Self-Healing Blogs
Aug 3, 2021
Fighting Infection through Yoga
Location
: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Sickness and Blocked Nadis
My yoga teacher once remarked that in theory, there is no illness yoga cannot cure (this is not to say that yoga has a monopoly on a cure-all). How is that? Prana (energy) moves through our bodies through the nadis (energy channels). If this system is disrupted (prana isn't moving fast enough, the nadis are blocked, prana isn't fortified enough, trauma, etc.) we suffer illness. e.g. - if the nadis are blocked in the liver, then liver disease ensues. But if the nadis are unblocked (through asana, bandha, mudra and pranayama), then the energy flows again and the illness disappears.
Self-Healing
Since I became established in my yoga practice, I hardly ever got sick. On the rare occasion I needed medical help, I resorted to self-healing instead of going to the doctor - no medication, no hospitalization, no tests (except for that failed cliff-dive where I took a CT-scan). The moment I take that pill, I am making a strong statement to my body - that I no longer need its healing qualities because I have the pill. Without taking that pill, I am telling my body that I rely entirely on its healing powers to restore my body to homeostatis and full functionality.
It has been many years since I was sick, I no longer remember the last time. My yoga practice has seen me through physically challenging situations and enabled me to come away intact.
The Pact
Because I've never had serious money since I started traveling, I knew that hospitalization would not be an option. The only option for me was not to get sick. I have a very clear understanding with my body/mind/spirit that if I ever get sick, it will be self-healing, or I don't heal at all. I've had a good life. No regrets.
Dental Coverage
When I was still gainfully employed with dental coverage, I would always max-out my benefits - from preventive maintenance, to cleaning, to actual dental work. My teeth remained healthy and trouble-free. But since I started traveling as a nomadic backpacker with no steady source of income, regular dental care was no longer accessible as there was no insurance for it nor resources to cover it.
The Dental Filling that Broke Off
When a dental filling came off, I tried hacking my biology to grow new teeth, but I guess my yoga is not at that level yet - I need activated siddhis to make that happen. Exposed and left untreated, an infection developed this late July. A dentist advised me that when this type of infection happens, the area becomes painful, the gums get swollen, and eventually, the face gets swollen, nauseating fever follows, and the patient is usually hospitalized or rushed for a dental surgery.
The Tooth Ache
Yes, the toothache came. What to do? I employed my training in Adhitthana Meditation - observing pain with a calm and equanimous mind. The pain was real, but since I was looking at it neither as pleasant or unpleasant, but simply an observable sensation that would soon go away in full compliance to the natural law of impermanence (anicca), it was not nearly as traumatic as a usual toothache. In fact, very few pains in life can ruffle anyone who learns the art of Adhitthana. The Japanese Bushido code of cry in the dojo, laugh in the battlefield would be a close analogy.
from the peak of the inflamation until it subsided, it took 4 days of 'hard yoga'
The Swelling
With my face beginning to swell and feeling numb, I had to take drastic measures. The infection was gaining ground. I had to reverse the infection. How? By employing anything and everything I know about yoga.
Fighting the Infection - HOW?
- pranayama - (regulated breathing) all inhalation was focused on the affected area...that prana is moving towards it to heal. I applied it on all pranayama - bhastrika, kapalabhati, anuloma viloma, etc. All that fortified prana converging into this singular spot.
- antara kumbhaka - (in-breath-hold) as I held my breath, I visualized the ensuing pressure to be absorbed by the affected area, permeating prana down to the very core...the cells, the DNA, the chromosomes.
- bandha - (energy locks) while holding the in-breath, I would engage my mula bandha, uddiyana bandha and jalandhara bandha while visualizing the prana vayu (moving energy around the body) to be shooting up the affected area - healing, repairing and restoring.
- oil pulling - I would gargle coconut oil for 20 minutes and spit it out. The oil pulls the pathogens out of the system and is absorbed by the oil. Thank you Simona for this advice.
- fasting - fasting relieves the body from the task and energy consumption of digestion. This reserves more energy for recovery, repair and restoration. Sadly, I wasn't able to do this.
- asking my guides for help - no, not the dentists. I ask my spirit guides. I was told I have 3 guides, 2 of them are always around, and the 3rd guide shows up in times of crisis...or when I ask their help.
- asking my Universe for help - yes, I somehow feel that my guides are personal but the Universe is the all-powerful (imagine the power of the Big Bang coming to your rescue). With this pleading, I reduce my ego to insignificance and submit myself completely to its grace.
- the talk - in times of crisis, I always do this, even though it's already agreed upon and understood. I tell myself again that the dental route is NOT an option. Either we self-cure this or if the infection goes runaway, we just call it a good life. Down to the cellular level, with all its inherent intelligence, they know I'm serious. They will do anything and everything to ride this through and fix this situation.
- intention - creating the intention to heal, even though a simple thought-process, aligns and directs all actions and results in one direction. It's the catalyst to manifest end-results.
- playing God - before you throw the ego-word on me, note that when you take a pill, you are also playing God because you intervene in the natural process. Moving on, I have this unwavering and staunch resolve that I did not give this infection any permission whatsoever to exist. When I say I co-create reality, this is part of the process. When I do this, the entire universe conspires to make this happen - to void the infection out of existence.
Result
The pictures say it all. The pain is gone, the swelling has subsided and the infection has been reduced significantly. With continued yoga-treatment, the infection should totally go away.
Ending Thoughts
Even though the infection has been arrested, it doesn't mean the problem is over. The infection is still 'at the gates' waiting for my body to become weak before it launches another offensive - the same rules in life apply. I therefore have to keep my body stronger at all times - more pranayama, more meditation, and more yoga.
What's next? The tooth still needs to be looked at. Since I'm ruling out the dentist here, the next move is to hack my biology - a level in yoga I have not reached. Not yet. I have to push the damaged tooth out and have a new one replace it. If I ever succeed in doing that, I'll do the same for all my teeth. I'm serious about my continuing and deepening yoga practice, and I hope I get to that point.
Can anyone heal their infection through yoga? Yes, but it's not a one-read DIY. It takes many years of yoga practice to wrap your head around these concepts and internalize them. I'd been doing yoga for over 2 decades now. Not only does it heal my infection, it makes me strong, free from illness, 'forever' young and in harmony with the rest of the universe.
Something to ponder with...just in the last year, how much money did it cost you to fix your health related issues? How much down time did it cost you? And what exactly is the quality of your life with maintenance pills, supplements, diet restrictions and perhaps even limited mobility? Yoga is free on Youtube, and the air is free. Blue pill or red pill?
--- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
YOGA by Gigit
|
Learn English
|
Travel like a Nomad
|
Donation Bank ![Donation Bank for TheLoneRider](/images/icon/pig.gif)
Yogini ![UK](/images/flag_uk.gif)
(Aug 3, 2021) Interesting read. I'm really glad you're better. Ever the rationalist, I would love to see this played out in an actual experiment with control groups, etc. as one doesn't know how long it would take the body to fight the infection off with no intervention of any kind. Whether it expedited your healing or not I think isn't known, but obviously one can say the meditation is a useful tool to lessen the pain or shift awareness away from it. I will be in awe if you manage to grow new teeth!
Leave a comment?
(Aug 11, 2021) I was enjoying a cookie with a German friend at a Doi Pui cafe when she started talking about her favorite Christmas cookie - Kipferl. After my ice cream making odyssey, I was looking for a 'next project'. That was it - Kipferl Cookie!....more »»
(Aug 14, 2021) Bahya Kumbhaka (breath-hold on the exhale) is an advanced form of Pranayama (yogic regulated breath). This can be attempted when the yogi is already proficient in asana (physical postures) and pranayama. This class is a primer.....more »»
Chiang Mai INFORMATION
Chiang Mai Map
Chiang Mai, Thailand
![hotels in Chiang Mai](/images/icon/hotel.gif)
HOTEL
Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families
![motorcycle rental in Chiang Mai](/images/icon/motorcycle.gif)
MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Chiang Mai FYI / Tips
- crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
- hot season begins March and lasts until June
- wet season begins July and lasts until September
- best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
- you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
- the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
- to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
- get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
- shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
- for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km2 with lots to discover
- FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.
Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai
- North Gate Jazz Coop - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays at 11pm by the Chiang Mai Blues band
- Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
- My Secret Cafe - near Wat Phra Singh. Tuesdays at 7:30pm for the changing front-act and 9:00pm for the Panic Band
- Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
Chiang Mai Cost Index
- Chiang beer
- 1 hour drop-in yoga session
- one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage (highly recommended)
- noodle soup with meat
- coffee
- pad thai
- wash-only laundry
- wash+iron laundry
- dorm bed/night
- fan room/night
- internet cafe/hour
- Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
- Movies weekdays
- Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
- 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
- 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
- Muay Thai boxing ticket
- starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva (highly recommended)
Transportation
- bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
- bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
- bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
- slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
- bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
- Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
- bicycle rental, 24 hours
- motorbike rental, 24 hours
- #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- #7 a/c train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- red taxi fare from point to point
- red taxi fare from train terminal to city
Tours
- full day elephant sanctuary
- Chiang Rai one-day tour
- mountain biking scenic ride
Chiang Mai Trains by Train36.com
- Chiang Mai trains for Bangkok - 2 day trains, 3 night trains, daily schedule
- Train 14 to Bangkok - departs 5pm daily, arrives BKK 6:15am, 1st class and 2nd class sleeping accomodation, Special Express
- Chiang Mai trains to other destinations -
Chiang Mai to Bangkok Trains
source: railway.co.th
- Check Train Schedule & Fares
- Book Online - direct booking with State Railway of Thailand. Best to register first. If going to BKK from CNX, click "Northern Line".
note -- big difference between booking direct with the State Railway and booking with an online 3rd party agent. 12GO was charging B1330 for the same trip that only cost me B941 with the State Railway.
note -- Oct 2022, I took the #10 Train from CNX to BKK, upper berth, 2nd class, a/c, sleeper, B941. The train was clean, fast, comfortable and modern. If you have heavy luggage that will cost more money in flight checkin, I would suggest this train. Otherwise, the flight now is so much cheaper it doesn't even make sense to take the bus or train.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station
For more train info: Bangkok to Chiang Mai trains - departing from Hua Lamphong - MRT (Bangkok)
(I'm using Bang Sue as a starting point because I was closer to it, but you may be closer to the Hua Lamphong station)
- take the MRT train to Bang Sue Station. Take the #1 Exit to the north provincial trains
- Proceed to Counter 2. You will see an
information booth, a
train schedule chart and the
ticket counter. Choose the train and pay at the ticket counter.
- daily train schedule:
- 8:48am - #7 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:30pm, not sleeper, B638
- 2:06pm - #109 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 4:05am, sleeper
- 6:31pm - #9 Premium Train, arrive Chiang Mai 7:15am, sleeper, B938 upper deck, B1038 lower deck
- 7:56pm - #13 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 8:40am, sleeper, B768 upper deck, B838 lower deck
- 10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck
Loei to Chiang Mai by Bus
- From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
- As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
- The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
- Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
- Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).
Chiangmai Blogs by TheLoneRider
- Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019 - Oct 10, 2022
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Oct 10, 2022
- Siamaya Chocolates Oct 2, 2022
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
- September Snapshots Sep 30, 2022
- Carrot Cake Sep 12, 2022
- Making Coconut Bread Sep 3, 2022
- August Snapshots Aug 31, 2022
- Yoga Nidra with Chunyah and Tom Aug 18, 2022
- Coconut Pancake Aug 11, 2022
- July Snapshots Jul 31, 2022
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Jul 31, 2022
- Jason, Max and Elizabeth Pizza Nite Jul 28, 2022
- Yakiniku Dinner with Max and Jason Jul 25, 2022
- Icebath at Nawa Saraan Jul 6 - Oct 5, 2022
- June Snapshots Jun 30, 2022
- Tom, Chunyah and Simona Pizza Nite Jun 23, 2022
- Yoga Class Pizza Nite Jun 15, 2022
- Pranayama with Nicha Jun 14, 2022
- May Snapshots May 31, 2022
- Lover's Quarrel May 26, 2022
- Getting Lost on a Hike May 25, 2022
- Biohacker Meetup at 'Living with The Spirit' May 22, 2022
- Music and Magic at Paapu House May 5, 2022
- Breathwork + Icebath @ Alt_Chiangmai II Apr 20, 2022
- April Chronicles 2022 Apr 30, 2022
- Tombstone Epitaph Apr 29, 2022
- Kayaking along the Ping River with the BioHackers Apr 24, 2022
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
- Pizza Nite with Jerry, Paolo and Abby Apr 9, 2022
- Tom Maher's Muay Thai Fight Apr 8, 2022
- Breathwork + Icebath @ Alt_Chiangmai Apr 6, 2022
- Yoga with Leo Apr 5, 2022
- March Chronicles 2022 Mar 31, 2022
- Street Photo Mar 31, 2022
- Peoplescape Mar 31, 2022
- Chiang Mai's Recovering Music Scene Mar 31, 2022
- Street Photo Mar 31, 2022
- Yoga and Fitness Mar 26, 2022
- Friday Bitcoin Meetups Mar 18, 2022
- Pizza Nite with Aida and Sophie Mar 14, 2022
- Pizza Nite with Kevin, Jamie and Kris Mar 10, 2022
- In Search of Genetic Immortality Mar 5, 2022
- February Chronicles 2022 Feb 28, 2022
- Palm-Feeding Wild Birds Feb 26, 2022
- Cuckoo Feb 16, 2022
- Tell John Feb 16, 2022
- Pizza Nite with Kris, Simona and Mary Feb 15, 2022
- Pizza Nite with the Chiang Mai Boyz Feb 6, 2022
- Welcoming the New Year Jan 31, 2022
- January Snapshots Jan 31, 2022
- ABS Fitness Challenge Jan 16 - Apr 16, 2022
- Pumpkin Tahini Recipe Jan 3, 2022
- 2021: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Simona and Lisa Dec 28, 2021
- Tahini Salad Dressing Dec 27, 2021
- Baba Ganoush Recipe Dec 23, 2021
- 7 Universal Laws Dec 20, 2021
- Sacred Circuitry Dec 18, 2021
- Cave-Living in a Boutique Hotel in Chiang Mai Dec 14, 2021
- Tummo Yoga + Wim Hof Breathing + Full-Body Muscle Contraction Dec 13, 2021
- Monk Chat Dec 10, 2021
- Making Tahini and Hummus Dec 8, 2021
- Watering the Plants Hands-Free Dec 2, 2021
- Vietnamese Phin Coffee Filter Dec 2, 2021
- Tummo Yoga Dec 1, 2021
- The Bliss of Inner Fire: Book Summary/Review Dec 1, 2021
- The Bliss of Inner Fire: Heart Practice of the Six Yogas of Naropa Dec 1, 2021
- 'Must Experience' Cafés of Chiang Mai Nov 30, 2021
- British Hobnob Cookies Nov 22, 2021
- New York Cheese Cake Nov 22, 2021
- Dham's Poetry Nov 14, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Simona and Nat Nov 11, 2021
- Stepping Forward / Reaching Out Oct 31, 2021
- Cancel Culture Attack Oct 31, 2021
- Mantra Primer Oct 29, 2021
- Spinal Mobility Oct 7, 2021
- Swedish Cinnamon Rolls [Kanelbullar] Oct 4, 2021
- Just Bring 2 Chinese Oct 3, 2021
- Sep Snapshots Sep 31, 2021
- One-Leg Yoga Asana Sequences Sep 30, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Nut, Monika and Yuki Sep 27, 2021
- 23-Minute Ice Bath Sep 27, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Nut, Simona and Malee Sep 23, 2021
- Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) Sep 23, 2021
- Making Cornbread Sep 15, 2021
- Kombucha: 2nd Batch Sep 11, 2021
- Making German Stollen Bread Sep 9, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Jackson, Goi and Paapu Sep 6, 2021
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug 31, 2021
- Making Homemade Kombucha Aug 30, 2021
- Wrong Question to Ask This Crowd Aug 29, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Tom, Chunyah and Goi Aug 20, 2021
- Pizza Nite with Moms and Kids Aug 15, 2021
- Bahya Kumbhaka (breath-hold on the exhale) Aug 14, 2021
- Everybody's Only Friend Aug 13, 2021
- Vanillekipferl (German Vanilla Crescent Cookies) Aug 11, 2021
- Fighting Infection through Yoga Aug 3, 2021
- Too Close for Friendship Aug 2, 2021
- Manifesting: Epicurus' Pursuit Jul 31, 2021
- Homemade Rum Raisin Ice Cream Jul 30, 2021
- Ice Bath at Nawa Saraan Healing Space Jul 25, 2021
- Pizza Nite + Slack Line + Hammock Jul 23, 2021
- Yin-Yoga & Hypnosis with Christine Thiel Jul 20, 2021
- Pizza Nite with James and Nat Jul 19, 2021
- Antara Kumbhaka on Nadi Shodan Pranayama: Yogic Breath-Hold on the Inhale Jul 17, 2021
- Moving and Cashing-Out Bitcoin Jun 2 - Jul 11, 2021
- 'The Bow' Yoga Jul 7, 2021
- Yoga Classes with Calum Mar 27 - Jul 4, 2021
- Hike to Wat Pa Thammachat Waterfall Jul 2, 2021
- Pizza Brunch with the Yogis July 1, 2021
- Continuing Friendships in Chiang Mai Jun 30, 2021
- On the Brink of Hunger, the ENABLERS Come to Light Jun 21, 2021
- Hatha Vinyasa Yoga with Katharine Day Jun 17, 2021
- Pranayama Basics II Jun 16, 2021
- 36-Hour Love Life Jun 11, 2021
- Pranayama Basics I Jun 9, 2021
- Biohackers Meetup in Chiang Mai Jun 6, 2021
- Learning How to Breathe Jun 2, 2021
- Not the Usual Day-to-Day Life May 31, 2021
- Morphing Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 31, 2021
- Breathwork & Ice Bath with Jason Ryer of Zen Strength May 23, 2021
- It's Raining Bell Peppers May 7, 2021
- Yoga Classes with Nana Apr 20, 2021
- You Want to be Wonder Woman? Apr 8, 2021
- Kunjal Kriya / Vamana Dhauti (induced vomiting) Apr 1, 2021
- Coffeemates, Breadmates and Yogamates in Chiang Mai Jan-Mar 2021
- Varisara Dhauti (cleansing of the entire digestive tract) Mar 26, 2021
- Spiritual Backpacker Interview by Napasorn 'Cherry' Suvarnapradip Mar 23, 2021
- Private One-on-One Yoga Classes with Doriana Feb 17 - Mar 14, 2021
- Transformational Life Events Mar 13, 2021
- Guess Who's Coming to Bread Day? Mar 1, 2021
- Mula Shodhana (anal cleansing) Feb 27, 2021
- Are You My Queen? Feb 25, 2021
- Breaking the 5-Minute Breath-hold Barrier Feb 25, 2021
- Kirtan with Chiang Mai's Khun Thai Seekers Feb 7, 2021
- Breaking the 4-minute Breath-hold Feb 7, 2021
- Pranayama Primer Feb 2, 2021
- Heartbreak in every Song Jan 24, 2021
- The Silent Killer is Baaack! Jan 12, 2021
- Learning the Thai Language Jan 9, 2021
- 2020: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2020
- Reversing/Slowing Down the Aging Process Dec 30, 2020
- Hike to Huay Keaw Waterfall Dec 20, 2020
- Yoga Mat Dec 19, 2020
- Hiking to Wat Pha Lat along the Monk's Trail Dec 19, 2020
- Am I Psycho? Dec 9, 2020
- Muffin Man Dec 8, 2020
- Polyamory Dec 4, 2020
- The Wim Hof Ice Bath Dec 3, 2020
- RSVP Nov 25, 2020
- High Intensity Interval Yoga (Yoga + HIIT) Nov 14, 2020
- Cleansing the Nadis (Energy Pathway) Nov 13, 2020
- Yoga for a 360-degree Core Nov 6, 2020
- Edward Witten: 'the smartest living physicist' Nov 4, 2020
- Srinivasa Ramanujan: Mathematician of the Divine Oct 27, 2020
- Bashar as Channeled by Darryl Anka Oct 26, 2020
- Vinyasa Krama and Ashtanga Yoga with Aida Yoga Oct 18, 2020
- Deepak Chopra: author, lecturer, healer Oct 12, 2020
- Facebook Friends Oct 1, 2020
- Chiang Mai Peoplescape Aug-Sep 2020 Sep 30, 2020
- Siddhis (yogic super powers) Sep 30, 2020
- Learning the Import/Export Trade Sep 4, 2020
- Music and Magic at Justin's Birthday Bash Sep 3, 2020
- Biggest Stone in his Shoe Sep 1, 2020
- Abandoned Aug 25, 2020
- Intelligent Romantic Break-up Aug 25, 2020
- Dad-Zoned Aug 18, 2020
- Public Display of Affection Aug 9, 2020
- Gabriella's Birthday Bash at Mothership Resort Aug 8-9, 2020
- Shifting Peoplescape of Chiang Mai July 31, 2020
- Yoga Class for Strength and Muscle Jul 30, 2020
- Yoga Class for Optimum Digestion July 29, 2020
- Yoga Class for Healthy Eyes Jul 27, 2020
- Hippie Night at Nawa Saraan Healing Space July 24, 2020
- The Podcast Series: Alan "Heart Math" Strydom Jul 17, 2020
- Prana Vayu Adhitthana Yoga Class July 11-12, 2020
- Coming Back to Chiang Mai Jun 29, 2020
- Goodbye Chiang Mai Jan 23, 2020
- Prasnopanishad: Understanding Prana Jan 17, 2020
- Hiking the Monk's Trail Jan 15, 2020
- Chaturanga Jan 10, 2020
- You Spooned Me Jan 3, 2020
- 2019: A Year in Review Dec 31, 2019
- Friends, Coffeemates and Breadmates (Dec 2019) Dec 31, 2019
- Visiting Mae Sot Dec 27-30, 2019
- Let's Make it About You - an Epiphany Dec 17, 2019
- Shut-Up! Dec 7, 2019
- Roasted Red Bell Pepper Puree Dec 3, 2019
- Coffeemates and Breadmates (Nov 2019) Nov 30, 2019
- Bhujangini Mudra Nov 25, 2019
- Mathangini Mudra Nov 24, 2019
- Kaka Mudra Nov 23, 2019
- Pasini Mudra Nov 20, 2019
- Aswini Mudra Nov 18, 2019
- Sambhavi Mudra Nov 16, 2019
- Manduka Mudra Nov 15, 2019
- Tataka Mudra Nov 14, 2019
- Sakti Calana Mudra Nov 10, 2019
- Vajroli Mudra Nov 9, 2019
- Coffeemates and Breadmates (Oct 2019) Oct to Nov 5, 2019
- Yoni Mudra Nov 1, 2019
- Viparita Karani Mudra Oct 31, 2019
- Khecari Mudra Oct 30, 2019
- Mahadeva Mudra Oct 28, 2019
- Sacred Cacao - Chakra Dance Journey Oct 26, 2019
- Partner Healing with Natascha Oct 24, 2019
- Maha Bandha Mudra Oct 24, 2019
- Point-Of-Failure Birthday Workout Oct 22, 2019
- Mula Bandha Mudra Oct 21, 2019
- Hugfest at Thapae Gate, Chiang Mai Oct 19, 2019
- Anushasan Mudra Oct 18, 2019
- Ling Mudra Oct 17, 2019
- Jalandhara Bandha Mudra Oct 15, 2019
- Learning Thai with Cee Oct 13, 2019
- Uddiyana Bandha Mudra Oct 10, 2019
- Nabho Mudra Oct 9, 2019
- Maha Mudra Oct 7, 2019
- 20 Essential Mudras by T. Krishnamacharya Oct. 6, 2019
- Mindfulness Gong Bath by Vee (Veerayuth Pongsiri) Oct 3, 2019
- Cuddle Party by Abundant Love CM Oct 1, 2019
- Vayu Mudra Oct 1, 2019
- Visa-Run to Tachileik, Myanmar Sep 28, 2019
- Sankalpa Mudra Sep 27, 2019
- Surya Pradarshini Mudra Sep 26, 2019
- Eye-Gazing at Heart Space Sep 20, 2019
- Prana Vayu (Pranic Wind) Sep 20, 2019
- 2-Week Yoga Challenge by Agnese Erba Sep 17, 2019
- The Mudra Project Sep 13, 2019
- Sunday Vinyasa Flow with Marina Forster Sep 8, 2019
- Shamanic Breathwork by Rachel Constantino Sep 4, 2019
- The Conscious Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Aug 31, 2019
- Of Winos and Yogis Aug 26, 2019
- The 9 Jhanas of Buddha Aug 22, 2019
- Wicked Game: Anger and Pain August 19, 2019
- Full Moon Ceremony at Heart Space Aug 15, 2019
- Yin Yoga - Water Element by Martina Barabas Aug 15, 2019
- Hatha Mix Yoga with Christin Aug 13, 2019
- Boy Blues Bar Rocks Chiang Mai Aug 5, 2019
- Back to my Beloved Chiang Mai Aug 1, 2019
- Kaleidoscope of Chiang Mai's Peoplescape July 27, 2019
- Secret Sunrise: Nelson Mandela International Day July 17, 2019
- Farewell Picnic with Alan and Nicola July 15, 2019
- Secret Sunrise: Water July 3, 2019
- Hotel Review: Arun Suite June 27, 2019
- Bruce Lipton: Epigentics to Transcend Genes June 24, 2019
- Optimizing Life thru Heart Math May 8, 15 and 22, 2019
- Connective Cacao and Sound Journey June 12, 2019
- Chiangmai BLUES June 6, 2019
- Hatha Slow Flow with Neil Jefferson June 3, 2019
- Meditating with One Million Meditators Movement June 1, 2019
- Vinyasa Happy Flow Series by Vaida May 31, 2019
- Muay Thai at the Chiang Mai Boxing Stadium May 30, 2019
- Yoga Flow Through the 7 Chakras by Sabrina Pilz May 30, 2019
- The Outsiders (people you need to push out of your sacred circle) May 31, 2019
- Fascinating Peoplescape of Chiang Mai May 22, 2019
- World Meditation Day at Heart Space May 21, 2019
- Abs Yoga by Gigit May 12, 2019
- Kundalini and Vinyasa Yoga with Nicola Symons May 10, 2019
- Secret Sunrise Interactive Dance May 9, 2019
- Tok Sen Massage from Ying May 8, 2019
- Bruschetta: Nawa Saraan Style Apr 22, 2019
- Thai Cooking at Pra Nang Thai Cookery School Apr 20, 2019
- Bonding with the Elephants in Chiang Mai Apr 11, 2019
- Ziplining in Chiang Mai with Eagle Track Zipline Apr 10, 2019
- Getting Thai Massage from Chiang Mai's Best (Lar Thanakrit Khamtanong) Mar 21, 2019
- Being the Soul of Nawa Saraan Hotel Mar 18, 2019
- Peoplescape of Chiang Mai Jan 24 - Mar 13, 2019
- Curing Cancer with Yoga? Feb 21, 2019
- International Training Massage School (ITM): Level 1 Feb 11-15, 2019
- Sandesch Album Launch by Christoph Joerg Feb 13, 2019
- Meditation in a Sensory Deprivation Tank at Float Chiang Mai Jan 29, 2019
- Reiki Share at the Mastermind Brain Spa Jan 26, 2019
- Resuming Life in Chiang Mai Jan 24, 2019
- 4 Days in Chiang Mai at Nawa Saraan Hotel Jan 2-6, 2019
- Mike Chong Aug 8, 2018
- An Intimate Conversation with my Universe in Chiang Mai Aug 8, 2018
- Kneaded and Pampered at Zira Spa Aug 4, 2018
- Savoring a Baht 3,500 Birds Nest Soup at Natural Bird Nest by Burapa Aug 3, 2018
- Yoga Exploration at The Yoga Tree with Gernot Aug 1, 2018
- Laughter Yoga with Saffiya Arnous July 31, 2018
- Yoga with Adam at Hidden House Yoga, Chiang Mai July 29, 2018
- 2 Weeks in Chiang Mai July 25 - Aug 7, 2018
- A First Timer in Chiang Mai Apr 9-23, 2016
- Chiang Mai's Amazing Peoplescape Apr 9-23, 2016
- Dance Mandala in Chiang Mai at The Yoga Tree Apr 19, 2016
- Songkran Waterfight Festival in Chiang Mai Apr 13-15, 2016
- Border Crossing from Siem Reap (Cambodia) to Bangkok (Thailand) to Chiang Mai April 9-10, 2016
How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days
This process is BEFORE Covid 19. Not sure what it is now.
60-Day Thai Tourist Visa
NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.
- Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
b) flight booking to Thailand
c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
d) filled-in tourist visa form
e) 2 passport pictures
f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
g) passport with at least 6 months validity
- After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
- NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.
30-Day Extension
NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.
- bring the following to the Immigration Office:
a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
b) Baht 1900
c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
- submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
- when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
- when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
- when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes
Book Train Tickets in Thailand
Book Train Tickets in Thailand Online by Train36.com
General Travel Tips
- arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
- put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
- avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
- power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!
Currency Converter
»» back to Yoga
»» back to Homepage
ARCHIVE:
2024 |
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG
1970 |
1973 |
1975 |
1976 |
1979 |
1981 |
1996 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
ALL BLOGS