Lauren Swick LMT

Lauren graduated from East West College of the Healing Arts in Portland, Oregon in 2004. She is a member of the Thai Healing Alliance International and the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, and licensed through the Oregon Board of Massage Therapists. In 2005 she began studying with Alli Lurie and the Baan Jai Center for Thai Massage and Education. In addition to her practice she also teaches privately and at East West College.

Following her desire to delve in deeper into the world of the Thai healing arts Lauren began taking study trips to Thailand in 2011 and intends to return throughout her life for continued study and connection to this expansive and rich tradition. She has had the honor of studying Thai bodywork through the lens of Thai philosophy and the healing arts with master teacher Pichest Boonethumme in Hang Dong, Thailand, as well as advanced Thai massage and bodywork courses in Chiang Mai, and alongside her teachers right here in the Pacific Northwest. Her main focus in continuing education studies are: advanced myofascial techniques through Advanced-Trainings with Til Luchau, and her focus — Thai massage & bodywork.

Why Thai massage & bodywork?

I received my first Thai bodywork session in 2004 from my teacher Alli. When I floated up from the mat after the session I felt…transformed — like I was entirely free to move in which ever way I wanted. I felt balanced and joyful and full of new energy. So began my journey to learn all I could about the Thai healing arts. Within this body of knowledge is over 2000 years of theory, collaboration, creation. Happily, this journey for me will be life long!

Not only does Thai bodywork free up restrictions in the physical body, but it can also free up imbalances in the mental and energetic body, allowing for more profound change to take place. Clients often report feeling more mobile and ‘lighter’ after their session; as if an outer layer has been lifted away.

In my Thai bodywork sessions, I also incorporate elements from structural bodywork, guided interoceptive and proprioceptive awareness, breath-work — whichever tools are called upon for the most benefit. The session unfolds as a conversation rather than a monologue. Whether you are recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, looking to improve your flexibility / athletic performance or just wanting to maintain well being, we’ll work together to devise sessions that meet your particular needs. It is amazing how smart our human bodies are! They already know what they need in order to be well. As I see it, my job is to be present, curious and find out what ‘language’ makes the most sense for each person, and their unique body.

I feel blessed to be able to work in a field where every day presents me with the opportunity to learn and transform. I feel gratitude for all of my amazing teachers and guides — some of the best being my clients and students!

A word about practicing and teaching Thai massage & bodywork as a ‘farang’

While I have great respect, appreciation and gratitude for the rich body of knowledge and wisdom woven throughout the  Traditional Thai Healing Arts, I acknowledge that I have no cultural connection to this lineage.  Though I intend to return to study in Northern Thailand with teachers of the lineage as much as possible throughout my life, I am limited in terms of finances, time, language barriers, culture, pandemics, etc., to study as deeply as I wish from the source. Also I will never carry the lineage in my bones in the same way I would as if it were a part of my own culture.

I have learned a thing or two over nearly 2 decades through thousands of hours of practice and study, yet I will always be a student with more to learn – so exciting!

In my classes and sessions I humbly offer what I have learned from my teachers throughout the years and through my own practice in the spirit of cultivating compassion-based connection.