Body Wisdom Massage School’s Blog

I’m really excited to share some news with you! I’ll be teaching Thai on the Table in July, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. 

In 2007, I was trained in Traditional Thai Massage on the Mat at Body Wisdom, which blew my mind with its creativity and technique options. But I’m in Guttenberg, a cozy spot in Northeast Iowa, where offering Traditional Thai might seem a bit out there for our small-town vibes. So, I returned to Body Wisdom for additional training in Thai on the Table,  and boom! I Instantly started integrating it into my practice.

I love how Thai on the Table helps clients who struggle to stretch effectively. It’s like having a personal stretching coach right there! Plus, staying fully clothed makes it super accessible, whether at our local events or for clients who prefer to keep their clothes on during massages.

Benefits of Table-Based Thai Massage
Accessibility: Clients who are uncomfortable on the floor find the table more accessible, especially elderly clients and those with mobility limitations.

Convenience: It’s easier to integrate table-based Thai massage into settings already set up for table massages, such as spas and clinics.

Versatility: It allows for combining Thai massage with other massage techniques, such as Body Wisdom School’s SansHands ™ approach, offering a holistic approach that many clients appreciate.

Compression Massage: The compression massage moves in Thai are so grounding, and the whole experience feels like a massage turned 3-D! Clients are often amazed by their newfound body awareness and flexibility (or lack thereof!), leaving them inspired to move more freely.

Advice for Practitioners Considering This Transition:
Practice Good Ergonomics: Always be mindful of your body mechanics to prevent injury and ensure sustainability in your practice.

Communicate with Your Clients: Ensure you check in frequently with your clients about their comfort and pressure levels, significantly since table work can differ from traditional mat work.

Innovate and Personalize: Don’t hesitate to be creative. Adapt techniques that work best for you and your clients, and personalize your approach to meet individual needs.

Incorporating Thai Massage on the Table has been a turning point for me as a massage therapist and yoga instructor. It’s sparked conversations about self-care and even led to more interest in my yoga classes.

I can’t wait to share this technique with you all soon.

Cheers to stretching, relaxing, and feeling amazing!

Sadie Hefel, Body Wisdom Instructor

BWS: Can you share with us how you first became interested in massage therapy and what led you to specialize in Thai Massage?

Ethel: I first became interested in massage therapy when I was searching for relief from some back pain I was experiencing.  I don’t like taking medications unless absolutely necessary, so I was looking for a pain relief alternative.  I visited Body Wisdom initially to receive a very much-needed massage.  !  I ended up leaving and enrolled as a student in massage therapy!  Although unfinished, I had studied Pre-Med during my college years and found Body Wisdom’s focus on the science of the body absolutely fascinating.  Finally, I can use some of the education I have already loved and learned!

BWS: What about the training at Body Wisdom Massage School that inspired you to pursue Thai Massage as a specialty?

Ethel: After I enrolled, I researched the schools in the area at that time.  There were several, but Body Wisdom had the highest graduation and licensure rate of their graduates, the graduate students were perceived as the best candidates for hire in the area, and they had the most variety of classes.  One of the things that caught my interest was Thai massage.  It sounded so exotic and different.  I could not take Thai Massage with my scheduled program when I initially enrolled.  I originally had designed a program more suited for a spa niche.  Oh, how quickly that began to change! While I couldn’t completely overhaul the program I had committed to,  I knew I would be back for CEU classes, explicitly targeting Thai Massage and Orthopedic/Sports Massage.

BWS: Reflecting on your time as a student at Body Wisdom Massage School, what aspects of the training most influenced your approach to massage in general and Thai Massage in particular?

Ethel: My time as a Body Wisdom student was terrific.  The instructors had a true passion for their craft, which showed how they taught. It seems that pursuing a massage certification also draws people of the same caliber: Passionate, enthusiastic, and empathetic caretakers or facilitators of well-being. I truly felt I had found an entire family who felt the same way I did regarding massage and its ability to heal the body. I still have that same love as I proceed through my Mastery Program at Body Wisdom.

BWS: What motivated you to transition from student to teacher at Body Wisdom Massage School?

Ethel: I never saw myself as a teacher of massage.  Honestly, I had homeschooled 2 of my children for 3 years and had discovered how much of a challenge that could be.  I NEVER wanted to teach.  What swayed my decision?  Ali Hatfield.  Honestly and truly.  I blame her 😊  She and Rhett had influenced me so much as a student.  I highly valued their opinions.  At that meeting, she convinced me that teaching would be a fantastic way for me to help continue to influence the future public about the miracles of massage bodywork and perpetuate the same learning experience (and love) of the trade I had as a student long ago.  

BWS: As a teacher, how do you convey the core principles of Thai Massage that you learned here to your students?

Ethel: I fell in love with the basic human principles encompassing Thai Massage, derived from the Buddhist religion, and the practical techniques themselves.  The heart has 4 chambers, which correlate to the 4 divine states of mind.  Metta, Karuna, Mudita, and Upekkha, translated in English, mean Loving-kindness, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity.  How beautiful is that?! Those are principles that I not only live my life by but also by how I choose to treat those that come along my path in any capacity.

BWS: Can you discuss some teaching strategies you use to help students overcome common learning hurdles in Thai Massage?

Ethel: My primary strategy in teaching is to be 1000% myself, which is what I request from the students in any of the classes I teach.  I do not purport to be the end-all, be-all specialist of the material I share.  In fact, I refer to all of the classes here at Body Wisdom as Level 1 courses… it’s just the beginning!  I am also a student of the modalities I teach, meaning I never stop learning. There is always knowledge to be learned, from both practicing and additional education acquired regarding any specific modality.

BWS: How do you adapt Thai Massage techniques to cater to clients with specific therapeutic needs

Ethel: I have a dual niche practice, and each complements the other beautifully.  My initial niche for massage consists of active individuals who currently use their bodies regularly or desire to better use them.  My secondary niche includes individuals suffering from chronic pain due to injury, post-surgical, or physical disorder.  I love how Thai Massage promotes healing to each and every one of those clients.  Athletes love the recovery assistance, and those who suffer from physical disorders find a new freedom in participating in an exercise to benefit their bodies that wouldn’t ordinarily be possible using traditional massage practice.  Thai massage is done on a mat on the floor while clothed.  That allows me to usher a massage for my client that provides physical and mental therapy.

BWS: Based on your experience, what advice would you give current students at Body Wisdom Massage School interested in Thai Massage?

Ethel: Thai Massage is known as a physical modality.  Most therapists can facilitate a Thai Massage.  The teaching focuses on posture, movement, and breathing from the beginning.  The class hours for this course run over a 12-day or 96-hour period.  However, with our teaching method, the students receive instruction over almost an entire month, allowing time for their bodies to develop the physicality needed to administer a treatment safely and effectively.  This isn’t done through additional exercise; it is by practicing the stretching, posturing, and meditations we practice daily throughout the teachings.

BWS: From your perspective as a practitioner and teacher, what are some challenges that the massage therapy industry, especially Thai Massage, is facing today?

Ethel: Thai Massage was developed to complement Thai Medicine, providing treatments to aid in the healing of the body, mind, and spirit. Western medicine has excluded the practice of massage as a method of treatment. Medicine is starting to welcome Massage’s assistance, but we still have a long way to go. Thai Massage is an energy modality with a reputation for being too outside of the norm to have a proper physical benefit.

BWS: What have been the most rewarding aspects of practicing and teaching Thai Massage?

Ethel: Whenever I perform a Thai massage treatment, I help the client and work on myself. Performing the techniques adequately requires my body to move freely, and the movements themselves allow for a rhythmic and slow pace for my body to unwind and warm up.

Wishing all my fellow massage therapists success in their practice …

Ethel

In today’s digital age, where the lines between work and personal life blur more than ever, it’s essential to prioritize employee well-being, even in a remote environment. Traditional workplace wellness programs are evolving to meet the needs of the modern workforce, with virtual solutions becoming increasingly prevalent. One such innovation gaining traction is virtual guided massage, a convenient and effective way to manage workplace stress.

Virtual Wellness Programs: Bridging the Gap With remote work becoming the new norm for many, the need for virtual wellness programs has never been more apparent. These programs provide employees access to various health and wellness services, ensuring they receive the same support and care as they did in physical office settings. Virtual guided massage is a notable component of these programs, offering a holistic approach to stress management.

Benefits Beyond the Office Guided workplace massage programs operate on the principle that self-care is essential, even during the busiest workdays. Companies foster a culture of support and appreciation by encouraging employees to take regular breaks and prioritize their well-being. This not only improves employee morale but also contributes to higher levels of productivity and job satisfaction.

The Energizing Effects of Virtual Massage Contrary to common misconceptions, virtual massage doesn’t leave employees feeling lethargic or sleepy. Instead, short guided massage sessions can revitalize staff by reducing stress and tension. Virtual massage increases energy levels by improving circulation and releasing muscle tightness, helping employees feel more focused and engaged throughout the day.

How It Works Virtual massage sessions are led by certified practitioners who tailor each session to meet the individual needs of participants. Employees can connect with practitioners through live video streaming platforms and receive personalized relaxation techniques and muscle relief guidance. Whether Swedish massage is for overall relaxation or targeted pressure point massage for specific pain points, practitioners adapt their approach to address diverse needs.

Customization and Flexibility Employees can choose between one-on-one or group sessions based on their preferences. Group sessions can foster team bonding, particularly for remote teams, while one-on-one sessions allow for personalized attention. Additionally, employees can opt to have their video on or off during sessions, depending on their comfort level, ensuring a private and comfortable experience.

Managing Workplace Stress: The Science Behind Guided Massage Virtual Massage offers a multitude of physical and mental benefits that contribute to stress reduction and overall well-being. By lowering heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels while simultaneously increasing serotonin and dopamine levels, guided massage helps counteract stress and prevent burnout. The result is a more focused, productive, and resilient workforce.

As workplaces evolve in the digital age, companies must prioritize employee wellness, regardless of location. Virtual guided massage presents a practical and effective solution for managing workplace stress, allowing employees to unwind and recharge, even during a hectic workday. By investing in virtual wellness programs, companies demonstrate their commitment to employee health and happiness, ultimately fostering a more positive and productive work environment.

Discover more about our commitment to excellence in education: Schedule an in-person or phone consultation with our admission counselor: ‘G’ @ 515-727-4890

BWS: What initially drew you to massage therapy and led you to enroll at the Body Wisdom Massage School?

Sammi: I initially went to Iowa State for Psychology because I’ve always been passionate about helping people. During school, I quickly realized that I was ready to get into the real world, and I didn’t want to spend several years getting a degree in talk therapy. I stumbled across a class exercise for classwork and thought that it sounded more like my speed. I became a Kinesiology major and finished a minor in Psychology. My degree fostered an interest in the function of the body. It just made sense to me. My passion for long-distance running evolved into a passion for weight lifting, and I decided to go to the heart of weight lifting. I started my first personal training job, soon to be my first management position, at Gold’s Gym, The Mecca of BodyBuilding. This was well before I graduated from Iowa State. I met one of my best friends who did massage as a side profession, and she had attended Body Wisdom. Years later, after finishing my degree and becoming less satisfied with personal training, she urged me to check out the school. One meeting with G and I was sold

BWS: How would you describe your unique approach to massage therapy that sets you apart from others?

Sammi: My method of bodywork is functionally based. I use various techniques to mold tissue into better symmetry and try to understand holding patterns and movement function. I believe that dysfunction stems from under and overuse and that a combination of hands-on bodywork, strength training, and lifestyle management can free people from their restrictions. My background in Kinesiology provides logic and problem-solving to the physical being, and my background in psychology provides energy and empathy toward the emotional and spiritual being. 

My approach is unique because I encourage people to look at bodywork as something they should do regularly, not something they must earn or treat themselves to. I view the body with a strength-based background to try to help people find and work on areas that aren’t participating in a pain-free and easy-to-move away. Finally, even though I’m very logical in my approach, I round my practice out with other points of well-being and make it a proper full-body treatment.

BWS: What was the most impactful aspect of your training at the Body Wisdom?

Sammi: My favorite part about Body Wisdom was the chance to connect so deeply with others. The students that I went to school with are now forever friends. They helped shape my experience through school and continue to provide new perspectives and passion for the profession. 

One thing that makes Body Wisdom unique is that the curriculum is set up so that you can pave your own path through school. One of the reasons I picked this school was that I could choose to learn different modalities than most schools offer in a basic program. The biggest influences on my work are sports massage and Thai massage. I use these modalities every week, and they influence all of my work.

BWS: What are your aspirations for the future in your massage therapy career?

Sammi: Shortly, I hope to open my own location to foster a collective environment for sports massage and help connect clients with other essential pieces of well-being. I want my location to be a one-stop shop for getting healthy and recovering the body. I aim to create a fun environment for clients and employees to help them feel better, move better, and be a part of a community.

BWS: How do you see the field of massage therapy evolving, and what role do you hope to play in it?

Sammi: Massage is growing exponentially, with no end in sight. There is a massive movement toward mentally, physically, and emotionally caring for yourself. The market is abundant, and each person has something unique to offer it. I would say that my role in the evolution of massage is to help educate people on how beneficial massage can be and to continue to build networks in the health and wellness profession. The more we work together as massage therapists and other health professionals, the more people trust us and get the care they deserve.

BWS: What advice would you give someone just starting their journey in massage therapy?

Sammi: The advice I would give to new therapists is to never lose the spark. I feel it’s vital to stay excited about bodywork by trading with others, cross-promoting with other therapists/ professionals, getting involved in events and the community, seeking new information, and never getting complacent in my work. I approach the body with new ideas and new energy every session so that I can continue to learn and grow.

Quotes that I live by:

“The only thing that I know for sure is that I know nothing at all.” -Socrates

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”- Picasso

“When you stop learning, you start dying”- Einstein 

Wishing all the best to everyone in the fantastic field of massage therapy!

Sammi

Discover more about our commitment to excellence in education: Schedule an in-person or phone consultation with our admission counselor: ‘G’ @ 515-727-4890