Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thai Massage?

Thai massage is one of the most comprehensive bodywork modalities extant. In its full glory it encompasses elements of acupressure through point work, bone setting (indigenous chiropractics), structural integration, herbalism through external application of herbs, energy work, deep compression, myofascial release, intensive stretching and spiritual healing as reflected in its Buddhist roots; and this list is far from complete.
While Thai massage can be gentle and nurturing when needed, it is more often very physically intensive, with a focus on therapy more than pampering.  Thai massage is performed with the client clothed, on a mat on the floor.
Westerners familiar with Thai massage generally associate it most with the intensive stretching component; so much so that it is frequently called “Thai yoga massage”.  This is a misnomer in that yoga is an entirely different discipline from an entirely different country, and in truth there are so many other elements to Thai massage that while some Thai massage sessions may focus on passive intensive stretching, it is possible to experience a lengthy Thai massage that incorporates no stretching at all.  It all depends on the needs of the recipient, and the skill of the therapist.

Most people who experience Thai massage never request another massage modality again.

Do classes at the Naga Center count for continuing education?

Yes. For both OBMT and NCBTMB, as well as most states. If you live in a state that has some tricky continuing education law (Louisiana, you know what we mean) and you need us to jump through some hoops to make sure your hours here count for you, let us know! We do everything we can to help massage therapists meet their state CE requirements.

Will certification in Thai massage allow me to practice professionally?

Each state has its own laws regarding practicing massage professionally; meaning accepting payment for bodywork. Some states, like Oregon, require hundreds of hours of training in a licensure school, which The Naga Center is not. In these states we would be considered a school of continuing education, not licensure. In some states there is no massage regulation at all, making training a non-issue. In some states it comes down to verbiage; if you call Thai massage energy work, or yoga therapy (both common misnomers), then you can practice legally without a license (this does not fly in Oregon!). Some states, like California, require that you have a certain number of hours of training in order to practice massage professionally, but they do not require that you get this training at a state licensure school; hence you can count your hours at The Naga Center toward being able to practice professionally (do your due diligence, these laws are changing a lot in California).
As you can see see, there is not an easy answer to the question. Students are responsible for researching the laws in their individual state, but we are happy to help if possible at The Naga Center. If you have any questions about professional practice, please feel free to give us a holler.

I have studied Thai massage at another school, or with another teacher; which class should I start with at The Naga Center?

We have found that students who come to us with years of prior Thai massage practice and study inevitably wish to take all of the classes at The Naga Center. Because of this, we say jump on in with any class. All of our classes tend to have many levels of experience represented by the students. In one class we may have people who have never even received a Thai massage studying alongside a student who lived in Thailand for years; and all levels in between. Somehow, it always works out. Everyone gets what they need. Experienced Thai massage practitioners find techniques and theoretical knowledge that is new for them while deepening established skills.
This all said, the area that we find experienced Thai massage practitioners to have the largest gap in instruction in is the information taught in our Thai Massage Therapeutics course. So if you want to take a class that will have the most new material for you, you might want to start there.

Do you offer out of town students lodging?

We do not offer lodging, however we are happy to provide you with a list of good local lodging options varying from hostels to fancy hotels. We are also happy to give a shout to our local student community to see if anyone has an extra room or a comfy couch. Just let us know how we can help you.

What is a naga?

Nagas are serpentine, dragonish creatures who are earth dwellers whose lore is found in India and Southeast Asia. Long ago, they were malevolent, but Buddhism has a way of taming things and so after the arrival of The Buddha, they came to be scene more as helping beings. If you ever see an image of The Buddha sitting in meditation with a five headed serpent hoving over him, that is the king of the nagas protecting him as he seeks enlightenment.
In Thailand every temple has nagas whose heads are down at the bottom of the stairs, and whose bodies serve as handrails going up to the door. So the nagas guide you into sacred space. You can see some pictures of them here.