In Traditional Thai medicine, we utilize a system of Five Element Theory as a framework for the individualized creation of treatments, both physical and esoteric. Those elements are earth, water, fire, wind, and ether. Earth is our experience of solidity, water our experience of fluidity, fire our experience of transformation and heat, wind our experience of movement, and either our experience of non-resistance or spaciousness, unobstructedly.
When these elements are looked at through the lens of their individual qualities, we use that specific touch that is most uniquely appropriate for the balancing of those elements. It is the individuation of these elemental disturbances in the body and mind and their qualities that assist in the creation of treatments.
This course will teach how this framework or lens is applied to the practical application of massage techniques and lifestyle advice for individual self-care for clients. Both theoretical background and specific correlating massage applications to balance each element will be presented at a beginner’s level. Exercises to create a better comprehension of each element and its specific qualities will be presented in an interactive manner. Simple introductory applications are appropriate for a beginner-level introduction to elemental touch. In addition, this lens can also be applied to a better comprehension of relationship dynamics within the workplace and beyond, making this course useful not only as a treatment guideline but also as a tool for the individual bodyworker to utilize for self-reflection and proprioceptive awareness.
Learning Outcomes
- Ability to explain the five-element theory to another student as a lens for viewing the body and mind
- Ability to give detailed examples of each element in and out of balance within the body and mind
- Identify anatomical systems correlated to each element and how they are noticed as in or out of balance
- Apply learned knowledge of elemental imbalances to appropriate elemental touch applications
- Ability to incorporate this system and elemental touch into current massage therapies as enhancements
- Incorporate practice into your normal Swedish routine, having your clients on the table.