May 10 to 14, 2023
Traditional Thai-Yoga Bodywork with Michael Buck
This retreat offers the opportunity to take five days and fully immerse ourselves in the ancient healing art form known today as Thai Yoga-Massage.
We’ll learn to use beautifully choreographed Thai body work sequences (also known as assisted Yoga), rhythmic compressions, exotic stretching, ancient breathing arts, acupressure and mediation to produce profound states of rest and rejuvenation. And of course while we’re practicing giving (and receiving!) this bodywork, we’ll be resting in the beautiful surroundings of Gray Bear with ample time for daily yoga, quiet walks and soaking in our sauna. Thai massage has been a part of the culture at Gray Bear for many years. Relaxing on one of our decks or scheduling a session in our dedicated Thai Dome; you’ll find yourself at home and at peace. We so do hope you can join us.
Course Description
This course teaches Vedic Thai Massage, a sequence of Thai-Yoga Bodywork Techniques. You’ll watch demonstrations and take notes in your manual, then practice giving and receiving with various partners in the class.
You will learn:
- How to apply systematic, creative sequence of Thai-Yoga bodywork asanas and techniques, including transitions.
- How to use breath, meditation, mantra, bandha, and Yogic techniques to enhance the quality of the session.
- To comprehend the theories of releasing the energy on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level.
- CE’s: LMT’s / attendee’s will earn 21 CEC’s for this course. NCBTMB certified.
“Mukti” Michael Buck is the Founder/Director and Senior Teacher of the Vedic Conservatory. He is celebrated as an accomplished instructor’s instructor in the art of Thai-Yoga Bodywork. His 2007 induction into The World Massage Hall of Fame praised him for his career of unconditional loving service to humanity - bhakti yoga, as demonstrated through more than 14 years of continuous teaching Vedic Thai Massage Mukti has shared his gifts at numerous yoga centers, massage schools and health resorts nationally and abroad, teaching over 1000 hours each year in a different city each weekend. Mukti has issued initiating certificates to nearly ten thousand pupils in 7 countries. He has also documented over 13,000 private sessions.
Mukti is also well-known as a dedicated percussionist and rhythmist, regularly accompanying kirtans and trance dances since the early 1970’s. He is also a registered and certified Rebirthing Breathing Therapist and Tratak meditation personal coach.
In March 2009 Mukti and the Vedic Conservatory received accredidation into T.H.A.I. (Thai Healing Alliance International), and issue con’t education credits approved by T.H.A.I.
Mukti Michael Buck is a long standing member of NCBTMB as a provider for continuing education [#291-842-00]. Also The Vedic Conservatory’s curriculum [and Mukti] are approved in the State of Florida [#MCE-481-05] for continuing education. Mukti is also a long standing member of ABMP and is licensed in Florida [MA40783] and NY [003549–1].
Workshop discounted at $1050. *All prices include tuition, daily yoga class, meals, shared lodging and full use of facilities. A limited number of private cabins may be available for upgrade; please inquire if interested. All balances are due upon registration. MC/Visa, Venmo, PayPal, Personal Check accepted. Gray Bear Lodge, PO Box 682 Hohenwald, TN 38462. Confirmation letter and additional information (including directions to Gray Bear) will be sent following payment. Payment plan option offered if needed; please inquire. A $300 non-refundable deposit may be mailed to secure your space.
This workshop will clearly and simply present the fundamentals of this highly beneficial and very practical form of therapy. You do not have to be a therapist in order to attend. Couples benefit greatly by practicing giving and receiving this art form.
An ideal retreat on multiple levels for: massage therapists, yoga teachers/students (highly beneficial for partner/assistance hatha yoga-gaining a greater understanding of touch/technique) or for anyone wanting to develop a greater tool for health and stress reduction. A complementary workbook accompanies the weekend. DVD’s & Thai mats will be available as well. Because we are physically getting up and down from the floor while working on our thai mats, if you have any questions/concerns around this, please feel free to contact us.
For LMT’s: Completing this course provides 33 continuing education credits.
We'll begin with guests arriving between 3:00 and 5:30 on Wednesday 10th. Dinner is served at 6:00pm. Sunday finishes with brunch and checkout is at 11:00. (*) Gray Bear is a two hour drive from the airport, so please plan arrival time/ departure time with this in mind.
Gray Bear is home to 400 acres of rolling hills, thick forest, natural springs, and even a waterfall. You can experience the wonders of nature while sitting in a hand-built wood fire sauna; hear the silence of nature's symphony lying on a hammock while curled under a blanket; and revel in clear air and water while using shower outdoors.
With all of this nature we have some suggestions to consider when packing:
- Working flashlight ...it gets dark with only the light of the stars to guide you!
- A bathing suit ... good for the hot tub, sauna, and Watsu massage pool
- Water bottle ...Gray Bear does not use disposable cups. Purified water is available in the Main House and the Yoga Room
- A bath robe/sarong
- House slippers or socks to wear indoors ...no shoes inside please
- Comfortable walking shoes/sandals for an inspired nature hike
- Warm clothing ...mornings & evenings can be cool
- Comfortable clothes for exercising/yoga
Please do not bring any drugs, alcohol, or pets. Gray Bear is a non-smoking, pet-free and alcohol-free facility.