by Ariela Grodner
While living at an ashram in rural India, where ancient medicine is still integrated into the daily lives of the people, I had the privilege to witness the diagnosis and treatment process given to those seeking medical care. The doctor would begin the consultation by reading his patient’s pulse and inquiring into his or her lifestyle: How was their environment? What was their diet? Were they in right relations? A prescribed lifestyle change would then be advised accordingly.
Sometimes the treatment would require the patients to stay at the ashram for an extended stay of twenty-one days. They were fed restorative foods, given proper herbs and medicines, and massaged twice a day. Such an immersion allowed the patients to experience a balanced state of health, one that could be carried with them long after their stay. Of all my experiences while living at the Agustya Siddha Ashram of South India, what I found most moving was that all of the treatments were offered on a donation basis, allowing anyone in need to receive the benefits of health. It was beautiful to see how such a system worked.
India is the great mother of medicine. So many cultures were influenced by her teachings. It is believed that when the Buddha’s teaching was spread throughout Asia, so was the medicine. Thai Massage, originally developed within the Ayurvedic system of India, moved throughout the East, taking root in Thailand where the rice field workers benefited greatly from its application. Through devotion and determination, the people of Thailand preserved and continuously developed this ancient form of massage, which in their language is referred to as Norat Boran, or “Ancient Healing Touch with Reverence.”
One of my dearest memories at the Yoga Ashram was observing the level of joy that was put into the process of medicine making. The men would spend the day harvesting roots, and they would sing songs as they chopped and transformed the plant matter into highly medicinal healing oils for massage. They would heat the herbs in special oils for days, infusing the rich oil with the healing properties of the plants. Everything felt truly sacred, and the gods and goddesses were invited to bless all that was done.
Recently, I invited Dennis and Jairo, the teachers of Sacred Body Work, to come share their Thai Herbal Bundle class with us in Gainesville. We spent most of the first day just honoring the plants and making medicine. This was very much a feeling that brought me back to India, and the simplicity of their teachings reminded me of something I had forgotten — I love herbs! I went to school for herbalism before going to massage school, and had never integrated the two as my life leaned more and more towards massage. I was relearning the wisdom of the plants, and finally the bridge was becoming gapped.
After taking Dennis and Jairo’s class, I became obsessed with learning the deeper applications of the herbal bundles. I began studying the many external uses of herbs: as hot/cold compresses, in eye pillows, as pastes…the list goes on and on. With the ancient texts of Ayurveda as my foundation, I have been putting together herbal bundle protocols for specific disharmonies, utilizing my experience with herbs and Thai Massage as the language that creates the dance towards balance.
So far this relationship has completely transformed my work, given me endless material to study, and allowed me the privilege of sharing with my clients and students. All is flowering.
My love of plants has been transforming. I spend each day watching the changes around me. I try to protect and nourish the little beings that grow to serve us. Life is more sacred.
I would like to offer a prayer to all bodyworkers: May we all continue to heal ourselves and stay inspired to continue to evolve and grow in ways that serve others. May we take the time to remember truth with every breath. May we remember we are all here together – plants, mammals, all elemental beings. Let’s make every moment count.
~ Ariela Grodner will offer “Thai Herbal Bundle Therapy” from 9AM-6PM on Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, at the Florida School of Massage. Cost is $320 ($300 if paid one month prior; $150 for current FSM students). “Thai Herbal Bundle Therapy” is a multi-therapy massage treatment, combining traditional Thai Massage, aromatherapy, and herbal healing.
