I am a massage therapist specializing in Traditional Thai Yoga massage, a dynamic practice on a mat on the floor incorporating rocking, stretching, and sustained compressions to address whole-body health. I have over 100 hours of continuing education in this field, having trained at the International Institute for Massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with internationally renown teachers at the annual Thai Massage Summit, and with local Thai massage gurus based here in Asheville. The spirit of Thai massage honors the reciprocity of the energetic exchange, so rather than “fixing” an issue, we meet on the mat as equals and trust that the integrity of the work will speak for itself. Through this practice we shift the body consciousness and start to recognize ourselves as powerful, creative beings suffused with a life force energy capable of affecting profound change.

I also practice Swedish-style massage on the table, for those that prefer skin-to-skin contact and effleurage (gliding). This modality is a great option for those with joint issues or highly-activated nervous systems for whom Thai massage may not be a good fit. This style can vary from light to deep pressure and can incorporate heated herbal compress, aromatherapy, CBD, and stretching as desired.

Starting mid-May, I will be also be offering Ashiatsu massage — a deep-tissue, skin-to-skin modality delivering consistent, broad pressure using the feet. This style is so incredibly nourishing, relaxing, and deep — one of my personal favorite ways to receive!

No matter what the style of massage, you can trust that I will bring my full presence and loving attention to our session. In this space you have my overt permission to relax and receive, dropping into a parasympathetic, or flow, state where we can channel the innate wisdom of body and spirit. I consider it an honor to be trusted with your care and start each session with an internal meditation asking to be a channel through which healing energy can flow and set my intention to listen as deeply as possible.

In addition to massage, I also teach Yoga — gentle, accessible postures to deepen intimacy with the self — and Pranayama, yogic breathing techniques to balance the mind and ground the body. Infusing all I do is the spirit of Bhakti, or devotion, to keep our hearts open to receive the great abiding Love that is available to us always. My favorite way of sharing the spirit of Bhakti is through the practice of singing mantra music, often called Kirtan, through a simple call-and-response format. Join me for a yoga class to share song, movement, and breath!

I am also a multimedia artist always on a journey exploring various modalities of expression! Ceramic art, mandala creation, Butoh dance, performance, singing-songwriting, poetry……. Visit my Contact page to stay in touch and inquire about current or upcoming work!

Thank you for considering Eli Thai as a part of your self-care!