Thai Massage Classes


To register for all classes please click here
Please note that now when you register for any 40 hour Thai massage class 30 or more days prior to the beginning of that class, you can take $40 off of the tuition price. For 16 hour classes, take $16 off of the tuition. For 8 hour classes, take $8 off of the tuition - and so on. Our apologies, but this is not retroactive for folks already registered for a class, and it does not apply to language classes nor does it apply to the Thai Massage In Depth Six Month program.

About Thai Massage and Thai Massage Classes
Thai massage is an ancient healing modality that is a part of the external bodywork branch of Traditional Thai Medicine. Thai massage differs greatly from Swedish (western) massage in that it is performed on a mat on the floor, with the client clothed, and utilizes Traditional Thai Medical Theory. Thai massage tends to be more physically intensive than Swedish massage and employs techniques that are so very different from western massage modalities that students taking Thai massage who come with prior massage experience and those who come with no prior massage experience find themselves equally beginners. Each class is packed with theory, practice, cultural connections and ceremony. Since Thailand is approximately 95% Buddhist, their medical theory and practice is steeped in a Buddhist approach and understanding. While one does not have to be Buddhist to practice Thai massage, it should be understood that an authentic training in Thai massage will inherently contain some Buddhist teachings.

An Important Note on Studying Thai Massage
Please note that many of our classes are extremely learning intensive with vast amounts of information being transferred. Students will often wish to set aside some time in the evenings to go over information learned that day. Also, Thai massage puts the therapist in positions that are very different from those used in massage modalities that utilize a massage table. Specifically, there is a lot of kneeling, half lunges, and squatting. Knee problems can make doing Thai massage difficult. On the other hand, it can save your wrists and hands. If you are uncertain of your ability to perform this modality, it is recommended that you participate in two or three gentle yoga classes in one day. This can be a good indicator of what it will be like to participate in a Thai massage class. If you have any remaining doubts, or if you have a physical limitation or learning disability that we should know about, please contact us to chat about it ahead of time. Please also be sure to notify us if you are pregnant or sight impaired.

Introduction to Thai Massage Workshop

Thai massage is an ancient bodywork modality comprised of many Thai healing arts including compression, intensive stretching, point work, external herbal applications and more. In this 10 hour course students will be given an introduction to many of the techniques and practice of this beautiful and complex healing system. Class is composed of demonstrations and practice, as well as lectures on the history, culture and theory of Thai massage. Students will also participate in a traditional Thai ceremony as performed in classes in Thailand. Thai massage is a fundamentally different bodywork modality than Swedish massage, hence there is no pre-requisite for this class which is open to massage therapists and non massage therapists alike.
*Please note that Thai massage is a truly vast and complicated healing modality. While it is possible to find instructors who offer two day classes in Thai massage that claim to give students the tools to go out into the world and practice Thai massage professionally, in truth Thai massage cannot be taught in just two days. Out of respect for the true learning that dedicated practitioners of this art commit to, we feel it is important to emphasize that this class is designed to give information to those exploring the idea of more in-depth study and does not qualify one to claim Thai massage practitioner status. This said, the class packs a large amount of information into two days, will provide students with real life skills that can be incorporated into their current massage practice, or used to help friends and family. For a truly in-depth beginning Thai massage class that will prepare students for a Thai massage professional practice, please see our Level I Thai Massage Certification Course below

Pre-requisite: none Cost: $189

Upcoming Classes

January 16th - 17th
November 6th - 7th
Class meets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bring a brown bag lunch

Thai Massage Level I Certification Course
Now offered as either an intensive or part-time class

In this course students are introduced to Thai massage as they learn how to give a complete 90 minute session. Class is composed of demonstrations and practice, as well as lectures on the history, culture, and theory of Thai massage. Students will also participate daily in traditional Thai Buddhist ceremonies as they are performed in Thailand.

This course is a very intensive learning experience, with the transmission of large amounts of information. Class is steeped with Thai culture, providing students with an opportunity to connect with the roots of this ancient modality. There is no pre-requisite for this class and students with no prior massage training are welcome, but must come with a willingness to study intensively for their time in class.
This course is taught by Nephyr Jacobsen, founder of The Naga Center.

Pre-requisite: none
40 hours for intensives
Cost: $699

Upcoming Classes
April 5th - 9th, 2010
August 2nd - 6th, 2010
December 6th - 10th, 2010

Thai Massage Level II Certification Course

This 40 hour course builds on the training of the Basic Course, adding a deeper layer of understanding of Thai massage technique. In this class we will focus on body mechanics and postural alignment while learning advanced yoga stretches and alternate client positions such as seated and sidelying. This class has a strong focus on working deeper while saving your wrists and alternatives to "the sequence". Students will explore foundations of traditional Thai medicine and sen theory while developing their ability to 'sense' sen line blockages. We will also provide an introduction to regional differences such as southern style and Hill-tribe methods of Thai massage as well as Barefoot Thai massage. Continued lectures on Thai medicinal history, culture and healing are presented daily as well as participation in traditional Thai ceremonies.

This class is largely influenced by the teachings of Ajahn Pichest Boonthumme, master of Thai massage. It is taught by Nephyr Jacobsen, founder of The Naga Center.

Pre-requisite: Beginning Thai Massage from The Naga Center, or equivalent from another school with Naga Center teacher approval. Cost: $699 Upcoming Classes March 15th - 19th September 20th - 24th

Thai Herbal Massage Certification Workshop

In this one day (7 hr.) workshop students will learn to use traditional hot herbal compresses in a Thai massage session as well as the foundations of Thai herbalism and how to prepare the compresses.. Thai herbal massage is an easy way to provide deep therapy and relaxation using aromatic healing herbs. It is especially good for clients with increased pain sensitivity such as those with fibromyalgia and it provides a deep nurturing for clients going through emotionally challenging times. Thai herbal massage is easily incorporated into a Swedish massage session on the table.
**This class can be taken alone, or you can take it as part of the 3 day Thai Massage Specialties Combination Class (scroll down for details)**

Pre-requisite: Beginning Thai Massage from The Naga Center, or Naga Center teacher approval.
Cost: $145 for Thai Herbal Massage alone
or $415 for 3 day Thai Massage Specialties Combination course

Upcoming Classes

January 9th, 2010
September 4th

Thai Cupping & Scraping Certification Workshop
Cupping is an ancient healing technique found in traditional medical practices the world over that uses "cups" to apply suction to the body to release toxins and tension amongst other things. Scraping is a similarly worldly practice in indigenous medicines that involves the use of tools to "scrape" at the skin to release toxins and tensions from the body. Both modalities are excellent for soft tissue release and are wonderful additions to a massage practice. This one day (7 hr.) class teaches the art of cupping and scraping through the Thai lens, and instructs in how to incorporate cupping into your Thai massage practice.
**This class can be taken alone, or you can take it as part of the 3 day Thai Massage Specialties Combination Class (scroll down for details)**
Pre-requisite: Beginning Thai Massage from The Naga Center, or Naga Center teacher approval.
Cost: $145 for Thai cupping workshop alone
or $415 for 3 day Thai Massage Specialties Combination course

Upcoming Classes
January 10th
September 5th
* Please note that the November Thai Cupping workshop has been moved to January *

Pre-Natal/Postpartum Thai Massage
Certification Course

In this one day (7 hr) workshop students learn to give Thai pre-natal massage, Thai postpartum massage, and Thai infant massage. Pre-natal and postpartum Thai massage has been traditionally performed by massage therapists and midwives in Thailand to encourage a healthy pregnancy and to nurture healing after delivery. Class gives an in-depth understanding of this ancient way of helping women through the childbearing process using traditional Thai herbal compress massage. Instruction is given in the making and usage of Thai hot herb packs as well as a foundational understanding of the relationship between Thai herbalism and Thai pre-natal massage. Recently our infant Thai massage class has been incorporated into the pre-natal class, with lessons in guiding clients in this wonderful parenting skill. Lectures include Thai techniques and philosophy, Thai traditions surrounding childbearing, as well as an allopathic (western) understanding of the physiology of pregnancy. This class is rich with cultural traditions, ancient insights, folklore, and truly lovely nurturing techniques that will bring a unique wisdom and healing into your practice. This is a wonderful class for massage therapists, doulas and midwives.
As with all The Naga Center classes, students will be invited to participate in traditional Thai ceremonies and will enjoy a learning experience that provides a deep cultural connection to Thailand. This class is taught and designed by Nephyr Jacobsen and is based on extensive research and study with many Thai massage teachers and herbalists.

Pre-requisite: Beginning Thai Massage from The Naga Center, or Naga Center teacher approval. Cost: $145 for Thai pre-natal workshop alone or $415 for 3 day Thai Massage Specialties Combination course Upcoming Classes January 8th 3rd * Please note: the November Pre-Natal massage workshop has been moved to January

 

 
Thai Massage Specialties Combination Class

This 21 hour 3 day intensive combines Thai Herbal Massage, Thai Pre-natal/Postpartum Massage, and Thai Cupping and Scraping. Learn all three together saving both time and money while enjoying a depth of learning that is hard to find.
Thai Herbal Massage - students will learn to use traditional hot herbal compresses in a Thai massage session as well as the foundations of Thai herbalism and how to prepare the compresses.. Thai herbal massage is an easy way to provide deep therapy and relaxation using aromatic healing herbs. It is especially good for clients with increased pain sensitivity such as those with fibromyalgia and it provides a deep nurturing for clients going through emotionally challenging times. More details about herbal massage can be found on our Herbal Massage Classes page
Thai Herbal Liniments, Balms & Compress Creation - We will make liniments balms and compresses to use in our Thai massage practice - fun! (this is part of the Thai herbal massage day of the 3 day workshop)
Thai Pre-natal/Postpartum Massage - students learn to give Thai pre-natal massage, Thai postpartum massage, and Thai infant massage. Pre-natal and postpartum Thai massage has been traditionally performed by massage therapists and midwives in Thailand to encourage a healthy pregnancy and to nurture healing after delivery. Class gives an in-depth understanding of this ancient way of helping women through the childbearing process using Thai herbal compresses

Thai Cupping and Scraping - Cupping and scraping are ancient healing techniques found in traditional medical practices the world over that uses glass "cups" to apply suction to the body, or tools for gentle scraping on the surface to release toxins and tension amongst other things. Excellent for soft tissue release. This class teaches the art of cupping through the Thai lens, and instructs in how to incorporate cupping into your Thai massage practice.

** Each section of this class may be taken without taking the whole class. See the individual classes for details**
Pre-requisite: Beginning Thai Massage from The Naga Center, or equivalent from another school with The Naga Center teacher approval. Cost: $415

Upcoming Classes
January 8th - 10th, 2010
September 3rd - 5th

Partners Thai & Deep Tissue Bodywork
Weekend Workshop

Bring your significant other, good friend or roommate and have fun while learning techniques to alleviate physical tension and pain. Techniques taught do not require a massage table, or any previous massage training. In addition to learning basic skills for each major body section, we will discuss individual class member's recurrent pain patterns in order to instruct partners how best to help each other.
Since most of us cannot receive professional massages quite often enough, this two day workshop instructs you in ways to lessen your partner's chronic aches. This class is for those wishing to learn serious massage techniques that they can easily use to help another feel better. Techniques are based primarily on Thai massage, but may include other modalities as needed to address individual needs.

Pre-requisite: None. Cost: $199 per couple

Upcoming Classes
February 13th - 14th, 2010 (yea, valentines!)
October 9th - 10th
Class meets from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bring a brown bag lunch

Going Deeper, Ongoing advanced study Drop in Class

In this ongoing monthly class students practice and develop new skills based on their own pace and needs. This is time to address individual questions that arise from practice, strengthen our weak points, experiment in the safety of a classroom, make mistakes, and even develop new moves in the spirit of the living tradition of Thai massage. This class is led by Nephyr Jacobsen and the occassional guest instructor. Students are encouraged to bring questions, ideas for areas of extended study, frustrations and inspirations. Attendance hours will be logged so that a certificate of attendance can be provided twice a year with a tally of hours. Students should always check here or the online schedule before class to be alerted to any reschedules. This class is followed by Thai Movie night potluck. So bring some vegetarian food to share and plan on staying.

Pre-requisite: Beginning Thai Massage from The Naga Center, or equivalent from another school with The Naga Center teacher approval. Cost: $17 Last Sunday of every month from 4 to 6 p.m. January drop in class that was re-scheduled to Feb. 7th has been cancelled. HUGE apologies!!! Next drop in class is scheduled for February 28th

 

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