Thai Massage

A subtle sensitive approach to yoga from the Tibetan tradition of Kum Nye. Gentle exercises, breathing techniques and self-massage work together to develop vitality and balance. The exercises are traditionally used for deep relaxation, self-healing and as a preparation for meditation.

Shamatha meditation practice enables us to begin to let go of distractions and allows us to focus on one thing. In Tibetan Relaxation and Healing Exercises we create sensations through movement, massage, sound, and even with visualization – these sensations then become the object for meditation. Kum Nye is essentially meditation interspersed with movement exercises. When we move, we move the sensation(s) that we habitually (and conceptually) call the body. We then relax into, and expand, these feelings and sensations.

Kum refers not to our physical body but to our presence in space, the sum total of our embodiment. Nye means to stimulate and massage.

Through accumulated tensions we have lost contact with our body; we live largely in the head. By listening to & relaxing into the sensation of the body & the breath in our Kum Nye yoga practice (& eventually in our everyday lives) we can expand our awareness & become (re)embodied.

This embodiment is a birthright & leads to an ease, lightness, flexibility & deep sense of wellbeing.

Kum Nye yoga was brought to the West by Lama Tarthang Tulku.

“You are not trying to learn meditation: you are the meditation. Your entire body, breath, thoughts, senses and awareness—your total being are all part of the meditation. Your entire energy field is part of the meditation.” (Tarthang Tulku)

Here's some Autumn news and dates for your diary:

The Special Yoga Centre in Kensal Rise NW10 is hosting an evening workshop: Kum Nye - Tibetan Healing Exercises on Friday 10th Sept. 7-9.30pm. Led by Bram Williams. If this is a success they may make it a regular event. Book directly through the SYC, details www.specialyoga.org.uk or 020 8968 1900.

Ealing Kum Nye Saturdays: We next meet 25th Sept 10am-1pm at the Friend's (Quaker) Meeting House in Ealing. This practice morning will be led by Bram Williams and Jonathan Clewley. All welcome even if you've missed a few sessions recently or indeed if you're new to Kum Nye. Bring your cushion or folded blanket to sit on. And any Oxford KNers who are interested in attending - you can get a train directly to Ealing Broadway. Directions to Ealing Friends' Meeting House.

Opening the Heart: an evening introduction to Kum Nye at The Abbey in Sutton Courtney, Abingdon. Thurs 16th Sept. 6.30 - 9pm. This is followed by a Saturday workshop in October. Facilitated by Mary Heneghan, Bram Williams and Jonathan Clewley. Book via the Abbey admin@theabbey.uk.com Details www.theabbey.uk.com

Malvern Kum Nye is starting a weekday evening class - in addition to the monthly Saturday mornings. This will begin Monday 15th Aug. Class facilitated by Roger Minifie. Directions. More information from edwood@belladon.demon.co.uk

And finally, weekly Tibetan Healing Exercises at Thrangu House in Oxford begin again on Friday evening 24th Sept 6-8pm. With Maarten Vermaase. www.thranguhouse.org.uk

UK Practitioners of Meditation and Kum Nye may also be interested in the following:

London eKum Nye practice group, meets one Saturday a month in Ealing, London W5. Working with the email and on-line Kum Nye Course from Dharma Publishing.
Tibetan Healing Exercises and the Progressive Stages of Hatha Yoga, a course in Knaresborough beginning in Oct 2010. One Sunday a month for seven months. With Maarten Vermaase. Or the London course starting Feb 2011.

There are various websites for Kum Nye - see Links for details. You may also like to join the Kum Nye Facebook page.

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