. A change of clothes may be a good idea as your clothing may be damp after the treatment. Please come well hydrated. If possible please also bring along a flat sheet (dark colors show less stains) and a twin-sized or larger “eggcrate” or “memoryfoam” pad. A few eggcrate pads and some sheets may be available at the school for your use.
Registration: The registrations for this class are being handled by Massage & Spa Professional Academy. Your contact information and fees must be received at least 1 week in advance at the school. If the class is already filled or cancelled, your deposit may be applied to another class or refunded according to your preference. Otherwise deposits are not refundable. Mail your contact information and fee to:
Massage & Spa Professional Academy
17 13½ St. NW
Rochester, MN 55901
Registration questions? Phone: 507-536-4076 or email info@m-spa.org

Luk Pra Kob, the Art of Traditional Thai Herbal Compresses
Class Description: Luk Pra Kob is the wonderful art of using warm herbal compresses in conjunction with a massage treatment in Thailand. Various blends of medicinal herbs and plant resins may be wrapped in cotton cloth, steamed, and then applied directly onto bare skin or over clothing. Traditionally, the compresses have been used for stimulation of mind, body, and energy by soothing and relaxing tense, sore, pulled, or overworked muscles; to open energy lines; and to break up congestion in the lungs and sinuses. Other uses include relieving arthritic pain, softening and conditioning the skin, and increasing circulation of the blood and lymph. Many of the herbs are considered to have a general tonic effect on health and longevity, while others are said to have specific properties such as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, moisturizing, and analgesic.
During this one day class, we will look at the various traditional herbs that are incorporated into the compresses, along with additions and substitutions that are readily available in our area. We will spend time actually preparing the herbs and making our own compresses, and then we'll give each other a Luk Pra Kob treatment.
You will have an herbal ball to take home with you at the end of the day.
Dates: Monday, April 12, 2010.
Class Location: Body in Balance, 6333 Odana Road, in the Olde Towne Office Park in Madison, WI.
Class hours:
8 AM to 5 PM with a one hour lunch.
CE hours: 8 NCBTMB CE hours
Fee: $150 tuition plus $40 fee for class manual, herbs and supplies used during class.
 Registration:

Enter Class Date

Space in classes is limited. Registrations are accepted in the order they are received. Pay in advance via Paypal, or mail your payment and contact information at least 10 days in advance to: Lyrea Crawford, 18918 County Highway D, Hillsboro, WI 54634. If a class is already filled or cancelled, your deposit may be applied to another class or refunded according to your preference. Otherwise deposits are not refundable.
What to wear & bring: Please bring or wear loose comfortable clothing that you are not concerned about getting stained. A change of clothes may be a good idea as your clothing may be damp after the treatment. Please come well hydrated.

Sen Line Therapies of Traditional Thai Massage
Class Description:
This two part class is a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding of the energetic model employed in Traditional Thai Massage. You will learn five new massage treatment protocols that focus specifically on opening and activating the 10 major Sen Lines (energetic pathways). The Sen Line protocols combine new advanced moves with previously learned techniques. The medical indications and benefits of each Sen Line protocol will be emphasized. Since each Sen Line addresses a different part of the body, the Sen Line therapies provide a very useful therapeutic framework. For example, the "Sen Sumana" protocol introduces students to a more complete abdominal massage than they received in earlier classes, and includes work on the chest, neck and shoulders. Thus the "Sen Sumana" protocol becomes a possible treatment choice for clients with respiratory or digestive issues. Attention will be given during the class to practitioner self-care. Participants will be asked to bring along a form-fitting set of light-colored clothing on which they can draw the Sen Lines. Long underwear or leggings and long-sleeved T-shirts work well for this. Prerequisite: Thai 1 & 2. Part A is a prerequisite for Part B.
Class dates:
Part A,  Friday thru Sunday, July 16-18, 2010. Please check back for next scheduling of Part B.
Class Location: Hillsboro, WI, in the teaching facility on Lyrea's rural home property in southwest Wisconsin. Please contact Lyrea for info on lodging, etc.
Class hours:
For Part A: 9 AM to 6 PM on Friday;  8 AM to 6 PM on Saturday; and 8 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, with a 1 hour lunch each day.
CE hours:
25 NCBTMB CE hours for Part A. 32 NCBTMB CE hours for Part B. Some study time will be required in the evenings during Part B. 
Fees: $395 for Part A, and $495 for Part B. Paypal button is for Part A.

Space in classes is limited. Registrations are accepted in the order they are received. Pay in advance via Paypal, or mail a minimum $200 deposit and your contact information at least 10 days in advance to: Lyrea Crawford, 18918 County Highway D, Hillsboro, WI 54634. If a class is already filled or cancelled, your deposit may be applied to another class or refunded according to your preference. Otherwise deposits are not refundable.

The Evolving Dance of Traditional Thai Massage

Class Description: The dance of Traditional Thai Massage continues to evolve in Thailand, and in other countries around the world. Participants in this advanced class will have a chance to broaden their perspective, and learn supplementary techniques and ways of working during their Thai sessions. As always, we will focus on being fully grounded, observant, and responsive to the needs of our client while taking good care of ourselves. The course will include introductions to:  “harmonic” treatments, sustained compression techniques, a variation of the usual lateral recumbent position, and basic osteopathic and therapeutic yoga principles that are utilized in Traditional Thai Massage. We will refine our ability to sense what is happening with our clients, and learn new moves and ways of working with what we discover. Prerequisite: Thai 1 & 2 (Please note that this class will not include instruction on actual osteopathic manipulation.)
Dates: Please check back for next rescheduling of this class.
CE hours: 23 NCBTMB CE hours

For more information on Traditional Thai classes, please call (608) 549-2023 or click here to send an email.

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