Thai Yoga Massage is unique in that, during a session, both receiver AND giver benefit from the presence and connection that occurs. Bliss, in this case, is a two way street. This often-overlooked phenomenon was part of the inspiration for creating the Anjali Massage Project, a collaboration of like-minded people teaching Thai massage to underserved populations. More recently, AMP is joining forces with Project: Embody, a local organization that seeks to introduce body-centered tools to youth and college-age students.
Justin is a Kripalu-trained massage therapist, teacher and mental health practitioner specializing in Thai Yoga Massage, Myofascial Therapy, and customized bodywork for populations with special needs. Justin has studied Thai massage with Michael Sitzer, Shai Plonski of the Lotus Palm Institute, and several teachers in Thailand (most notably at the Sunshine School in Chiang Mai). His own personal practice, including Thai massage, is aligned with the Kripalu style of bodywork that emphasizes quality of touch, presence, and our innate ability to simply be with another person in a caring way.
Justin maintains a small private practice in the Berkshires and teaches workshops and trainings throughout New England. He also works as a Youth Development Counselor with troubled adolescents and continues to share the benefits of Thai massage through the Anjali Massage Project.
Amanda founded Revolution Yoga out of the idea that Yoga will change your life! It's a personal Revolution leading to a healthier body and a happier state of mind. Yoga means union, so in your practice we create unison between the mind, body and every side of yourself. I've created a space that not only nourishes through these ancient practices but also inspires with Art, Music, Literature, Community, Volunteering, Creativity and anything else that stokes your inner fire and re-ignites the spark of feeling at home and blissed out in YOUR mind, YOUR body and YOUR life.
She began her personal Yoga practice at the age of 12 after her mother heralded its ability to relieve her scoliosis and sciatica symptoms. The practice stayed with her ever since helping her through life’s trials and tribulations. While studying to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University at Albany she worked three years as an Emergency Medical Technician for New York State and Medical Assistant at a Cardiovascular Hospital. She also studied Natural Therapies at Lorenzo De Medici Univeristy in Florence, Italy. The most important thing all of her medical study and experience taught her about good health is prevention.
This Sunday November 6th 1 - 4 p.m. $35
· No yoga or massage experience necessary, nor is it necessary to come with a partner.
· Please bring a blanket, pillow and yoga mat (if you have one)
· Please let Amanda + Justin know about any injuries or medical conditions you may have.
"We often think of giving massage as something that requires effort. When we learn that we can give massage in a way that is comfortable and easy - and, mostly importantly, love-filled - our ability to connect with people in this way completely changes. This ability is becoming more and more necessary as our culture becomes more and more touch deprived. Our world needs more compassionate, caring, genuine connection. What better way to do that than through Thai massage? I often describe Thai massage as cuddling but with more technique. The core principle is the same for both: caring touch. “Caring,” meaning, “accepting in this moment without judgment.” In other words, loving touch. And the power of loving touch is remarkable."
- Justin on Thai Massage
"Yoga is a process tediously tweaked over thousands of years and could not be a more wholesome approach to prevention; Disease prevention and what I like to call "freak-out prevention". Yoga asana (physical practice) tones the nervous system so you are not so apt to "freak-out" over little things. It teaches the body to detoxify, strengthen, align, relax and most importantly heal itself. Yoga philosophy teaches the mind the tools it needs to face anything and emerge contented and happy. Yoga is a specific science, laid out for the student to experiment with step by step. When you step onto your yoga mat you will be encouraged to have your own personal experience, find what works for you, and apply it to your life. "
"Partner Yoga positively benefits the nervous system and all of the organs/ glands leading to boosted immunity, reversing the aging process, better sleep, better sex, lifted mood and a whole slew of positive benefits. Adding a partner means being able to go deeper into every posture. Deeper twists, deeper forward folds, supported backbends, leading to double the benefits."
- Amanda on Partner Yoga
