Foundations in Thai Yoga Bodywork is a comprehensive training program designed for massage therapists, yoga teachers, and beginners alike. This transformative course combines the best elements of massage, yoga, meditation, and energy work into a powerful healing modality that is as rewarding to give as it is to receive.
Thai Yoga Bodywork offers remarkable benefits for clients, including relief from tension, stress and anxiety, elimination of pain in the neck, shoulders, back, and legs, and a profound sense of rejuvenation and relaxation.
By combining assisted stretching with customized massage techniques, Thai Yoga Bodywork helps clients heal naturally by moving the body as it was designed to move.
What makes this training truly special is that you'll learn to give hands-on bodywork as a meditation in loving kindness and compassion. You learn how to use your whole body to give treatments, seldomly relying on your hands and thumbs to help produce outstanding results. The benefits are shared between giver and receiver, creating a deeply fulfilling experience for both.
At the completion of this training you’ll be confident in your ability to offer highly sought and well-paid skills that you can use for the rest of your life.
Program Structure
This complete training program is taught over two weekends, allowing you to progressively build your skills and confidence.
Meeting times are over two weekends, Oct. 3-5 and Nov. 14-16:
- 2 Fridays 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
- 2 Saturdays 11:30 - 6:30 p.m.
- 2 Sundays 11:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Weekend 1 (October 3-5): Foundations in Thai Yoga Bodywork 1
During the first weekend, you'll learn a complete 75-minute bodywork routine including:
• How to treat back, shoulders, legs, feet, head and hands
• The secrets of developing intuitive touch
• How to use your forearms, elbows and feet along with hands to give a massage
• Assisted stretches for the whole body
• How to begin a successful Thai Yoga Bodywork career
Weekend 2 (November 14-16): Foundations in Thai Yoga Bodywork 2
The second weekend builds on your skills by adding:
• 60 minutes of new techniques
• Methods for giving treatments using your knees
• Reinforcement of all Level 1 material
• Introduction to Ayurvedic principles for customizing treatments
• Additional techniques to address specific issues in the shoulders, neck, back, and hamstrings
• Skills for building strong client relationships
Benefits of This Training
For clients receiving Thai Yoga Bodywork, benefits include:
• Decreased pain, stress, and tension
• Relief from headaches, anxiety, and insomnia
• Improved mobility and flexibility
For practitioners giving Thai Yoga Bodywork, benefits include:
• A moving meditation that uses your whole body to help treat your clients
• An expression of health and harmony
• A practice that promotes your own wellbeing
Who Should Attend
This program is designed for:
• Yoga teachers looking to enhance their assists, gain confidence and skills as a yoga teacher while offering new 1-on-1 services with their clients
• Massage therapists wanting to add a new modality to their practice
• Complete beginners with no prior experience who want to learn a powerful healing art
Even those without any massage experience will be able to give effective, high-quality Thai Yoga bodywork treatments after completing this program.
Ayurvedic Component
At the conclusion of the of the second weekend, you'll learn the fundamentals of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian healing system and sister science to yoga. This knowledge will allow you to determine a client's Ayurvedic constitution (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) and customize your massage techniques accordingly, creating truly personalized treatments.
The Ayurvedic portion includes:
• Resources and exercises following the in-class component
• A live meeting (which will be recorded) to reinforce application methods
Certification Pathway
This program is part of our Professional Training Program. Complete both weekends and a series of practice massages to qualify for Primary Certification. This course is accredited with NCBTMB for 45 hours, and this course can be used as continuing education with Yoga Alliance.
Required Reading
"Thai Massage: Unlocking the Secrets of Universal Touch" by Shai Plonski (may be purchased at the studio or on the first day of class).
About the Teacher
Shai Plonski is a 4-time Amazon best-selling author, including for "Table Thai Massage" and "Couples Thai Massage." Since 2002, Shai has taught Thai Yoga Bodywork on 4 continents at various massage schools and at some of the largest yoga centers in the world including the Omega Institute, Kripalu Center, and 1440 Multiversity and at Wanderlust Yoga Festivals.
He has authored or co-authored 17 manuals and books on the practice of Thai Bodywork, trained over 10,000 practitioners and 100 teachers in this healing art. As the founder of the Still Light Center School of Thai Massage, he brings a passionate and calm approach to his teaching that can bring out the Thai expert in anyone. He believes that compassionate healing touch is our birthright.
Learn more at www.stilllightcenter.com
Investment: $850 for both weekends / $495 for the 1st weekend only (must complete the second part in order to get certified).
EARLY BIRD PRICING! Take $100 off the full tuition for both weekends if you register before Aug. 1.
