Thai foot massage is it a popular therapy?

[iPodVideoLover]

Anyone doing Thai foot massage? If so do you find its a popular therapy? I would like to do some coures (at the moment I do Reiki and IHM), full body massage is out as I don't have the pressure in my hands for that). I understand with Thai foot massage you use like a wand so its easier on the hands then reflexology (which I think again would be out for me).

Thanks

 

[Jerrod]

Hi AP

I do Thai foot massage, but usually within a massage treatment, and use it within the occasional reflexology treatment when it crops up.

I studied two different styles of TFM in Thailand. Courses there are 2 to 3 days, and in this country usually 1 day. Not sure if 1 day long enough.

TFM is a good therapy for people who like a good firm massage and is a way of practicing a form of reflexology without having to do a full-on course. The stick (wand) technique isn't liked by people with ticklish feet, but contrary to popular belief there isn't nothing wrong in using tools in reflexology.

Can you you make money from TFM? That depends on how you market it. My problem is that as soon as a potential client finds out I do deep tissue/remedial/sports massage they want that and nothing else. Obviously my stuff not yours.

In terms of client preference, some like IHM but not FM, and some like FM but not IHM. So at least you can offer a broader service.

Best Wishes

RP

 

[~Volcom~]

I would definitely recommend it but not as a treatment on it's own, more as an incorporation into a full body massage.

May i ask what is wrong with your hands in terms of strength? Is it possible to build them up?

 

[Corky Thatcher]

I don't have the energy do do full body massage, due to a health condition.

 

[mmmm....]

perhaps aromatherapy maybe better as the massage is a lighter touch than swedish massage

 

[Emily M]

Thai foot massage is an awesome foot massage.

Its vigorous and can hurt like hell as the practitioner ferociously rubs the pointed end of a stick up and down your metatarsals but afterwards your feet feel like new! like a new lease of life has been breathed into them.

As for being popular, hmmm, not sure. I reckon you could make it into a niche market for yourself and if you check google searches there are quite a few searches for thai foot massage though not location specific.

If you are not feeling up to anything energetic, atlanticpearl, try something like craniosacral therapy - thats got to be the ultimate in low energy expenditure bodywork!


J

 

[Ellaine Louise]

Just back from CAM and did a Thai Foot Massage taster workshop with Inspire and it was absolutely fantastic. I loved to do it, and loved to receive it too, and felt really invigorated afterwards.
Love Melanie x

 

[Gquktrkgfp]

Hi did you do in Maidstone as I see you are based in Kent. As you did a taster workshop would you go on and do the certificate in it (one day) and can I ask with the wand thing do you need to apply a lot of pressure, traditional reflexology would be out fo rme I think because of the pressure involved,

thanks

 

[PaigeyPoo<3(:]

I love doing and receiving TFM and I use the stick. I've done 2 separate courses so I have devised my own routine using elements from both.

It isn't popular, but if you introduced it at the end of your reflexology as a gift to your clients they may well ask for it next time.

I also put it on as a special offer and do a treatment called

Head, shoulders, knees and toes

In that I do a Eastern head massage with the Thai foot and my clients love that.

It will save your hands as you are doing more massage and can sit for most of it, the stick is fun and easy to use and you use no pressure.

perhaps consider other tools in your massage:
hot stone massage, lava shells, bamboo massage, crystal massage, compress massage. Also look at hands-free techniques.

I use a lot of tools and do a lot of different treatments so that I don't "hurt" my main tools = my hands/wrists.

What might work nicely for you is the Eastern head massage alongside the thai foot, look for Oriental face massage, natural face lift courses in your area.

 

[qpfnowsp]

Hi Atlantic Pearl
I was up at Earls Court yesterday at CAM Expo, so did the taster session in Thai Foot. It was one and a half hours so not a qualification but a taster to see what it is all about. We didn't use sticks as there wasn't time. We learned some basic strokes and got confidence using them and got to feel how invigorating the treatment is even without sticks. I may do the course when I can afford it.Love Melanie x

 

[iqedauxiiffiymexi]

I did the taster session with melsy at CAMEXPO too and it felt fabulous to recieve I too will be doing the 1 day course when funds allow-
Ps Melsy if you want to practice again cant wait to experience it again it was brill,

 

[blueberry]

Maychang

Manythanks for all your advice, at the moment I do Reiki and Indian Head Massage (is Eastern head very similar to Indian?). I will certainly look out for courses you suggested.

Thanks again
AP

 

[blogdog123]

Hi Melanie

Sounds like fun, would you do a course through the co that you did the taster session with? I did a quick search on the net and it brought up natural theraphy studio (Kent), don't know this place never heard of them...but I will look around and perhaps do a course in the New Year.

Best wishes
Jane xx

 

[bcjkhwwr]

IHM is a seated massage wheras Eastern style massage is a massage with the client lying on a bed using a lot of pressure points to the face, scalp and in some cases shoulders and arms.
I said Eastern as their are many types to look out for such as Tibetan Head, Oriental Face Massage, natural face lift, natural rejuvenation, Indian face massage, Ayurvedic face massage.

Its a lot more soothing and relaxing wheras IHM is a stress-busting, muscle melting treatment.

 

[butdtmlo]

Im doing this course next March with Gateway Workshops, can't wait Plus it's in Covent Garden and I haven't been there for years

 

[sant]

Hi well we did the TFM taster with Inspire Massage workshops and they certainly live up to their name - Inspiring! Yes, I would certainly go back to them, and in the meantime have booked up myofacial release with them too. Love Melanie x