Traditional Thai Massage on the Mat

Traditional Thai Massage is practiced on a mat on the floor, also known as Nuad Boran or “Ancient Massage”. It is derived from a blend of Ayurvedic and Chinese healing influences and has been an integral part of Traditional Thai Medicine for over 2,500 years. Thai Massage is a fluid blend of gentle stretching combined with rhythmic massage and pressure point work along energy lines referred to as “Sen.” Much like Shiatsu or acupressure, Thai pressure point and energy line work stimulate the flow of energy in the body, removing blockages and restoring balance and harmony on all levels.

In a typical two-hour session, the Thai Massage practitioner will use stretching movements combined with pressure applied to points along the body; using their hands, thumbs, forearms, elbows, knees and feet. The seamless flow of gentle, rhythmic movements maintained throughout the session, and the unparalleled ability of Thai Massage to extend flexibility through a wide variety of unique stretches, sets Thai Massage apart from other Asian bodywork techniques.

The focus of this course is to develop a personalized approach to each client, choosing from a wide variety of traditional Northern style Thai Massage techniques in all four positions rather than delivering a “choreographed sequence”.

Note: Good flexibility and physical health is required to be effective in this modality which is performed entirely on a mat on the floor in the traditional style.

Prerequisites: None

Course Objectives: At the completion of the course, students will know and be able to:

• Explain the history & principles of Traditional Thai Massage

• Explain the benefits and technique of Traditional Thai Massage

• Identify the major Zen lines on the body

• Market and introduce Thai Massage to the appropriate clientele

• Customize a Thai Massage session to a client’s needs: create a session treatment plan

• Perform a Traditional Thai Massage Session on the Mat