SUNSHINE MASSAGE SCHOOL

Asokananda and Sunshine

Learn about Harald Brust, known as Asokananda, whose work shaped Sunshine’s course structure.

Asokananda (Harald Brust) 1955-2005

Reverence for those who have come before us

More than our teacher. More than our friend.

Asokananda died on Friday, 24th June 2005. Deeply respected for his spiritual life, studies and teachings, we wish his light will forever stay with us. Through each massage we give, every student we teach, we will always be thankful for what he simply allowed us to discover and share, everyday.

OM MANI PADME HUM

Asokananda (Harald Brust, born in 1955 in West Germany) studied community development. From 1978 onwards he spent most of his time in Asia, where he was involved in the research into and teaching of yoga, Buddhist meditation and traditional Thai yoga massage.

His book, The Art of Traditional Thai Massage, was the first publication on that subject in any Western language.

Publications include a set of energy line charts for Thai massage therapy, and Thai Traditional Massage for Advanced Practitioners.

Sunshine Massage School gratefully follows Asokananda’s spirit.

Beginner's Traditional Thai Massage Course at Sunshine

About The Beginner's Course

This is the foundation upon which all Thai Massage courses are based, and without a strong foundation it is difficult to progress in this healing art.

If you have no prior experience of Traditional Thai Massage

You have found the right place to start along your path. The beginner’s course is a strong and rich foundation on which further study can be built.

If you have studied Thai massage with another school or with another teacher,

You are most welcome. Please note that we recommend that you take the course outlined on this page, before considering one of our Advanced massage courses.

Structure of our Primary Thai Massage Training

Daily Description of the Beginner’s Course

General background

History and theory of traditional Thai massage (Nuad Boran); foot massage and loosening exercises; application of pressure points; ankle stretches.

Feet & single leg stretches

Application of yoga based stretches on one leg at a time; blood stops to the legs (aiding in circulation and blood cleansing); practice.

Double leg stretches

Simultaneous stretches on both legs, and practice of what has been learned.

Stomach, Chest and Arms

Traditional Thai techniques for these parts of the body, including points on the abdomen and chest, and a blood stop to the arms; practice.

Side Position

Working on the 3rd outside energy line of the legs; kidney toning stretches, and two types of spinal twist; practice.

Back of Body, lying on stomach

Traditional techniques for the back; walking on the feet; pressure points along the two main energy lines of the back; more leg stretches and cobra stretch; practice.

Sitting Position

Traditional techniques and stretches for the shoulders and neck, and another spinal twist; practice.

Face and head

Traditional techniques for the face, including some basic therapeutic pressure points to treat various problems; practice.

An opportunity to practice a whole massage under supervision

Following the massage the student will receive detailed feedback from the course teacher with advice, precautions, and recommendations for future practice.

Theory day. Review of the 10 main energy lines (sen lines)

Their names, locations, and therapeutic qualities. Comparison of Thai massage with Chinese concepts of acupressure, shiatsu, and the philosophy of the Indian prana system. A sequence of techniques and therapeutic pressure points to treat and relieve headache, knee pain, and lower back pain will be taught.