Press Release

January 15, 2010
St. J. Food Co-op
490 Portland Street
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
 
Contact:  Melissa Bridges
802-748-9498
Meli...@stjfoodcoop.com
 
Health and Wellness the St. J. Food Co-op
 
The St. J. Food Co-op continues the regular, free First Fridays: Health and Wellness Series on Friday, February 5, from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. at the St. J. Food Co-op located at 490 Portland St., St. Johnsbury Vermont. 
 
The St. J. Food Co-op hosts Darcie Shedd, Massage Therapist, Thai Yoga Bodywork Therapist and Reiki Master.  Therapist Shedd will be sharing her experience with Thai Yoga Bodywork during this event. 
 
Thai Yoga Bodywork originated over 2,500 years ago in the temples of Thailand, near the borders of India. It is a dynamic bodywork therapy based on the traditions of Yoga and Ayurveda. Thai Yoga treats your entire body, providing a safe and powerful vehicle for physical transformation.  With its flowing, kneading, stretching and rocking movements, Thai Yoga Therapy incorporates rhythmic motion, energy line work, gentle muscle stretching and assisted yoga postures in a comprehensive healing modality. Together these actions result in a unique treatment that relieves muscular tension, improves circulation, boosts the immune system and balances the body energetically.

The therapeutic basis of Thai Yoga Massage is rooted in the healing tradition of Ayurveda. The word Ayurveda derives from two Sanskrit words: ayur, meaning “life” and veda, meaning “knowledge”. Thus, this “science of living” functions as a guide to the proper maintenance of a healthy life.  During a session, the Thai Yoga practitioner guides and supports the recipient through a series of yoga postures while palming and thumbing along the body’s energy lines and pressures points. You simply relax and breathe as you are moved into various stretches that help rejuvenate and revitalize your muscles and internal systems.
Shedd jokingly refers to Thai Yoga as “Lazy Yoga” because you get to completely let go, relax and receive all the benefits of the yoga postures and meditation without having to do any of the work.  Thai Yoga is performed on a special mat on the floor; both client and practitioner are dressed in comfortable clothing that allows ease of movement and flexibility. No oils or creams are used.  Every session will be tailored to your individual needs and can help alleviate many kinds of aches and pains. Anyone can benefit from Thai Yoga Bodywork regardless of age or flexibility.  Perhaps the most important element of Thai Yoga Bodywork is the practice of Metta – which is an intention of energy and a meditation of loving kindness and compassion. Treating yourself to a Thai Yoga session is one of the best things you can do for your body, mind and spirit.
Darcie Shedd will be at the St. J. Food Co-op on Friday February 5 from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. She will be available to discuss healing modalities, offer Thai Yoga massage mini-treatments and answer questions. The St. J. Food Co-op is located at 490 Portland St., St. Johnsbury Vermont. 
 The First Friday Health and Wellness Series offers community members an opportunity to discuss complimentary and alternative health and wellness practices with a variety of local practitioners.  The highlighted practitioner is available between the hours of 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. demonstrating techniques, providing product samples, discussing their practice and answering questions.  No appointment is necessary however a sign-up sheet may be used during the event. All events in the First Friday series take place at the St. J. Food Co-op on the first Friday of each month.  The event is free.  Event hours are 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
The St. J. Food Co-op is a cooperatively- owned food store for the community offering fresh, local, organic foods.  Member or not, anyone can shop. 
Store hours:  Sunday 11-4; Monday – Wednesday and Saturday 9-6; Thursday and Friday 9-7.
For questions regarding this event or general store information call 802-748-9498 or email i...@stjfoodcoop.com