There is no end to learning, but there are many beginnings. Learning is never cumulative. It is a movement of knowing which has no end. In fact, our entire life is a big process of learning.
Thai Yoga Massage is a form of therapeutic touch that differs in many ways from traditional massage. The provider manipulates the body in certain ways to stimulate organs, improve flexibility and heal the body. Thai massage is part of Thai medicine – it works with the body’s energy pathways.
How Much is Too Much?
At IMOSHA, one common question that we hear often is, “How many levels of Thai massage should I learn?” Well, to answer bluntly, it is as much as you want! Traditionally, Thai massage was never taught in levels. It was a continuous process of learning. The initial stages involved observation and later, practice. Based on the aptitude of the student and the dedication, progress was determined.
For ease of learning, Thai yoga massage courses have been structured into four levels – Beginner and Intermediate (levels 1 and 2) and Advanced (levels 3 and 4). The complexity of the massage and the skill and knowledge required to understand the pressure points of the body and other safety considerations increase with increasing levels.
Basic & Intermediate Thai Yoga Massage
(Prerequisite: None)
This course will enable you to work in the supine, side, seated and prone positions. You will be introduced to the concept of energy lines (SEN) and acupressure points. You also learn the body dynamics and their usage to perform high-quality bodywork. On completion of the course, you will be able to deliver 60-120 minutes of bodywork for relaxation with ease.
Basic & Intermediate (levels 1 and 2) have the following structure –
- Prayer and Meditation
- History of Thai Yoga Bodywork, benefits, contraindications and principles
- Introduction to Anatomical concepts (Movement, & Alignment) and Trigger points.
- Body Mechanics
- Introduction to Foot Reflexology
- Working on Energy lines (SEN) of legs using acupressure technique
- Open groin series
- Knee / Leg up series
- Double leg exercises
- Abdomen and Chest work
- Arm work (Energy lines of arms and work on palm)
- Shoulder, Neck, Head and Facework
- Delivering bodywork in the prone position
- Delivering bodywork in Seated position
- Delivering bodywork in Seated position
- Performing bodywork, which is a part of evaluation done by the teacher and Graduation ceremony
- Preparing sequences in combinations, to deliver balanced bodywork
Thai Yoga Massage Advanced Levels 3 & 4 (30 Hours / 5 Days)
(Prerequisite: Level 1 & 2)
This course focuses on the therapeutic aspects of Thai Yoga Massage. You will also learn the ancient system of massage called TOKSEN (working with wooden wedges and mallets on energy lines of the body) along with the pressure points to relieve back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain etc. You will learn about the advanced energy lines (SEN) and the ailments associated with the disruption of these lines using yet another modality of bodywork known as JAPSEN (famous style of Mama Lek Chaiya and Jack Chaiya, Chiang Mai). On completion of the course, you will be able to deliver therapeutic 60-120 min of bodywork effortlessly.
Advanced (levels 3 and 4/Therapeutic) have the following Structure
- Advanced SEN(Energy Line)
- Toksen & Japsen
- Pressure Point location and treatment
Advanced / Therapeutic Course Contents
The breakup is as follows:
- Introduction to Toksen – History, benefits, and contraindications
- Using the Toksen equipment
- Practising Toksen in Supine and side position
- Practising Toksen in Prone and seated position
- Choreographing Toksen in combination with Thai Yoga Massage
The advanced techniques of Thai Yoga Massage delve into the energy lines of the body (Sen) and the ailments and conditions that disrupt the energy lines. The lines include:
- Sen itta, Pingkala
- Sen Sumana
- Sen Kalathari
- Sen Lawusang, Ulangka
- Sen Sahatsarangsi, Thawari
The understanding of the energy lines helps in identifying the massage techniques that alleviate pain and promote energy flow along the disrupted Sen.
Learning to locate pressure points and understanding how Acupressure / Toksen / Japsen / Thai Yoga Massage techniques are incorporated to promote healing and convalescence.
Some of the ailments addressed are Neck Pain, Headaches, Shoulder Pain, Back Pain, Knee Pain, etc.,.
If your objective is to just experience the healing art of Thai Massage, a beginner course is sufficient. But if you wish to become a dedicated practitioner of this ancient mystic healing art, we recommend you sign-up for the advanced course.