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We will begin a 100 hour Thai Massage Certification Course in February of 2005. Another certification course will begin in May of 2005. If you are interested please scroll down and read the information about the course and contact us to ask any questions and begin the registration process.
100 Hour Certification Course-Northern Style Traditional Thai Massage
We teach the northern style of Thai Massage as taught at The Old Medicine Hospital, Foundation of Moh Shivagakomarpaj, Chiang Mai, Thailand in 1996. The 100 hour course consists of 60 hours of practical training to perform Thai Massage, 30 hours of integration where you learn the special treatments, and 10 hours of theory. The massage sequence consists of 128 steps; it provides enough information to perform a 3+ hour massage. The special treatments are considered ‘advanced’ Thai Massage or Level 4 Thai Massage, one step before instructor level; they are vital to the success of a practitioner. The integration section allows students to practice what they just learned and to develop specific sequences for treating headaches, low-back pain, and practically every known disturbance of the body/mind/spirit. In the theory section we learn about the Sen (meridians) of Traditional Thai Medicine and explore the roots of Thai Massage: Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Instructors
This course will be taught by Andrew Assalian, LMT and Coleen Murphy, ND, DAc.
Certification
You will learn the northern style of Thai Massage as taught at The Old Medicine Hospital, Foundation of Moh Shivagakomarpaj, Chiang Mai, Thailand . We are often asked about what it means to be certified in Thai Massage and how this course fits into the picture. There is no governing body regulating Thai Massage in the USA. There is an outfit (ITTA) in the US that is seeking to brand their style of Thai Massage: they have created Level 1 through 5 certifications, have adapted Thai techniques for use with a massage table or chair and are generally seeking to be recognized as the governing body overseeing Thai Massage education here in the US. I can only say that I do not belong to this organization and do not offer levels of certification. I will teach you the 128 moves and sub-moves and the special treatments and theory exactly as I learned them in Thailand in 1996. I will certify that you have studied with me and are a competent practitioner of Thai Massage and have received direct lineage training of The Old Medicine Hospital sequence.
Goals
The primary goal of this training is for you to use your knowledge to competently provide a Traditional Thai Massage with you and your client’s safety and well being in mind, that you will practice often and help spread this ancient healing medicine throughout the world.
After this training you will be able to perform a 90 minute Traditional Thai Massage, though you will be given all the information necessary to massage in one treatment up to 3 hours of massage with little repetition. We want you to be comfortable enough to advertise and promote your services as a Thai Massage therapist.
Where to Study?
Many people ask whether it is better to study in Thailand or here in the US. Each place has its advantages. Only in Thailand will you understand how this massage is integrated in the daily lives of the Thai people. There is a deep spiritual component to this work that is difficult to convey in the Western setting. For the price of the class fee you can likely buy a plane ticket to Thailand and pay for your training. In Thailand you would likely study in an intensive format, 5 days per week, and learn from a non-native English speaking teacher. Class sizes are often large and individual attention cannot be guaranteed. Teaching assistants, if available, usually don’t speak English. This is in general and not specific to one school or location.
For our class you will have the information spread over a 10-15 week period. You will be afforded 1:1 attention from a qualified instructor. You will receive detailed notes on theory, safety and contra-indications for every step. Since we are trained in Anatomy and Physiology and Western massage techniques, we can teach from the energetic (Eastern) or anatomical (Western) perspective. We can explore how techniques such as myofascial release, and sports massage are represented in Thai Massage. Finally, you can integrate this class into your life and not interrupt your daily routine.
Ideally you could study fully here in the US and then go to Thailand to refine your skills and be charged with the spiritual energy that is the foundation of Thai Massage. Some of my past students have done this and have been elevated from student to teaching assistant or even teacher while studying in Thailand!!!
Workbook
You will be presented with 128 diagrams with room next to each one for your personal notes. Each step is completely described in a separate section. In addition, I provide the notes on Thai Massage theory and techniques, as well as diagrams that show the location of energy lines and important acupressure points on the body. Time is allowed for you to write your own notes, however if you are ever unsure of a step you will always have a master reference. Additionally, all of the theory is typed as notes that you receive prior to the theory section of each class. This enables you to listen and participate, not write. Finally you will receive copies of Sen charts.
Pace
This will be an intensive course. Aside from the classes you will need to practice each week between class days. Students are encouraged to schedule regular practice times and to practice on each other; it is important to give, but also to receive the treatment if you wish to become proficient in Thai Massage.
Why Study Thai Massage?
- Learn to use your feet, knees, elbows and forearms in ways you have never imagined, take the strain off your fingers and wrists.
- Yogis appreciate the Applied Hatha Yoga techniques and the distinct correlation between Thai Massage and Ayurvedic philosophy.
- Learn a unique technique that will allow you to charge a premium price for your treatments.
- Use your body weight and leverage in ways that are impossible with table-based massages.
- Expand your client base by appealing to those looking for Oriental energy-based techniques and to those who are uncomfortable getting undressed for a massage.
- Stop lugging around that heavy massage table.
- Airtight Boundaries: Clients remain fully clothed all the time.
- Learn techniques to address somato-emotional holding patterns.
- Thai Massage encompasses reflexology, acupressure, applied Hatha yoga, energy line therapy, myofascial release, and many more modalities.
- Learn to perform a wonderful massage for your friends and family without going to a massage school.
- Learn to perform a massage that does not require a massage table and can be done easily at home or yoga and Pilate’s studios.
- Obtain a working knowledge of the body’s energetic system and the Asian philosophy on disease and healing.
- Practice the Buddhist concept of Metta (Loving Kindness)
- Help to spread this healing medicine throughout the world.
Contact: info@natmedworks.com
