Thai Massage and Ashiatsu are career-changing bodywork modalities that require a notable investment of time, energy and resources to learn deeply. On the surface they may seem like similar modalities yet there are some pretty big differences in the methods of massage application used in each one. That’s why we separate our Thai massage and ashiatsu courses into two separate programs of study. As a licensed massage therapist you can choose to take a single course in either modality to fulfill licensure renewal requirements or decide to go all in by signing up for a multi-day immersion course. Where you start is up to you. Here is some information to help you decide.
THAI MASSAGE PROGRAM AND COURSES
Our core Thai massage courses are taught on a mat on the floor and the receiver remains clothed. The practitioner uses their hands, elbows, thumbs, knees and feet to apply acupressure, joint range of motion and stretching techniques.
Thai Massage Immersion Courses
There are six, all-level Thai massage immersion courses. Each immersion course highlights a different aspect of Thai massage practice and offers a unique sequence of techniques that, with some practice outside of class, can be used with your clients as a stand-alone session or integrated with other techniques that you know.
The six immersion courses can be taken in any order and they do not have any prerequisites other than a license to practice massage therapy. Immersion courses are two or three days each depending on the course. All immersion courses are beginner-friendly.
Thai Massage Introduction Course
For beginners who are not ready to jump right into an immersion course we offer a half-day Intro to Thai massage on the Mat to help you decide if a focus in this modality is right for you. We highly recommend the Intro to Thai Massage on the Mat course for therapists who have never been exposed to Thai massage before and/or unsure of their ability to meet the physical requirement of sitting, kneeling, lunging and moving around on the floor.
The Intro to Thai Massage on the Mat half-day course is not required as a prerequisite to the immersion classes nor does it count toward the Elevate Thai Massage Endorsement.
Table Thai Massage Courses
We also offer several table Thai courses that are all-levels, beginner friendly but they do not count toward the Elevate Thai Massage Endorsement.
How do I receive the Elevate Thai Massage Endorsement?
The Elevate Thai Massage Endorsement consists of taking all six immersion courses plus the five-day advanced intensive and additional requirements outside of class.
ASHIATSU PROGRAM AND COURSES
Our core ashiatsu courses are all taught on a massage table and all but two of them utilize the bar support system mounted to the ceiling above the table for support. In all courses except (Seated Barefoot Bodywork and Table Thai Acupressure) the practitioner stands on the table and uses one or both feet to apply a variety of techniques both with and without lubricant.
Ashiatsu Immersion Courses
There are seven, all-level ashiatsu immersion courses. Each immersion course highlights a different aspect of barefoot massage practice on the table with the bars and offers a unique sequence of techniques that, with some practice outside of class, can be used with your clients as a stand-alone session or integrated with other techniques that you know.
Beginners can start their ashiatsu training with any of the following immersion courses that are one, two or three days each depending on the course : Seated Barefoot Bodywork, Barefoot Bar Basics, Barefoot Press & Stretch and Table Thai Acupressure. There are no prerequisites for these courses other than a license to practice massage therapy.
Ashiatsu Introduction Course
For beginners who are not ready to jump right into an immersion course we offer a half-day Intro to Ashiatsu course to help you decide if a focus in this modality is right for you. We highly recommend the Intro to Ashiatsu course for therapists who have never been exposed to ashiatsu before and/or are unsure of their ability to meet the physical and equipment requirements associated with this modality.
The Intro to Ashiatsu half-day course is not required as a prerequisite to the immersion classes nor does it count toward the Elevate Ashiatsu Endorsement.
Ashiatsu on the Floor
We also offer a Barefoot Floor Fundamentals course for therapists who want to the explore the world of barefoot massage and keep their feet on the ground. This course is two days, all-levels and beginner friendly but it does not count toward the Elevate Ashiatsu Endorsement.
How do I receive the Elevate Ashiatsu Endorsement?
The Elevate Ashiatsu Endorsement consists of taking all seven immersion courses plus the five day advanced intensive and additional requirements outside of class.
HELFUL LINKS