Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring anything to class?

We provide all materials, just dress comfortably for movement and bring a pen or pencil to write with.

Do I need to be a massage therapist to study Thai massage at TBW?

You do not need to be a massage therapist or have any particular background to take our courses. Our program is open to anyone who is interested in Thai massage -- we teach the fundamental principles of body mechanics, Thai energetic anatomy, the history and spiritual background of the technique, and western anatomy and clinical issues as part of our curriculum.

How do I get certified as a Thai massage practitioner?

TBW provides certification in both Southern and Northern styles of Thai massage, as well as Clinical Thai Bodywork, HandsFree Thai and Luk Pra Kob herbal compress. While students can begin doing sessions after a Level 1 training, the minimum recommended level of training to establish a professional practice is successful completion of the core curriculum of levels 1-3, which consists of 130 hours of hands-on study. In addition, Thai Bodywork provides advanced courses in Clinical Thai Bodywork and other relevant areas.

Is Level 1 enough training to be a practitioner?

Nobody can master a sophisticated art like Thai yoga therapy with only a weekend of training. Our Level 1 course is an excellent introduction, and you will learn a 1 hour sequence that you can immediately incorporate into your practice. However, we consider the minimum professional level to be Levels 1-3, which consist of 130 hours of hands-on training.

Are you an approved provider with NCBTMB for continuing education in bodywork?

Thai Bodywork, Inc. is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education with NCBTMB and ABMP. All of our courses provide CEUs approved by NCBTMB.

I have read that you should only study Thai massage in Thailand. Is your program legitimate?

Saying that you should only study Thai massage in Thailand is a lot like saying that you should only study acupuncture in China or Shiatsu or Karate in Japan. Thai massage is a more recent arrival in this country; however, as is the case with these other disciplines, highly skilled teachers are now teaching Thai massage in many regions of the world.

At Thai Bodywork, English speakers can get an education that provides the traditional teachings with no language barrier and also integrates the best of western clinical practices. We also encourage our students to travel to Thailand and get a broad exposure to the culture and healing arts of this wonderful country.