foreigner has been taught the routine. 
Hello and welcome to A Way to Relax where we pride ourselves on offering some thing a bit different. We have 5 core areas that we specialise in:
Courses and Workshops
Treatments
Thai Meditation Breathing Classes
Chill-out Parties
Thai Cookery Demonstrations
Links
Courses and Workshops:
A Way to Relax offers a range of courses suitable for all levels from beginners to professionals - including trademarked courses not taught by any other therapist in the U.K.
Whether you are a working therapist or someone with no experience of massage at all, courses are now available for you to study so you can practice on the general public.
All courses are validated by the Independent Professional Therapists International U.K (www.iptiuk.com) and come fully insurable with hand outs and certificates - click here see note on certificates.
We have a variety of courses available to learn varying from 1-day intensives to 15-day courses complete with case studies.
Classes are kept to a minimum number to allow for one-to-one tuition and comprehensive hands outs are provided to allow the student to gain a clear understanding of the subject being taught. Students will also have the benefit of ‘after care’ support after successful completion of any course.
Courses are held in various areas around the Midlands.
A Way to Relax also offers one-to-one tuition or private group tuition; dates are arranged at mutual convenience. Other areas will be available later this year, so please call for details.
Whether you're looking to add a new therapy to your list, earn a part-time additional income or learn a new massage to practice on friends & family, at A Way to Relax we have something to suit you.
All course fees include: use of equipment on the day, handouts, certificate & refreshments. Students will be given information on suppliers for additional items they may want to purchase after successful completion of any course.
Please note that the following courses marked 'TM' is trademarked and is not taught by any other therapist in the U.K.
Courses currently on offer (Prices as from July 2007):
Thai Foot Massage – Level 1
Duration and cost: 1 day - £120
Thai foot massage is an ancient style of massage dating back to more than 2,500 years ago. Traditionally a mixture of stretching movements incorporated with massaging techniques using the hands and
a special wooden stick are used to stimulate the activity of internal organs & improve the blood and lymph circulation.
Thai foot massage is very different to Reflexology because it uses a special wooden stick with cream to focus on the feet & legs. Both massage & stretching techniques are used making this treatment very versatile. Hence, this treatment can be run as a treatment on its own or incorporated into other existing routines such as Reflexology.
Benefits of Thai Foot massage:
- Stimulates the blood & lymph circulation
- Boasts the immune system
- Assists with calming the body from stress and ill feeling
- Assists with sleep patterns
- Makes the whole body feel as if it has had a massage
- Re-balances energy within the body
- Assists with the general well being and health of the body
- Removes built up toxins
- Helps keep the lower body flexible
- Can relieve heavy or tired legs
We offer several levels and versions of Thai Foot Massage, in order to prevent over saturation and allow students to expand their knowledge & learn techniques at a pace that suits.
On the day students will learn how to use the magic stick, stimulate areas around the feet and legs, and perform some light stretching movements, introduction into Sen Energy Lines of the lower body & contradictions. After completion of the course students will have learnt how to complete a Thai Foot massage routine lasting for approximately 45 mins. The Northern style of Thai Foot Massage will be mainly focused on in Level 1. Further levels are available allowing successful students to expand their knowledge learning new and more advantaged techniques. In Level 2 the original Wat Po or Southern style techniques will be introduced.
Thai meditation breathing exercises will also be taught to help students prepare for practice.
Clothing that is comfortable but modest and flexible should be worn. Thai fisherman pants will be sold on the day for anyone without suitable trousers. Leg work will be carried out on all levels.
Thai Foot Massage – Level 2
Duration and cost: 1 day - £120
Prerequisites – Thai Foot Massage - Level 1
Level 2 will expand on the varying techniques taught in Level 1. Students will learn new techniques from the Southern style further advancing their knowledge using both the magic stick and hands on massaging techniques. All techniques learnt can be incorporated into the existing routine already studied in Level 1. It will also give students a chance to practice full routines.
On the day students will learn about advantaged Sen Energy Line theories focusing on the lower body, allowing students to gain a greater understanding of Sen Lines. Further magic stick techniques focusing on the Southern style will be introduced, along with massaging techniques on the legs plus further stretching movements. Thai meditation breathing exercises, how to mix your own cream, positioning of the body correctly & Thai towel sock wrapping will also be covered in Level 2.
Thai Foot Massage – Level 3
Duration and cost: 1 day - £120
Prerequisites – Thai Foot Massage - Levels 1 & 2
Level 3 will introduce advanced stretching movements, warm up and warm down routines & hands on massage techniques.
Thai Spa Oil Massage
Duration and cost: 3 days plus 15 case studies - £375
Thai Spa Oil massage uses flowing massage movements alongside gentle stretching techniques making it very different from other massage therapies practiced today.
Emphasis is put on re-balancing the energy within the body, strokes are long and rhythmic. This treatment is not only wonderfully relaxing but also beneficial in relieving aching muscles from the body without causing pain to the receiver. Clients often report to experience a feeling of floating.
As the movements focus on unblocking Sen Energy Lines within the body every area is covered from head to toe. Thai people are more modest than Westerns so different techniques are used for men and women. This treatment is increasingly becoming very popular as it gives the receiver a wonderful feeling of relaxation but still eases tension from the body. Many people are conscious of their body and are put off by receiving full body treatments as some routines expose the body too much. Thai Spa Oil massage covers the body and uses different techniques with towels only exposing certain areas of the body. Many clients have commented that they feel more relaxed and less conscious because people’s modesty has been respected.
Once the full body routine has been learnt, students could split parts of the massage up using the back routine for a back massage or the face and chest routine for part of a facial and so on. This treatment is so versatile and adaptable that it can be used as a treatment on its own or even used with Hot Herbal Compresses.
Benefits of Thai Spa Oil Massage:
- Eases muscle tension from the body
- Improves flexibility
- Relaxes the mind and calms the body
- Improves skin tone and increases circulation
- Helps with stress and depression
- Helps rid toxins from the body
- Can induce a meditative state
Students will learn how to carry out a full body treatment lasting approximately 1 hour using massage techniques and stretching movements involving the whole body.
Students will learn how to use their body correctly, full body routine, positioning of the client, towel wrapping, health & safety, contradictions & Thai breathing exercises. This course will not cover aromatherapy oils. The course lasts for 3 days and has been split into modules of 1 day per month . This gives students enough time to practice and carry out case studies inbetween each module.
An Introduction to Tok Sen Therapy - New to U.K.
Duration and cost: 1 day - £95
An ancient form of therapy using a special instrument to tap away the negative energy and ease muscle tension. This treatment allows the therapist to ease tension within muscles at a deeper level without causing pain to the receiver or creating wear and tear on the therapist’s hands.
Other forms of tools could be introduced once the therapist had developed the technique such as Hot Stones or Crystals etc.
This therapy is new to the U.K.
Mongolian Sky Energy Massage™ - New to U.K.
Duration and cost: 2 days plus case studies - £250
This treatment works with energy pathways to help rebalance the body using very slow hands on techniques.
Mongolian Sky Energy Massage™ is a more energetically based treatment offering many benefits and is used in Mongolia to help overcome seasonal depression during the long winter months.
This course is not taught by any other therapist in the U.K.
Hot Herbal Compress Massage
Duration and cost: 1 day - £130
Hot Herbal Compress Massage is an ancient treatment that has been used in Asia for centuries to help ease tension & negative energy from the body.
Hot Herbal Compress consists of specially made heated balls that have been steamed and are then applied to the body following energy pathways.
The effects can vary but the blended fresh ingredients along with the heat affect help ease aching muscles, improve skin appearance, relax the mind and rebalance the body’s energy. It can also make a great alternative to the traditional Hot Stones Massage and/or Aromatherapy.
On the day students will learn how to prepare and make the compresses from scratch. This will involve preparing the herbs and understanding their purpose as well as folding and tying the compresses. Many schools use ready made compresses not allowing the students to learn how to make them. Once students have learnt the technique correctly, Hot Herbal Compress can be very versatile. A basic understanding of Sen Energy Lines involving the whole body will also be covered along with carrying out a full body routine using the compresses.
Thai breathing exercises will also be practiced to prepare the mind and most importantly of all students will have a chance to experience this wonderful treatment. Clothing that is comfortable but modest and flexible should be worn. Thai fisherman pants will be sold on the day for anyone without suitable trousers. Students also need to bring a swimming costume or bikini and towel to wear on the day whilst they experience the treatment.
Thai Acupressure Face Massage
Duration and cost: 1 day - £105
This treatment covers the face, neck, shoulders, arms and hands.
On the day students will learn how to stimulate reflex zones on the face and perform a routine on the face, shoulders, chest, arms and hands.
This massage can be used on its own or as part of an existing routine such as Hopi Ear Candles, facial routines, Indian Head Massage, hand and arm massage and so on.
The benefits can be varied but it is designed to encourage fresh blood to the surface to help improve skin tone especially to the face and chest. It also helps with maintaining sinus flow, easing tension for the upper body and can help to relieve headaches. No creams or oils are used making this treatment very versatile and mobile.
Yam Kang Bare Foot Massage
Duration and cost: 1 day - £120
This course teaches you how to give oil-based massage using your feet.
It is a very versatile massage that can also be adapted to Hot Stones Therapy to give a new experience to your clients.
This form of treatment has been adapted from an ancient technique used in Thailand 800 years ago, so very few people practice this style of massage.
Indian Head Massage
Duration and cost: 1 day - £95
This one-day course will give students a choice of 2 routines to practice: The first one will be based on a more traditional head massage and; The second routine will show students how to perform a seated oil massage routine.
The main areas covered are the upper shoulders & arms, neck, scalp and face.
The benefits are varied but Indian Head Massage is a very well known and popular treatment assisting in the relief of tension headaches and aching muscles. The scalp & face work is also great in maintaining healthy hair and skin.
This course is available to everyone but anyone working in the hair industry will find it an especially useful tool.
Traditional Thai Massage
Duration and cost: 15 days plus case studies - £950
A choice of Northern or Southern style massage can be learnt. This course will teach you how to give a full body massage using acupressure and yoga like stretching movement. Techniques using ancient hands-free movements will also be incorporated into the lessons.
Other Courses
If students prefer to work off a couch than off the floor then there are shorter, less involved courses available such as Tension Relief Therapy and Table-top Thai Massage. Please call Karen on 07966 484234 to discuss these courses further.
Certificates
All students attending courses are asked to bring 2 passport size photos with them on the day. One of the photos will appear on the certificate, so please ensure it is a photo you are happy with!
In order to gain a certificate, students will need to perform practical tests to ensure they have reached a satisfactory level of competence. If any student fails to reach the necessary standard, they will be encouraged to stay after the course for additional practice. In the event of further failure to meet the standards, students are required to practice the routine and return at a later date to re-sit the test at an additional cost to them.
Treatments:
Lengths of treatments vary as each session is tailored to the clients need.
An average full session last approx 1 hour and a mini treatment such as
back, neck and shoulders last approx 1/2 hour - Hence the two prices listed
under each treatment.
Reiki which is natural life force energy is given with love and kindness with every treatment.
Ultimate Relaxation Treatment
Comprising: Thai Oil Massage, Thai Foot Massage & foot bath, Thai Spa Facial. This treatment will last approx 2 hours 15 mins.
Cost: £65
Thai Spa Oil Massage
Available in a full body or a back, neck & shoulders treatment
This hands on therapy uses a mixture of oils including coconut oil, along with gentle eastern massage techniques. The therapist follows special energy pathways along the body called Sen Lines to create the feeling of relaxation enabling the receiver to drift away and totally de-stress during the treatment.
Also a very beneficial treatment to alleviate aching or sore muscles.
Cost: £18 / £35
Tension Relief Therapy
a short but firm massage concentrating on the neck, shoulders & upper back using various acupressure & stretching techniques.
Helps ease muscle tension, headaches and assists with posture of the upper body.
Cost: £15
Indian Head Massage & Indian Full Body Massage
This massage works on the upper body, neck, scalp, face & feet first, followed by a full body massage.
It uses various techniques and incorporates movements used in Ayurvedic practices.
Cost: £15 / £35
Traditional Thai Massage
This massage is carried out on a mat on the floor with the receiver fully
clothed. This treatment has been performed in Thailand for centuries.
Various acupressure & yoga like stretching techniques are used to manipulate the body and free stagnant energy flow. The massage is extremely beneficial and effective in relaxing tired and aching muscles, rebalancing the body and assisting with overall posture.
Cost: £35 / £60
Thai Foot Massage - with Foot Bath
This treatment is very different to Reflexology as it uses a special stick and creams to stimulate areas around the feet & legs. Some mild stretching movements and hands on massaging are also used to stimulate energy flow making this treatment a brilliant stress buster.
Deeply relaxing and beneficial for the inside & outside of the body. This treatment can assist with sleep and is effective for anyone who has a problem relaxing. The massage is ideal for anyone who suffers with circulation problems. It is a very non invasive treatment.
Cost: £15 / £25
Mongolian Sky Energy Massage™ (with hot oil)
This treatment is based on the nomadic believes of old Mongolia by the use of Sky energy. Slow and relaxing massage techniques working on a deeper energetic level are used to keep the meridian energy flowing freely.
It is a deeply relaxing treatment used in Mongolia to help ease seasonal depression and stress.
New to the U.K. Click here to read review
Cost: £30
Hot Herbal Compress
Compresses made on-site packed with exotic herbs and other ingredients are prepared and then steamed. The warm herbal compress ball is then applied to the skin using various techniques.
The benefits are varied as the herbs release healing properties to alleviate aching muscles and improve circulation around the body.
This is a wonderfully relaxing treatment and would appeal to anyone who enjoys Hot Stones Therapy or Aromatherapy Massage.
Cost: £23 / £35
Tok Sen Therapy
This is an old Lanna-style treatment which uses special hammer & chisel sticks blessed by Buddhists monks in Thailand to gently tap along the energy lines which in turn improve energy flow & relieves aching muscles.
Prices vary depending on length of treatment.
Thai Acupressure Face Massage
Focusing on the face, neck, shoulders, arms & hands, special reflex points are stimulated using acupressure techniques without the use of creams or oils. There are many similar massages to this such as Japanese Face Lift, Indian Massage and so on.
By stimulating the reflex points around the face blood circulation is improved which can assist with the anti aging process.
Cost: £15
‘Jirung’ Therapy
This is a hands on massage using oils and stretching movements to relax and stimulate the muscles in the body. It is ideal for anyone who seriously needs to unwind.
Cost: £60
Yam Kang – Bare Foot Massage
This is a massage performed by the therapist dipping their feet into heated oil and applying pressure to the receiver’s body using their feet. An unusual but enjoyable experience.
Cost: £30
Thai Spa Facial
This is a six-step routine using natural products such as Honey, Aloe Vera & Cucumber. The face is cleansed, toned, exfoliated, massaged, masked and finally moisturized. The face, neck & shoulders also receive a relaxing massage while the mask is left to set.
This treatment makes the skin feel totally refreshed and glowing. Suitable for most skins types as only natural ingredients are used.
Cost: £15 / £20
For further information on any of the above courses or treatments please call Karen on 07966 484234 or email karen@awaytorelax.co.uk
Links:
- Halo House, Cheltenham - www.halohouse.co.uk
- The Cottage Healing Centre, Tamworth - www.cottagehealingcentre.org
Please click on the links to find out about booking courses at the centres above.
- Healthy Pages - www.healthypages.co.uk
- Natural Matters - www.naturalmatters.net
- Metta - www.metta.org.uk
- Worldwide Health - www.worldwidehealth.com
- The Complementary Therapies Guide - www.therapiesguide.co.uk
- Holistic Health, Lichfield - www.holistichealthlichfield.co.uk
