Thai Yoga Bodywork Sessions
Thai Yoga bodywork is offered on a one-on-one basis. You wear comfortable clothing and lie on a special futon-like mat while the practitioner uses her palms, thumbs, fingers, feet, knees and elbows to apply gentle pressure in a rhythmic kneading-like movement across the whole body and brings you into various assisted stretches and yoga postures to aid in the release of tension held in the muscles, joints and connective tissue. You are positioned in any combination of supine, prone, side lying, inverted and seated and are encouraged to remain passive and relaxed throughout the session. Marisa's background as an experienced Yoga Teacher, Yoga Therapist and Physical Therapy Assistant assures that her application of Thai Yoga Bodywork is conscientious, informed and nurturing.

Thai Yoga Bodywork Method
This form of bodywork is a holistic approach to releasing holdings throughout the body with an overall treatment rather than focusing on one point of physical pain. The Thai Massage and Yoga Traditions dictate that pain felt in one area of the body may be rooted in another part of the body or connected to an emotional experience and so it is necessary to treat the whole body thoroughly in order to move and release the pain. This is an ancient healing practice intended to not only relieve physical discomfort but to heal the receiver on a deeper level, releasing blocked areas and stimulating energy flow not only in the physical body but also in the mind and spirit. As the practitioner works across the body, she is following the ten main lines of energy, called "Sen", to aid in the release of  blockages, promote healing, prevent illness and create an overall sense of well being. On a physical level, joints are mobilized, muscles are stretched, fascia tension is released and internal organs are toned. Chronic pain is eased, vitality is increased and emotional stress is decreased, aiding in the prevention, management and healing of pain and illness.

Origins of Thai Yoga Bodywork
Thai Yoga Bodywork was developed by physiotherapist and yoga teacher Jonas Westring in 1998 as a way to offer a unique combination of traditional Thai massage, biomechanics and yoga philosophy. Thai Massage originated in Northern India more than 2,500 years ago and was soon after introduced in Buddhist temples in Thailand as part of the monks spiritual practice and referred to as "metta," the physical application of loving kindness. The work that we practice today is based on "Nuad Boran" ("ancient massage"), the result of many centuries of metta practice in the Chiang Mai Province of Northern Thailand. What makes Thai Yoga Bodywork different from other types of bodywork is its unique combination of the ancient Thai and Yoga practices of energy awareness and loving-kindness meditation with the modern western awareness of biomechanics as well as a unique awareness of the well-being of the practitioner who benefits from the adjunct support of Hatha yoga poses and awareness of her own breath and biomechanics. Combined, these elements create a therapeutic and transformational modality that brings over-all well-being to the receiver.

 Client Comments
"My Thai Yoga sessions were a truly an amazing experience. I had very little idea of what to expect going in and I was pleasantly surprised to find that the sessions were better (for me, anyway) than either traditional massage or stretching/flexibility exercises. The structure and technique of the Thai Yoga Body Work (such as the unique combination of energy work, stretching and massage techniques) was very beneficial, as I found it very relaxing and almost didn't notice how my body was being encouraged to stretch and build strength and flexibility. After two sessions, I was shocked with how much more easily some of my joints moved, and how comfortable I was in certain stretches and postures that I wouldn't have dreamed of trying on my own. And all of this while I was so feeling so calm, I could almost fall asleep.
   I've had trouble with back pain before and I have an injury in one joint so, I was a little nervous about allowing someone that much control over my body, but Marisa was wonderful. She was incredibly attentive and in tune with my body at all times, and never pushed me farther than it felt natural to go. She was also able to work effectively around injuries I came in with (I am a martial artist, so I had a few bruises and sprains while I had my sessions). It was great to be able to trust her and just sink into the relaxation, and after a few sessions, I would just lie there with my eyes closed and let her do her good work."
~ Matthew R, Paralegal, 29

"My Thai yoga session was like nothing else I have experienced: it was a combination of stretching, breathing and yoga; of having my body gently but firmly manipulated so as to lengthen and extend my limbs and core. Counter to my expectations, I felt both energized and relaxed after my session. I am eagerly anticipating my next session."
~ Elizabeth E, Painting Conservator, 51

"It is difficult for me to relax when I have body work done. I usually find myself creating lists of things to do in my mind and trying to remember if I took the chicken out to defrost. I have been doing yoga for years but Thai yoga was completely new to me. I am also self-conscious and was not sure if I would be comfortable with my feet and legs being worked on. One of the things that I enjoyed the most was Marisa's energy and demeanor as she worked. She has a very peaceful accepting presence. There were times when I was able to sink so deeply into the moment that I forgot she was there. I was able to be present and experience the sensations in my body with out a sense of judgment on my part. This is a very rare sensation for me and I found it to be extremely liberating. I feel very lucky that I was able to have this bodywork done. It has helped me connect in a deep sense to my own energy and encouraged me to accept myself for where and who I am right now."
~ Emma J, Senior IT Analyst, Graduate Student Global Affairs, 29

"Marisa's voice and healing touch have given me a body work experience like no other. Having had lots of bodywork done, Marisa has a finesse about her way of approaching Thai Yoga that make it extremely memorable. I've described Marisa's Thai Yoga experience like a 'conversation between two souls'. While being worked on, the rhythm and flow of energy that I experienced in each session revitalized my senses and opened up my physical state allowing me to push the limits of my physical abilities. I feel stronger, taller, and more connected with my body, which has helped me tackle each day with courage. Thank you Marisa."
~ Vinita C, Physical Therapist