THAI YOGA MASSAGE
Practitioner Training
The founder of Thai massage is an Ayurvedic doctor, Jivaka Kumar Bhacca, who is revered throughout Thailand as the Father of Medicine. History suggests he was the doctor for the Buddha and his sangha.
What is Thai Massage?
The healing art of Thai massage, traditionally known as Nuad Boran, evolved over 2,000 years ago in present day India, but migrated to Thailand with the migration of Buddhism. It is a system of bodywork combining rhythmic massage, joint mobilization and stretching techniques throughout the body.
Traditional Thai massage is rooted in the belief that life is sustained by a vital force carried along pathways (sen) running through the body. It is believed that disease and dysfunction come when blockages occur along these energy pathways. Thai Massage’s intent is to free blocked energy, stimulate the natural flow of life-force, and restore balance throughout.
As a practitioner, performing Thai Massage is a powerful tool for transformation and can be a spiritual practice in and of itself.
Why Learn Thai Massage?
Learn Thai Massage to enrich your massage practice, enhance your yoga teaching, and cultivate new skills to share with friends and family! No experience is necessary, just an open-heart and a curiosity for learning. In addition to learning, you will receive hours of Thai massage from your peers as you practice!
Thai Massage Playshop for Couples
This is an introduction to the healing art of Thai Massage. Learn fun and effective massage techniques in this is hands-on experiential class providing you with tools for heart-based connection and healing bodywork. You will give and receive massage with a partner at home with the support of expert guidance.
All are welcome! No experience needed
Thai Yoga Massage Training
4 Weekends | 84 hours total
Become a Thai yoga massage practitioner in four weekends
Each weekend includes 21 hours of practice, instruction, experiential learning, and connection with fellow students.
Weekend 1: Foundational Training in Supine Position
Learn techniques to move gracefully around the recipient on the floor, leverage your body weight to apply deep pressure effortlessly, and cultivate a sensitive and healing touch. The course begins in supine position which includes effective ways to release tension and open the legs, hips and shoulders. Time will be spent practicing techniques and learning an introductory sequence of supine position.
Weekend 2 Supine + Prone Position (21 hrs)
Discover the energy system of this healing art and how the Sen lines play a significant role in the work we do. Weekend 2 is a continuation of the work learned in the fundamentals weekend in the supine position. This weekend also includes time dedicated to practicing yoga and meditation to support body awareness while working and an ability to remain present during the learning experience.
Weekend 3 Side Lying Position (21 hrs)
Focus on techniques of the side-lying position. Access the shoulders and hips from this alternate vantage point that is a great position for people that cannot lay down on their backs, including pregnant woman. During Weekend 3 there is time for review and also the opportunity to work on friends and community members.
Weekend 4 Seated Position (21 hrs)
Focus on techniques of seated position. Seated position provide excellent access to the neck and shoulders. Learn effective techniques to address this region of the body. There is time for review of previous weekends and also the opportunity to work on friends and community members.
Thai yoga massage training is open to everyone! No experience required.
Chris Gordon, LMT, RTT, ERYT-500
Chris was born and raised in NY. As a twenty year old, Chris moved West to attend the University of Oregon. It was in Oregon that Chris discovered yoga, community, massage and his love of nature. These experiences inspired Chris to dive deep into healing arts and the path of awakening through yoga and meditation. On parallel tracks, Chris has been teaching yoga and offering massage for over twenty-five years. He has taken thousands of hours of training along with several extensive trips to Thailand, Laos and India. He is grateful for his friend, D’vorah Swarzman who introduced Chris to Thai Massage and Master Thai Massage teacher Pichest Boonthume, of Chiang Mai. One of his most influential yoga teachers is also a friend and colleague, Sarahjoy Marsh of Portland, OR.
Chris has been in Minnesota since 2004, is a board certified massage therapist, is an NCBTMB continuing education provider and is recognized by (THAI) Thai Healing Alliance International as a Thai Massage instructor. Chris is also inspired by the theory and practice of NVC (Non-Violent Communication), a tool for connecting to his own heart and deepening relationships with others and uses these tools as a board certified health and wellness coach. The Tibetan Buddhist teacher, Mingyur Rinpoche has greatly influenced Chris’ meditation journey. These rich and profound teachings are a gift he holds dear. When Chris is not at Big River Yoga, he may be seen walking by the Mississippi River with his dog, Ruby, or swimming, or sailing on Bde Maka Ska. Most importantly, Chris is grateful for the support, companionship and love of his amazing wife, Nora.
CEUs available for this coursework.
