Yoga & Massage in Haarlem

Thai Massage workshops & courses

"The Sacred Dance" of Thai Massage with flothaimassage:

3 Days Diving Deeper into Traditional Thai Massage + 2 Days Introduction to Dynamic Thai Massage

3 Days Diving Deeper:

During these three days, we will review the fundamentals and principles of basic Thai massage, incorporating more fluid sequences and exercises. Our practice will focus on developing greater sensitivity and intuition in the art of touch. We will explore sequences and transitions that respond more effectively to the specific needs of the receiver. Additionally, we will delve into the therapeutic aspects of Thai massage for common issues such as back pain, neck and shoulder tension, and knee pain. Abdominal massage with therapist Fiona will also be included, as it plays a key role in improving digestion, reducing tension in the core, and promoting emotional balance. By working with the abdominal area, we can stimulate internal organs, relieve stress, and support the overall energy flow throughout the body. Other elements of Traditional Thai Medicine, such as the use of herbs and compresses, will also be introduced.

2 Days: Introduction to Dynamic Thai Massage

Dynamic Thai Massage is a creative and therapeutic approach that works with the body to restore mobility and free the nervous system, drawing on the water element. The right combination of gentle shaking, oscillatory, and harmonic techniques allows for effective release and balance of the nervous system, drainage of the lymphatic system, stimulation of circulation, and restoration of mobility in the musculoskeletal system and tissues (fascial layers). Furthermore, this playful treatment promotes a sense of joy and well-being for both the practitioner and the receiver. It combines techniques from traditional Thai massage with elements of osteopathy, such as harmonic techniques, General Osteopathic Treatment (GOT), rocking, and shaking.

Practical

Haarlem 26-31 March 2025
Prerequisite for the 3 days Diving Deeper: a 5-day level 1 course in Thai Massage or equivalent. The 2 days Dynamic Thai are open to all bodyworkers interested in this approach

Thai Massage Foundation – Level 1 (Northern Style)

Would you like to learn the art of Touch?

Start with this course addressed to everyone who wants to learn the foundations of Thai Massage. If you are a beginner you will discover an amazing way to take care of yourself and others through mindful movement and touch; if you are already a practitioner you will have a chance to repeat, practice and delve deeper in this ancient art.

Embarking on a foundation course in Thai yogamassage is like setting the cornerstone for a journey into the world of healing touch.

During this course we will delve into the fundamentals of Thai massage, covering essential techniques, basic anatomy and energetics.
You will learn about the art of touch and the principles of Thai massage, including mindfulness, compassion and metta (loving-kindness).
Through dedicated instruction, (guided) practice and feedback you will develop your touch and have a strong foundation.
By immersing yourself in this ancient tradition you are not only acquiring a valuable skill but will also be embracing a holistic approach to wellness that can profoundly impact yourself and those you touch.
The "art of touch" encompasses far more than just technique; it embodies the intuitive connection between practitioner and recipient, creating an environment of healing and relaxation.

For whom?

Exploring the ancient healing tradition of Thai massage is not only suitable for people with no experience in bodywork but also highly beneficial for Yoga teachers, Qi Gong practitioners, Shiatsu therapists, physiotherapists and bodyworkers.
Regardless of experience level or background, embracing loving kindness in Thai massage offers a transformative path toward becoming a more compassionate and effective practioner, enriching both the giver and the receiver

What will you learn?

You will learn rhythmic and static pressures applied on specific lines called “Sen” and points along the whole body: using your thumbs, palms, forearms and feet, as well as stretching and passive yoga asana.
You will be guided to carefully engage the force of gravity and correct your posture, to treat all tissues in depth and effortlessly: muscles, tendons, connective tissue, fascia layers, and internal organs. The main objective of this art is to remove obstacles and to free the flow of fluids and energy.

MAIN PROGRAM

• The historical roots, the theoretical and practical foundations of Thai Yoga Massage
  
• The spiritual foundations of Thai Massage: the “Four Immeasurable” and the “Three jewels”
  
• The basic principles of touch and technique
  
• Posture and breathing during the treatment
  
• Benefits and contraindications
  
• “Sen” lines: where to find them and how to treat them
  
• The care of oneself, of the other and of the setting

SEQUENCES

• Feet and ankles treatment
  
• Sen lines on the legs
  
• Lower limb stretching exercises
  
• Treatment in side position
  
• General treatment of abdomen, chest, arms
  
• Treatment in prone position
  
• Sen lines on the back
  
• Neck and face treatment
  
• Final integration

TEACHING MATERIALS

• Booklet notes: general program and sequences with photos

About Flora & Fiona

Flora will be the main teacher in the course, Fiona will be organizing, hosting, co-teaching and assisting.

Flora Bisogno

After graduating in Philosophy and completing a P.hD in Cultural Anthropology (Cuba and Italy, 2010) Flora began to teach Yoga and she soon fell in love with Thai Massage, in which she found a magnificent path of transformation and compassion. Since 2012 she has studied and practiced in Europe with Sunshine Network teachers and in Thailand with different well-known and respected "traditional" masters. Her principal mentor is David Lutt.
She’s a member of the Italian Federation of Traditional Thai Massage and Master in Osteothai Massage (2019) at Lulyani School of Thai Massage & Osteothai (France). She keeps on learning, attending courses and assisting her teachers in their classes.
She gives courses in Europe and Thailand (Sunshine Massage School, Chiang Mai) with passion, kindness and care, fulfilling her vocation to immerse herself in different cultures, communities (sangha) and to cultivate heart-based connections between people.
In her classes she combines mindful touch, mindful movement, mindful communication, meditation and Dharma. She creates a nice atmosphere full of metta and smiles and she follows each student carefully so that no one is left behind. Since 2010 she has been blessed to follow the teachings of the Vietnamese zen monk Thich Nath Hanh. For more information: www.flothaimassage.com

Fiona Straathof

Fiona graduated with a Master's in English Language & Literature in 2005 and completed a postgraduate teaching program in 2006. She taught in secondary and higher education from 2004 to 2017.
Yoga has been an important part of Fiona's life since the early 2000s. She has studied and practiced Raja Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Restorative Yoga with dedicated and respected teachers such as Judith Lasater. Her yoga and meditation practice has been her anchor throughout her adult life. When she quit her teaching job in 2017, she began working as a yoga teacher.
Gradually, her focus shifted from teaching yoga to practicing Thai massage. She attended her first Thai massage workshops in 2010 and began seriously studying this beautiful art in 2020. Fiona now works full-time as a Thai massage therapist in her flourishing practice.
She has a solid foundation in traditional Thai massage, having completed several 10-day basic courses and participated in a 3-year program. She has also completed several advanced courses in Dynamic Thai and Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal massage). Fiona primarily studies with teachers from the Sunshine Network and began studying Osteothai (a combination of osteopathy and Thai massage) with David Lutt in 2023.
Yoga and Thai massage are a way of life for Fiona. It is her dream and passion to spread the love for Thai massage in her hometown of Haarlem. Every day, she feels blessed to be living her passion, to be part of the sangha, and to connect with people through the art of touch. Check out Fiona's CV here

Vul het contactformulier in voor meer informatie / het maken van een afspraak / inschrijven voor een cursus.

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“When we come to know who we truly are, we will see ourselves in all people.”
― Amma