The headings listed below represent the paradigms through which most Westerners perceive Thai Massage and also influence the perspectives of this course.
By establishing the Thai Massage School Shivagakomarpaj in Chiang Mai and leveraging modern marketing, Wasan Sintorn and his father, Sintorn Chaichakan, played a crucial role in modernizing and promoting Northern-style Thai massage, paving the way for its global expansion. They helped revive and popularize the practice, which had been a fading local tradition, into an internationally recognized therapy.1
As the second-generation director of the Old Medicine Hospital Thai Massage School Shivagakomarpaj, Wasan Sintorn successfully brought the practice to a global audience.
Elevating standards: Sintorn continued his father’s work of emphasizing Northern Style Thai Folk Massage and elevating practitioners’ skills to meet international standards.
The Old Medicine Hospital is a renowned Thai massage school in Chiang Mai, Thailand, founded by Ajahn Sintorn, which has grown from a small facility into a worldwide hub for traditional Northern Thai massage education. Its global expansion reflects the broader movement of Thai massage worldwide, spurred by government initiatives in the mid-1990s, increased international interest, and the hospital’s efforts to train foreign students and even host international workshops.
Legacy: The Old Medicine Hospital was founded in 1962 by Ajahn Sintorn Chaichakan, who adapted the Northern style of massage to the local, “laid-back” culture of Chiang Mai and acquired the land for the current facility in 1973.2
Modernized marketing: While his father was a respected practitioner, Wasan recognized the need for a modern, Westernized marketing approach. He created brochures, posters, and other promotional materials to promote the school and the practice.
Rapid increase in student numbers: These efforts led to a significant increase in international students. By the early 2000s, the number of non-Thai students taking his courses jumped from around 20 per year to 400 annually.
Asokananda (Harald Brust), a native German, was arguably the leading Western teacher of Traditional Thai Yoga Massage. He researched and taught Thai massage, yoga, and Vipassana meditation for more than 15 years. He personally trained and authorized some of the most established Thai massage teachers in the West, including Chow Kam Thye from Montreal/Canada.
In the 80s, he began traveling to Asia to study and practice yoga and meditation. In Thailand, after an extended meditation study in Burma, he discovered Thai massage. He then decided to search for a teacher or school where he could learn this healing art. His search brought him to the Old Medicine Hospital in Chiang Mai, which it was then functioning exclusively as an herbal and massage clinic.
ASOKANANDA (Harald Brust) 1955-2005:
Asokananda was born in 1955 in Donzdorf, Germany.
One day, he sat captivated as he watched the resident staff practitioners Pichest Boonthumme and Chaiyuth Priyasith work with the locals. After they finished their work, he approached them to learn their methods.
Asokananda’s study at the Old Medicine Hospital continued for several years before he began practicing and teaching.
His books (in English, German, and French) were the first publications ever printed on Thai massage in any language other than Thai. These books, along with his Sen diagrams, are influential works and essential reading for any serious practitioner of Thai medicine.
His books (in English, German, and French) were the first publications ever printed on Thai massage in any language other than Thai. These books, along with his Sen diagrams, are influential works and essential reading for any serious practitioner of Thai medicine.
Pichest Boonthumme was a revered master of traditional Thai bodywork and healing arts, renowned for his profound wisdom, compassion, and distinctive style, integrating meditation, mindfulness, and a deep connection to the client’s body. He taught students globally, sharing his philosophy of self-awareness, the importance of honoring one’s parents, and the value of breathing and feeling to connect with others during a healing session. Although he passed away peacefully in his sleep in August 2023, his legacy endures through the many students he taught and the profound impact he had on the Thai healing arts.3
Key Aspects of His Teachings
His Legacy
His Passing
His children continue to teach at his school, Boonthumme Thai Massage School, located outside Chiang Mai.
Pichest Boonthumme passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Hang Dong, Thailand, in August 2023.
He left behind his family and a vast network of students who continue his healing tradition.
One of the first Thai yoga massage practitioners in North America, Kam Thye Chow has taught Thai massage in Thailand and throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States. The author of Thai Yoga Massage and Thai Yoga Therapy for Your Body Type, he is the founder and director of the Lotus Palm School in Montreal.4
Key Aspects of His Teachings
Kam Thye Chow was a Malaysian-born master of Thai yoga massage and martial arts, not a medical doctor. His approach to healing was rooted in ancient Asian traditions, which he began studying from a young age.
Malaysian upbringing: Born in Ipoh, Malaysia, Chow was raised in a household steeped in Asian arts and healing practices.
Early practice: At just 13 years old, he began practicing Tai Chi Chuan and Chinese massage.
In this comprehensive guide for practitioners, Kam Thye Chow leads readers through every aspect of the dance — from its history and philosophy to a detailed presentation of a complete Thai yoga massage session.
Edition 2 PAP/DVD
Print length 160 pages
Publisher Healing Arts Press
Publication date March 9, 2004
ISBN-13 978-0892811465
This important reference includes more than 80 illustrated postures, 30 charts and drawings, and a complete series of postures for a two-hour full-body massage that focuses attention on both the upper and lower body, which receive equal stress in the Western lifestyle. Information on contraindications, anatomy, and physiology integrates Western medical knowledge and theory with this ancient tradition. Massage therapists, physical therapists, nurses, and other medical professionals will find Thai Yoga Massage an important and innovative complement to their practice.
A documentary about the roots of Thai Massage. Filmed in Thailand in the early 1990s, it features Asokananda, Kam Thye Chow, and also includes interviews with two of the most well-known Thai Massage teachers, Chaiyuth Priyasith and Pichet Boonthumme.
The “Thai Summit,” held at Lake Logan, North Carolina, is an annual professional conference for Thai massage therapists. It relates to the study of medicine by focusing on the modality within complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). As far as I know, there is nothing else in America that compares to this.
The Thai Summit at Lake Logan
Location: The summit is held at the Lake Logan Retreat Center, offering a scenic setting for attendees to immerse themselves in Thai massage culture.Focus: The event is hosted by Living Sabai Thai Massage and is a continuing education workshop for Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs). Format: This is a multi-day retreat that features lectures, hands-on practice, and networking opportunities for professionals in the Thai massage community.
Continuing education for medical professionals
Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) are considered allied health professionals in many jurisdictions. Their continuing education, including events such as the Thai Summit, is essential for maintaining their licensure. This training exposes them to a broader range of therapeutic techniques, which they may then apply to complement patients’ standard medical care, always under the guidance of a physician if necessary.
Integrative medicine and holistic health
The summit contributes to the broader understanding of integrative medicine, which seeks to combine conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies. By studying and practicing traditional forms of medicine, such as Thai massage, healthcare professionals can gain a deeper understanding of how these modalities contribute to a patient’s overall holistic wellness, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Historical and cultural medical context
The summit provides a deeper exploration of the cultural context of traditional Thai medicine, which may be of academic interest to students of medical history, anthropology, and ethnomedicine. For instance, the summit has featured lectures on “Spirit Medicine,” which explores the spiritual and cultural dimensions of Thai healing arts.
The Thai Summit at Lake Logan is not a medical conference but a professional development event for Thai massage therapists. It informs medical studies by advancing knowledge and skills in a prominent form of complementary therapy, which is increasingly evaluated for its role in integrative healthcare.
The “Thai Summit,” held at Lake Logan, North Carolina, is an annual professional conference for Thai massage therapists. It relates to the study of medicine by focusing on the modality within complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). As far as I know, there is nothing else in America that compares to this.
In 2009, Jill founded Living Sabai, a continuing education company for massage therapists. She teaches Thai massage CE trainings at numerous massage schools and has presented at several massage conventions.
RECOMMENDED READING:
He had already discovered Buddhist medicine at the Old Medicine Hospital when only a handful of Americans were aware of Thai Massage, and he is one of the most critical figures on the topic of Buddhist medicine today.
His interest in Buddhist medicine stemmed from his passion for Thai Massage and evolved into a comprehensive study of Asian medicine. Pierce is a gifted teacher. What you can learn from reading his books can only be surpassed by interacting with him in his live seminars.
Another reason I would recommend reading his work is that he was available for live teaching at the annual meetings in South Jersey, hosted by Rose Griscom, the Institute of Thai Massage’s director. This program has recently been handed over to a new director, an exceptionally resourceful, experienced, and knowledgeable teacher. Stay informed about the next gathering of Thai Massage teachers and practitioners.
Are you curious about Buddhism but find yourself met with scholarly texts or high-minded moralizing every time you try to pick up a book about it?
A Guide to the 20 Most Important Buddhist Ideas for the Curious and Skeptical. ISBN-10 9780807064566)
by C. Pierce Salguero (Author).
An engaging, accessible introduction to Buddhism for those who are looking to explore a new spiritual tradition or understand the roots of their mindfulness practice
On the first read, I wished that Pierce had written this book 15 years ago. It might have saved me a lot of problems in finding my authenticity as an American who chose a spirit-based bodywork modality. It’s a great place to start for anyone who wants to dig deeper into Thai Massage.
Historically, Buddhism has emphasized personal liberation through compassion and wisdom, while eschewing dogmatism, fanaticism, and violence. This tradition runs deep in Thailand’s veins; any discussion of Thai spirituality must begin here.
The Spiritual Healing of Traditional Thailand
ISBN-10 1844090728
by C. PIERCE SALGUERO, PHD (Author).
In this book, I wish to introduce the reader to a wide gamut of Thai spiritual life, from Buddhist meditation to beliefs in spirits, to magical tattoos, and more. This book, however, is intended to be much more than just a review of a few techniques. In the process, I hope to spark your interest in reading more and perhaps even experiencing some of these practices for yourself.
Illustrated throughout with attractive photography and diagrams, this book provides an overview of Thailand’s spiritual practices, with particular emphasis on healing rituals and meditations that can be practiced in the modern West.
Read up on the program below, which is one example of an immersive, retreat-like experience that combines hands-on training with the beauty of the natural environment. Programs vary: some schools offer comprehensive massage certification, while others offer specialized continuing education (CE) courses or intensive retreats designed for personal and professional growth. You can expect to learn specialized techniques, energy work, body mechanics, and self-care, often in supportive, communal settings, with options for both experienced practitioners and beginners.
Do yourself a Google search and find something for yourself, like the write-up below.
with Christopher Ray & Kate Lewandowski
It’s our annual Costa Rica intensive! We have created a training which provides a balance between the focused discipline of studying Thai Massage and the rejuvenating spirit of a great vacation. This intensive is for all bodyworkers who would like to deepen their practice, further their understanding of the body, learn how to maintain the health of their own bodies while giving massage, receive good bodywork, and fire up new inspiration for their massage practice.
This is a 40-hour NCBTMB and THAI certified training packed full of refined, therapeutic massage techniques, self-bodywork techniques, yoga, amazing food, river dipping, forest hiking, relaxing in a hammock, and more…
Body Assessment
Sensing energy & following sen lines
Using the breath
Working deeply
Using props, straps, various body parts, and appropriate body mechanics to maximize effect and minimize physical effort.
Specific and unique therapeutic techniques
Many wellness centers and spas now offer Thai massage and other traditional treatments as part of their services. This has helped to introduce and popularize Thai healing techniques in Western countries, where they were previously less known or understood. Additionally, integrating Thai Medicine into spa culture has led to a greater emphasis on holistic approaches to health and well-being, aligning with the principles of Traditional Thai Medicine.
While giving Thai massage in the context of modern spa culture, it is still important to understand the tradition’s original, holistic intent versus its widespread commercialization. Traditionally, Thai massage is a spiritual, meditative healing art rooted in ancient medicine and Buddhist principles, whereas in contemporary spas, it is often marketed primarily for relaxation.
Traditional Thai massage culture: Holistic and meditative
In Thailand, traditional Thai massage, or Nuad Phaen Boran, is an element of Traditional Thai Medicine, not just a physical therapy. It incorporates practices from Buddhism and Ayurveda, combining meditation, loving-kindness, and an energetic focus on the body.
Modern spa culture: Commercial and body-focused
In contrast, modern spa culture often Westernizes and commercializes Thai massage, emphasizing its physical benefits while omitting its deeper cultural and spiritual roots.
Studying Thai massage within this duality
For students of Thai massage, it is important to be mindful of these two cultural contexts.
Ethical practice: Learning the traditional context can also help practitioners navigate the ethical considerations of working in a commercial setting, ensuring the practice is not misinterpreted or reduced to a purely transactional service.
Understanding the roots: A comprehensive study should include the spiritual and historical context of Thai massage, not just the physical techniques. Understanding the concepts of Sen lines and Metta allows for a more authentic and intentional practice.
Recognizing the differences: Students should learn to differentiate between the traditional techniques and the modifications used in modern spa settings. This awareness enables us to honor the tradition while adapting to client needs.
Practitioner mindfulness: A student’s training should ideally incorporate a meditative approach to practice, as traditionally taught. This helps develop a deeper, more intuitive connection during a session.
The overall trajectory of Thai massage in the USA involves its recognition by and integration into a landscape of Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) who seek specialized, holistic techniques to enhance their practice and career longevity. Licensed Massage Therapists are pursuing instruction in Thai massage through various institutions to add unique, bodywork-focused skills to their repertoire. Thai massage’s popularity is growing due to its effectiveness in treating mobility issues, anxiety, and pain, as well as its ergonomic benefits for practitioners and its alignment with the growing consumer interest in integrative and holistic health approaches.
1. Growing Mainstream Acceptance: Thai massage is becoming more mainstream, moving from a unique modality to a widely accepted form of bodywork that attracts more LMTs.
2. Professional Development and Certification: LMTs pursue modality-specific certifications, like Thai massage, to expand their skills beyond traditional techniques.
Thai massage certification typically requires specialized training, often at schools that focus on this traditional art form, to meet industry standards.
3. Career Longevity for Therapists: Thai massage’s focus on using body weight and gravity, along with tools like knees and feet, helps to prevent repetitive stress injuries and burnout that many therapists experience.
This can extend a therapist’s career and promote a more mutually beneficial and sustainable practice.
4. Meeting Consumer Demand: Consumers are increasingly seeking holistic, non-pharmacological approaches to health and wellness, creating demand for therapies like Thai massage.
The integration of massage into wellness programs in hotels and resorts also contributes to this demand.
5. Differentiating Practice: Thai massage offers a distinct alternative to typical table-based American massage, incorporating acupressure, yoga-like stretching, and working on a floor mat.
Becoming a licensed massage therapist (LMT) is a general prerequisite for practicing any form of massage therapy, including Thai massage, across most of the United States. This is because massage is regulated at the state level to ensure practitioners meet minimum safety, education, and ethical standards.
Students find a warm and welcoming space for in-depth mentorship-style studies with Naj, designed to help them begin their professional massage practice as specialists in an ancient and complex healing arts modality.
Studies at The Naga Center are steeped in a rich history, an understanding of cultural exchange and reciprocity, and a strong grasp of the wonder of the human body’s anatomy and physiology. It is our delight to guide those working toward massage therapist licensure through the profound experience of learning Thai bodywork, both traditional and modern health sciences, and the singularly unique art of touch therapy.
This hybrid online/in-person program brings together students from a variety of locales for sweet, supportive, shared learning. Hands-on workshops are held in a peaceful, nature-filled environment, surrounded by jars of herbs, while online classes are interactive and foster a vibrant, caring community that feels surprisingly close to the in-person experience.
A therapist since age 21, she has studied in Thailand since 1998, focusing on authentic, traditional, and Thai-clinical approaches to bodywork.
I lived with my family in Thailand for two years while researching and writing “Seven Peppercorns: Traditional Thai Medical Theory for Bodyworkers” and the revised “Thai Herbal Medicine: Traditional Recipes for Health and Harmony” with Dr. Pierce Salguero. Also, I’ve completed wilderness first responder training and will carry a large first-aid kit on guided trips in Thailand. I am the primary instructor at The Naga Center and write all Naga Center class curricula; I also do the dishes and take out the garbage, just like most small business owners. I love to play in my herb room, making traditional formulas, and I tend to rescue animals a lot. Lastly, I have infinite gratitude to all my teachers, especially to my primary Teacher, Tevijjo Yogi.
Key Details About Nephyr Jacobsen:
She is often affectionately called “Naj” and is highly regarded for her commitment to authenticity in Thai healing arts.
Massage therapy is one of the oldest natural health modalities still in practice today. And as the fields of massage therapy and holistic medicine continue to grow, so does the need for qualified practitioners. Graduates of the massage therapy programs offered by Pacific College of Health and Science will have the unique advantage of learning techniques that combine East Asian bodywork traditions with Western science.
Somaliah Sadiq-Williams (Soma) is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reproductive Justice Advocate, and Lead Faculty at the Pacific College of Health and Science. She is recognized for her holistic approach to care, specialization in reproductive health bodywork, and community advocacy.
Role at Pacific College
Professional Expertise & Specialties
Somaliah is a Licensed Massage Therapist in New York State with additional training from Thailand. She specializes in reproductive health bodywork, co-creating the Yinova Way, and utilizing womb wellness techniques such as guided imagery and somatic release. Her expertise also includes specialized massage techniques such as Thai massage, prenatal/postpartum recovery, infant massage, Thai Hara massage, and Karsai Nei Tsang. She also leads continuing education courses focusing on pregnancy massage.
Advocacy & Community Work
Somaliah is a strong advocate for reproductive justice. She has worked as a Full Spectrum Community Doula since 2013 and has advocated for pregnant women at Rikers Island Prison since 2016. She also connects reproductive and psychedelic justice as a path towards liberation for Black and brown communities.
Personal Philosophy
Identifying as a queer-identifying daughter of the diaspora, a mother, and a birth worker, Somaliah emphasizes a client-centered and holistic approach to healing. She believes that affirmation, being seen, and being heard are fundamental aspects of healing.
Why choose Massage Therapy as a career?
A career in Massage Therapy will provide opportunities for:
Choosing an exciting career in a variety of settings, including medical offices, wellness centers, sports and health clubs, rehabilitation, and hospital settings.
Starting a private practice; Working flexible job hours;
Enhancing self-growth and a deeper sense of personal fulfillment;
Helping people restore their health and well-being;
Securing job growth;
Preparing a stepping-stone leading to other health careers such as Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Physician Assistant (PA).
Our Massage Therapy Program offers a variety of scheduling options to fit anyone’s schedule. We offer five-semester (20-month), six-semester (24-month), and eight-semester (32-month) schedules. Massage Therapy classes are available in the mornings, afternoons, evenings, and Saturdays. Pursue your new career in a timeframe that works with your schedule. Complete our Massage Therapy program in as little as 20 months.
Al Turner II, LMT, NMT, RTT, is an experienced, certified Thai massage practitioner, instructor, and neuromuscular therapist who has practiced since 1995. Based in the NYC/NJ area, he specializes in traditional Thai massage, studying annually with indigenous masters in Thailand, and teaches, including Floor and Table Thai Massage, focusing on therapeutic, structural, and energetic techniques
Professional Background and Expertise
Teaching and Clinical Focus
Instruction Style and Approach
Holistic: Approaches therapy by combining structural techniques with energetic, traditional Thai methods.
Advanced Techniques: Known for teaching advanced protocols to experienced therapists to help them deepen their practice.
Collaborative: Frequently partners with other experts, such as Rose J. Griscom of the Institute of Thai Massage-USA.
