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What is Thai Massage?

Thai Massage is an extraordinary 2,500-year-old healing arts system based on Indian Ayurvedic Medicine, Buddhist spiritual practice and Yoga.

Thai Massage fluidly and meditatively blends gentle rocking, rhythmic acupressure and assisted range of motion to deeply relax and revitalize the body and mind.

A Thai Massage session is traditionally done on a mat on the floor, and the receiver wears loose and comfortable clothing. Thai techniques can also be adapted to a massage table, either bringing a full Thai Massage to the table-top, or complimenting your existing massage skills.

   



Classes Offered

Introduction to Thai Massage
Thai Massage Practice Day
Thai Massage Table Practice Day
Basic Thai Massage Certification



Advanced Programs:

Advanced Play in Thai Massage
Creative Play in Thai Massage
Thai Massage Meets Muscle Energy Techniques



Residential Thai Massage Classes:

Esalen Institute Work-scholar Program

   

Introduction to Thai Massage
In this workshop you will get a great taste for how the Thai Massage tradition beautifully combines yoga-like postures and energy line work. Single leg, double leg and foot work will be thoroughly explored. You will also learn some of the most effective treatments experienced in the sitting, prone, supine and side-lying positions. Suggestions for incorporating Thai massage work into a table session will also be reviewed. You will leave the workshop with skills to expand your current practice and possibly a hunger to learn more!

Nationally and Louisiana Approved for 14 Continuing Education Hours


Click below to Download Mini Video Clips of:


Single Leg
Exercises I


Face Down
Exercises
   
Single Leg
Exercises II


Double Leg
Exercises
   
Seated
Exercises


Side Lying
Spinal Twist

* Please note that each clip may take a minute to connect and download.


   


Thai Massage for the Table
Introduction to Thai Massage is Prerequisite
As Thai Massage becomes more popular in the United States, more and more western therapists wish to bring this beautiful healing art into their current table-based practice. In the 'Thai Massage for the Table' course, students will receive detailed instruction on how to bring some of the classic Thai massage floor techniques to the table. Therapists will practice moving gracefully up and around the table while using proper body mechanics. Options for performing sessions while the client is fully clothed will be explored as well as draping option for encorporating Thai techniques within a Swedish/Deep tissue session. This class is designed both for students who are new to Thai massage and for students who have already taken the “Introduction to Thai Massage Class.”

Nationally and Louisiana Approved for 12 Continuing Education Hours.


Thai Massage Table Practice Day
Introduction to Thai Massage is Prerequisite
This class is a follow-up to the "Introduction to Thai Massage" class. At the end of the two-day "Introduction to Thai Massage" class, students are given an hour demonstration of how to bring the techniques they learned on the mat to the table. In the 7 hour "Thai Massage Table Practice Day" course, students will receive more detailed instruction on how to bring classic Thai floor techniques to the table. We will practice moving gracefully up and around the table while using proper body mechanics. For those students who wished they could have had some hands-on table practice time in the 'Intro' weekend, this class is specifically designed for you!

Nationally Approved for 7 Continuing Education Hours.


Click below to Download Mini Video Clips of Thai for the Table Techniques:



* Please note that each clip may take a minute to connect and download.

   


Thai Massage Certification Program
Introduction to Thai Massage is Prerequisite (see above)

Basic Thai Massage Certification
This certification program will explore fully the art of Traditional Thai Massage. This class is designed to be taught in a smaller and more intimate class setting, similar to the way the knowledge was passed down in Thailand. All major positions (sitting, prone, supine and side-lying) will be thoroughly explored. Once experiencing all the traditional lessons, students will be encouraged to foster creativity and intuition in their sessions. More formalized lessons on how to include Thai work on a table will also be included. Students leaving this program will be able to perform a complete, full body Thai Massage with proficiency.

(The 36 hour, 7 day program incorporates an extra day for make-up/review) Nationally and Louisiana Approved for 36 Continuing Education Hours.

   


Advanced Thai Massage Classes
Basic Thai Massage Certification or 50 Hours Thai Training Pre-requisite

Advanced Play in Thai Massage
This class is designed for the therapist who wants to explore the more organic, listening-focused aspect of their practice. Although instructor will have techniques ready for sharing with the class, the class itself will be customized for the needs of the students. Bring your curiosity, tough client cases for exploration, your own body-symptoms and your sense of play and exploration.

Nationally and Louisiana Approved for 12 Continuing Education Hours.


Thai Massage Meets Muscle Energy Techniques
This course is designed to help a Thai Massage Therapist:
  • Expand their practice outside of following a 'routine.'
  • Begin to listen and treat energy blockages more therapeutically.
  • Encourage a client to take more active part in the healing process.
  • Explore techniques that help to lengthen the muscles with less resistance.
  • Encourage clients to release old holding patterns.
Practitioners will leave this class with skills to help their clients have more mobility in the muscles and joints and increased energy flow.

Nationally and Louisiana Approved for 12 Continuing Education Hours. This class is currently not scheduled, but if you are interested in sponsoring this workshop, please contact Stephanie.


Creative Play in Thai Massage
In this class we will embrace the spirit of play and creativity. You will improve your skills in Thai massage and explore ways to expand your current practice by connecting with the more intuitive and creative aspect of Thai bodywork. You will learn advanced techniques as well as creatively inspired moves. We will explore how to make more smooth transitions and improve the flow in your sessions.

Nationally and Louisiana Approved for 12 Continuing Education Hours. This class is currently not scheduled, but if you are interested in sponsoring this workshop, please contact Stephanie.


   


Residential Thai Massage Classes
Esalen Institute Work-scholar Program (October 19 - November 16, 2008)

Thai massage, or "nuad boran," translated as "ancient healing touch," is a 2500 year-old healing tradition has its roots within the very heart of Buddhism. Thai massage can be a 'moving meditation' that allows both practitioner and recipient to experience the four Divine States of Mind: Loving Kindness, Compassion, Equanimity and Vicarious Joy. Stephanie Shrum will lead and in-depth exploration of this ancient healing art. This month-long program offers an opportunity to study, practice, and understand the techniques and philosophy of Thai massage.

Thai massage uses rhythmic compression and rocking, acupressure, passive yogic stretching, percussion, and meditative presence to promote healing. Since there is dance-like interaction between giver and receiver, program will also include opportunity for dance, yoga and movement practice. The training encourages whole-body participation, self-healing, deep understanding, creative response, and confidence in giving wonderful and profound Thai massage treatments that are as healing for the giver as they are for the receiver. No previous massage experience necessary- just a desire to learn to touch with presence and the intention to heal.

Please note the Esalen Work-scholar program requires a work commitment of 32 hours a week in addition to your training. For more information about Esalen and the work-scholar program, please see Esalen Work Study


   

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stephanieshrum@hotmail.com | Phone: 503-734-7468 | Toll Free: 1-877-655-HEAL