Tod Overstreet Massage 415-637-8708 Tod Overstreet brings his 15 years of experience to two distinct styles of massage: Table massage with a blend of techniques: Orthopedic Sweedish deep tissue sports massage shiatzu craniosacral Thai inspired Traditional Thai massage Tod's life long path as a massage therapist integrates eastern and western modalities. Education: In 1988 he started his formal training in Swedish/deep tissue. He took his first craniosacral class in 1990, shiatzu in 1991, Reiki in 1993, sports massage in 1995 and Thai massage starting in 1999. In the last few years he has continued his craniosacral studies with Upledger Institute and deep tissue myofascial release with master Rolfer Art Riggs. Tod is currently studying orthopedic massage with Tom Hendrickson. Experience: Tod has maintained a successful private practice since 1991. In 1993 Bartlet Falls DC, became his mentor and employer, teaching him the nuances and intricacies of advanced bodywork. He has also assisted Ken Woolridge DC, and worked with Asokananda as a teacher's assistant.

Tod's Thai massage education

Tod was first introduced to Thai massage in 1991 by his shiatsu teacher BJ Green. He started his studies with her, then was inspired to go to Thailand and India and immersed himself in the spirit this ancient practice for several years. In Thailand his main teacher is Asokananda, who also introduced Tod to vapassana and helped deepen his yoga practice. Asokananda has now included Tod on his list of teachers.

Tod then sought out the guidance of Asokananda's teacher and master Pichet Boonthammeand studied with him for several months. He also studied at Old Medicine Hospital and received many sessions from other masters: including Lek Chaiya & Chaiyuth Priyasith.

About Thai Massage

Thai massage is an ancient form of bodywork that was originally developed in India around 2,500 years ago. Steeped in the wisdom of yoga, buddhism, and ayurveda, Thai massage evolved to what it is today. Ayurvedic doctors and monks were responsible for taking this sacred healing practice across the Indian border and into Thailand as early as the second or third century BC.

The theory behind Thai massage is similar to Chinese medicine in that prana, or chi, (vital life force) travels through a mapped out web of channels called 'sen lines', like meridians. There are over 4,000 sen lines, but only ten are more directly worked with. Due to 'dis-ease', stress, injury or improper diet and lack of exercise, the flow of energy through these channels can be blocked or stagnant. Focused rhythmic pressure and a combination of deep yet gentle applied passive assana (yoga stretches), rocking, squeezing, and acupressure, opens the channels for energy to flow more freely so a more harmonious state of balance can be achieved.

Other results are fuller breath, wider range of motion in the joints, relief of chronic and acute pain, improved circulation and a general sense of well being. This done on a comfortable mat, on the floor, and loose clothing is worn. According to his/her needs, this is a unique and intuitive dance that is created in the moment for the individual receiving.