How to Learn Thai Massage
Thai massage is a full-body experience that incorporates centuries-old techniques and philosophies. Whether you’re interested in learning more about different massage techniques or seeking ways to build upon your expertise as a licensed massage therapist, a variety of online courses and live, in-person courses on Thai massage are available from HICI Go. We are an online center that hosts a diverse catalog of health and beauty courses online for people in Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, or anywhere else in the U.S. We also offer in-person courses through partner schools in Florida, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Here, we provide some insights into the ancient art of Thai massage and how you can become a practitioner.
Thai Massage 101
Thai massage (Nuad Bo-Rarn) is a practice that reportedly originated around 2,500 years ago and was founded by Dr. Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha (also known as Shivago Komarpaj). Along with herbs, nutrition, and spiritual practice, it’s one of the four pillars of traditional medicine in Thailand.
Characterized by a series of slow, rhythmic compressions and stretches, this practice mirrors acupressure, Zen shiatsu, and yoga. Massage therapists concentrate on the primary energy lines within the body through several modalities. Clients may seek Thai massage for several reasons, as benefits include:
- Stress release
- Circulation and lymph drainage
- Better posture
- Joint, muscle, and headache pain relief
- Improved flexibility and range of motion
- Reduced anxiety
- Mindfulness and calm
- Better sleep
What Makes Thai Massage Different?
A Thai massage session is quite different from most forms of Western massage. For instance, a client may expect the following from a typical Swedish or deep-tissue massage session at a spa:
- Preparation: Clients are mostly or fully unclothed, but appropriately draped with sheets or blankets.
- Location: Clients are treated while lying face up or down on a massage table.
- Techniques: The therapist lubricates the skin using oils or creams to minimize friction and uses their hands, hot stones, or other objects during treatment.
- Movement: Through a variety of gliding movements, massage therapists manipulate the muscles and tissues to relieve tension, promote relaxation, and yield other benefits.
A Thai massage session is much more active on the part of the practitioner and client, helping to open the joints, stretch the muscles, and improve circulation. You can expect the following during an average Thai massage session:
- Preparation: Clients come prepared wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing.
- Location: Clients are treated on a cushioned floor mat or a massage table (Table Thai) while sitting or lying face up, face down, or on their side.
- Techniques: The practitioner may apply pressure with their palms, thumbs, forearms, elbows, or feet.
- Movement: Focused on improving energy flow throughout the body, the practitioner maneuvers the client into specific poses – similar to yoga stretches.
Much like other massage sessions, Thai massage may last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. Some sessions may be longer, depending on the needs of the client. As they work, massage therapists maintain an uninterrupted flow of movement and rhythm to facilitate the desired outcomes.
Massage Continuing Education
Becoming a Thai massage practitioner takes training and certification. While requirements may vary by state, most professionals need a massage therapy license to practice on clients. Because of its physical nature, practitioners also must learn how to safely treat the client and how to avoid injury to themselves.
HICI Go offers a variety of in-person and online courses, as well as webinars for those who want to learn massage techniques. We partner with Cortiva Institute, Hollywood Institute, licensed Continuing education providers, and industry experts to deliver a host of in-person and online educational opportunities. Our courses and workshops suit a variety of skill levels, from beginners to professionals. As a student, you can learn about energy pathways, equipment, stances, body tools, and much more.
Find HICI Go’s Thai Massage Courses Today
If you’re thinking about adding more services to your spa menu, learn Thai massage with HICI Go. An online center with a catalog of health and beauty courses, HICI Go helps people in Miami, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Orlando, and other areas of Florida and the United States. In-person courses in Florida, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Texas are hosted by our nationally accredited partner schools. Courses are open to professionals seeking continuing education or to non-professionals who want to learn something new. For more information about learning Thai massage and other massage therapy techniques, contact us today.