At this time, no organization in the U.S.A. has the authority to regulate, certify, register, or accredit Thai massage Practitioners, Therapists, Bodyworkers, Instructors or Schools specifically. There are however, several privately owned and operated Thai massage organizations that may be voluntarily joined. Some of these organizations have been created so as to appear as if they are official regulatory agencies, but in truth they are all essentially membership clubs that may be joined for a fee. So long as you meet your state massage licensure requirements, you may practice and teach Thai massage without belonging to any such organizations

Of the many organizations existing, The Naga Center is proud to be a member of those that we feel function with deep integrity, heart and purpose. We have chosen with care who we join hands with and are glad to have the opportunity to support them. With no national Thai massage regulatory agency, it is up to the individual instructor or school to set their own standards of training. Because it matters dearly to us, The Naga Center has chosen to adhere to standards for Thai massage instructor training that are unprecedented in the western world, to return to Thailand regularly for deeper education, and to insure our instructors never stop learning.

Organizations, Boards and Associations we belong to

Tao Mountain Association of Traditional Thai Massage and Herbal Medicine - The TM Association is a community of teachers, students, and therapists that is actively involved in academic research on Thai medicine, clinical research on medical applications of Thai massage, and charitable projects in Thailand. In addition to offering many classes on traditional Thai medicine, the Tao Mountain Association has the most extensive Thai massage teacher certification program in the United States, which the Naga Center is proud to offer to it's teacher trainees. With the highest possible standards, and extensive requirements, Tao Mountain insures that it’s network of member teachers and schools provides the best in traditional Thai medicine education. The Naga Center is proud to be a member school of the Tao Mountain Association, working together to preserve the quality and authenticity of Thai massage and herbalism as these ancient practices become known to the western world. To learn more about Tao Mountain Association, click here.

The Shivago Association of Traditional Thai Massage & Herbal Medicine- A non-profit global association of Thai massage and herbal medicine instructors and institutions who are dedicated to providing the highest quality authentic education available, and to giving back to the Thai people in gratitude through our Shivago Fund. To learn more about The Shivago Association, click here.

NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork)– The Naga center is approved by the NCBTMB as a continuing education approved provider. The NCBTMB has high standards of approval and the process to becoming an approved provider is long and detailed and requires periodic renewal. To learn more about NCBTMB, click here.

ABMP (Associated Bodywork Massage Professionals) – We are a member of the ABMP Massage School Alliance, providing us with up to date understanding and participation in industry standards, ethics and regulations. All class hours are recognized by the ABMP. To learn more, click here.

It should be noted that while organizations and agencies can be wonderful ways to locate a Thai massage therapist or teacher, membership in them does not always equal quality. It is always up to the client or student to make inquiries, find references, and to listen to instinct.