Bikram yoga is one of my favorite discussions in the yoga community. Nothing else that I know of is quite as controversial and with as many varied opinions. Those in the yoga community tend to fall into camps. They prefer certain teachers, certain styles and although some are eclectic I find strong opinions in people […]
This is good for people with upper back and neck pain. It’s an easy way to help someone open their chest and allow their shoulder blades to begin the process of coming off of their upper back. You’ll want to avoid this movement on people with herniated discs or any sort of spine surgery like […]
Here is another technique for accessing the levator scapulae and muscles along either side of the neck. You minimize hand work and effectively stretch the cervical musculature. This combined with the previous video make for a solid Thai massage for the neck. People with headaches, neck pain, upper back pain and excess tension in their […]
This is a simple, easy to use Thai massage technique for family and friends. Those who just took my Thai massage class around Austin will notice that this is done seated. We learn the seated series in the Thai massage certification track. You’re pressing into the posterior neck muscles and those with headaches, TMJ dysfunction […]
I was interviewed yesterday on Awakening in Austin. Listen when you get a chance. My interview is specifically about Thai massage and my work in Austin, Texas. We cover some basics about yoga and yoga therapy as well. Equanimity is defined as a state of mental or emotional stability or composure arising from a deep […]
I’ve worked in Thai massage and bodywork for ten years. In relative obscurity I’ve continued my work. People often ask me what I do. If I say bodywork they say, “Oh, you work on cars.” I dislike saying massage. Massage has preconceived notions for westerners in the US. Massage means a table, cream and a […]
I went to Yogagroove for Bikram yoga last night and had a good class. I felt fairly strong and limber throughout. In the last 6 years my body has opened more and due to the recent master cleanse there’s less to push against. Having lost body fat I feel stronger, having burned off anything that […]
I wanted to settle back into a normal eating pattern and discuss any changes from the cleanse this time around. I lost about 10lbs on the cleanse, 2-4 of which I’ve gained back now that I’m eating again. Overall there was no epiphany this time around, no huge mental changes. I do notice that my […]
In this video I discuss chickens and the symbiosis that we’ve formed between our species and theirs. I briefly discuss Joel Salatin, Michael Pollan and here mention Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. I recommend checking into the work of all three and I’ll have later posts discussing each. Chickens form a larger portion of the worlds meat consumption. […]
More variations on downward facing dog pose using a wall. The change of gravity and position helps open the spine and allows one to build strength in the arms and hands while working on stretching through the upper spine and finally into the neck. Play with these they’re great fun. I highly recommend these if […]
Downward facing dog pose is difficult for beginners. Hamstrings are tight, the low back isn’t aligned well and the backs of the legs are tense enough to prevent much movement of the heels towards the floor. This version takes the lower body out of the equation. Working on the arms, upper back and cervical spine […]
Most days I do a little yoga. I may not make it to a class or teach a class but there are usually back bends over the couch while playing poker online. Getting up I lean against the wall and do 1/2 downward dog and work on my bad left shoulder. My alignment continues to […]
