About Thai Yoga Certification
Thai yoga is also frequently called "Thai massage" or "Nuad Boran," which roughly translates to "the ancient practice of healing by touch." Indeed, this practice has its roots in ancient Buddhism and combines philosophies from yoga, massage and Buddhist meditation. Today, Thai yoga is an increasingly popular form of alternative medicine with practitioners and certification programs worldwide.
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Why Get Certified?
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Each country (and sometimes each state) has its own rules regarding who can lawfully be a massage practitioner and who can charge fees for this service. In the United States, Thai massage certification is a voluntary program, not required by law. However, the benefits from becoming certified might include: quicker acceptance by and lower rates from workers' insurance providers, more favorable regard by potential employers and clients and an expanded knowledge of the craft.
How Do You Get Certified?
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To become a certified practitioner, you must complete a training program accredited by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) and/or the National Thai Yoga, Massage and Bodywork Certification and Accreditation Board (NTYEBCB) which is affiliated with the International Thai Therapists Association (ITTA).
The most famous Thai yoga school is located at the Wat Pho temple in Bangkok but there are many other certification programs throughout the world. On its website, the ITTA has a directory of accredited instructors and schools. Certified Thai Practitioner is the first of several different levels of certification offered. Typically, no prior experience in massage or yoga is required to enroll in a program.
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What Does Thai Yoga Involve?
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In Thai yoga, both the recipient and the practitioner wear comfortable, elastic or loose-fitting clothing. The recipient lies on a mat or mattress on the ground while the practitioner provides a slow, rhythmic, deep-tissue massage. This involves the full body, as the practitioner moves the recipient into assisted yoga positions while applying pressure to muscles and pressure points. The practitioner uses his hands, elbows, forearms, knees, feet and entire body during the massage. Each session begins with a "Puja," a moment of deep awareness and connection.
Historical Roots
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The "Father" of Thai yoga is widely thought to be Dr. Jivaka Kumarbhaccha, who was the Buddha's head physician in India in the 5th century B.C. After traveling in Thailand, Dr. Kumarbhaccha combined his knowledge of Ayurvedic (Hindu) and East Asian medicines to create Thai massage. Buddhist monks kept this practice alive for centuries and, in recent times, Thai yoga has spread both in Thailand and throughout the world. The Thai government regulates Thai yoga as a form of medicine.
Health Benefits
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The goal of Thai yoga is to bring both the recipient and practitioner into a state of meditation and balance. In the Feb. 1, 2002 issue of "New Life Journal," Patricia Kilpatrick, a nationally-certified massage therapist, says that the recipient will benefit from reduced stress, relieved muscle tension, improved concentration, greater flexibility and a feeling of overall happiness and well-being. In the Nuad Boran philosophy, the practitioner will experience these same benefits.
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- Photo Credit Hamstring massage as part of a Thai body massage image by Deborah Benbrook from Fotolia.com
