Allison Lurie, LMT RTT 7678
Being a Bodyworker has been one of the most rewarding choices I have made in my life. I love being able to customize a session or a program that fits your individual needs or issues. Since 1997, I have practiced sports massage, deep tissue massage, event chair massage, and my passion and focus- Thai Massage.
In 2000, I was introduced to a modality that has forever changed my life. My friend, and soon after, my first Thai teacher, Steve Meyers, asked me if I'd like to receive a Thai massage. Unaware of what it even was, I said yes. I remember having a huge revelation during that first session. It was the first time in many many years of receiving massage, that I felt my body was FINALLY satisfied on a deeper level. It was the ultimate deep-tissue work I had ever experienced, and from that moment on, I was determined to look into Thai massage no matter what.
Ever since, I have immersed myself into this healing art. I have traveled to Thailand every year since, and studied with many amazing teachers and guides. My heart has been opened to beauty of Buddhism through my travels, and I credit my two primary teachers, Pichest Boonethumme and Derek Del Phayawong for their patience, knowledge and gifts.
I am grateful for this art, and hope to share my experiences and happiness in Thai massage with others. I have been a massage therapy and bodywork instructor at East West College of the Healing Arts since 2001, and offer many classes and workshops in Thai massage in and around the Portland Oregon area.
I have always enjoyed teaching beginners in the massage therapy core programs; it is an amazing transformation that students go through when learning about the body. But I also realize that advanced continuing education is a must for those working as massage therapists in the field after they graduate. I began teaching workshops on all aspects of massage, from professional development skills to advanced Thai massage techniques, and tutoring students on transitioning from student to therapist.
Many areas of my work and my life motivate and inspire me, from taking students on yearly study trips to Thailand to working with a wide array of athletic clientèle. My classes are held in a supportive, nurturing environment where learning is easy and fun.
Advanced Studies
Nerve Touch Institute with Mama Lek Chaiya, 2004- Chiang Mai Thailand
ITM with Chongkol Settakorn, 2005- Chiang Mai Thailand
Old Medicine Hospital, 2007- Chiang Mai Thailand
Loi Kroh School of Massage, 2008- Chiang Mai Thailand
Baan Hom 2010- Chiang Mai, Thailand
Master Teacher
Pichest Boonethumme, 2004- 2011 Hang Dong Thailand
Lauren Swick, LMT
Lauren is a member of the Thai Healing Alliance International and the American Massage Therapy Association. In 2005 she began studying with Allison Lurie and the Baan Jai Center for Thai Massage and Education. In September 2011, she travelled to Thailand to study advanced Thai massage at Loi Kroh School of Massage in Chiang Mai. She also studied with master teacher, Pichest Boonethumme in Hang Dong, Thailand. She is licensed through the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists and is certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Lauren graduated from East West College of the Healing Arts in Portland, Oregon in 2004. Her continuing education studies include: myofascial release/structural integration, trigger point, craniosacral therapy,and her focus -- Thai massage.
I have worked as a massage therapist in Caye Caulker, Belize, Oslo, Norway and here in Portland, Oregon. No matter who we are or where we come from, one thing always remains the same; the joy and pain we all share living inside our complex and amazing human bodies. I feel incredibly blessed to work in this field; every client and every session bring new lessons, as we work together to overcome physical and energetic restrictions and set a process of healing into motion.
Emily Gaspar, LMT
Integrative Thai Bodywork, with Emily Gaspar, is a special composition of traditional Thai techniques, structural Deep Tissue, and Myofascial stretching to help restore movement, flexibility and balance in the body. To learn more about Emily and the bodywork she offers, please visit www.integrativethaibodywork.weebly.com Emily is in the studio on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 am - 7:30 pm.
