| Spa Wellness Articles :: Program Descriptions & Career Overviews :: Thai Bodywork Studies - Thai Bodywork Programs |
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| Thai Bodywork Studies - Thai Bodywork Programs |
| by Robyn Tellefsen |
Thai bodywork is an ancient therapy that combines passive yoga stretching, Acupressure, reflexology, energy work, and meditation. The goal of Thai massage is to create wholeness of body, mind, and spirit and encourage self-healing and wellness. This unique healing art releases tension, increases vitality, and balances the body's total energy system. Thai bodywork also opens joints and increases range of motion and flexibility.
What You'll Learn
In Thai bodywork programs, you will learn the theory of energetic anatomy and physiology, therapeutic postures, effective treatment sequences, clinical Thai bodywork to treat specific conditions of pain and dysfunction, and much more. With proper training in Thai bodywork, you'll be able to use your chi and body weight rather than muscle strength to perform Thai massage.
Degree Types
Diploma and certificate programs, as well as continuing education courses and workshops, are available in Thai bodywork. A complete Thai bodywork program typically consists of 500 hours of training and practice in preparation for professional certification as a Thai therapist.
Career Paths
After completing training in a Thai bodywork program, you may begin a successful career as a Thai therapist, or enhance an existing Massage Career. Thai massage is traditionally performed with the client lying on a floor mat wearing loose, comfortable clothing (no body oils are used), but Thai massage techniques may be modified for use on a massage table. As a Thai practitioner, you will generally offer full-body treatments lasting 1-1/2 hours to 2 hours.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of massage therapists, including Thai therapists, is expected to increase faster than average (18 to 26 percent) between 2004 and 2014 as more people learn about the benefits of alternative modalities like Thai bodywork. Median hourly earnings of massage therapists, including gratuities earned, were $15.36 in May 2004, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $32.21.
Licensing and Accreditation Information
As of May 2007, 38 states have passed laws regulating Massage therapy (including Thai bodywork), many requiring massage therapists to complete a formal education program and pass a national certification exam or a state licensing exam. Find your state licensing board here: http://www.massagetherapy.com/careers/stateboards.php
The International Thai Therapists Association (ITTA) National Thai Yoga, Massage and Bodywork Certification Board offers the designations of Certified Thai Practitioner (173-273 training hours), Certified Advanced Thai Practitioner (274-500 training hours), and Certified Thai Therapist (501-plus training hours), in addition to various Thai bodywork instructor certifications. ITTA-approved education programs are accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, which are private associations not affiliated with any government agency:
http://www.thaimassage.com/members/schools.html
If you wish to earn the Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork credential or the Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage credential from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, make sure your Thai bodywork program is on its list approved education providers:
http://www.ncbtmb.com/cgi-bin/ActSearch.cgi
About the author:
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| Schools that offer Massage |
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