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500-Hour Traditional Thai Massage Program

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY & KINESIOLOGY (80-hr)

This course includes an introduction to anatomy and physiology and the basic structure and function of the muscular, skeletal and integumentary systems of the human body. Students will learn terminology and functional anatomical structures with a detailed study of the origin, insertion and action of the major muscles of the human body.  

PATHOLOGY & CONTRAINDICATIONS (35-hr)

Students will learn and understand the signs, symptoms and causes of diseases that affect musculoskeletal dysfunction including bone, muscle, joint, fascial, nerve and other connective tissue disorders. Students will gain knowledge of contraindications and areas of caution. Students will be able to understand how to adapt massage types and methods for clients with common pathologies. Students will learn about the most common pathologies in all systems of the body that may adversely affect their clients and have an impact in how their clients might receive a massage.  An example being: identification of the most common musculoskeletal system conditions and disorders, e.g., stages of inflammation, strains, sprains, and burns.

Business, Professional Development (15-hrs)

Course Description: Students will learn the elements of a successful practice, ethics, boundaries, and behaviors to uphold standards of an ethical practice. Students will learn to build a professional image, learn professional conduct and responsibilities, and the professional standards of a massage therapist (such as “first do no harm”). The student will understand scope of practice, obtaining and maintaining credentials and adhering to laws and regulations.  Students will understand career planning, and will develop a professional resume/cover letter ready for employment.

Ethics, Laws and Regulation (10-hr)

10 In-Person

Prerequisite: NONE

Course Description: Students will learn and understand the concepts of scope of practice, standards of ethical massage practice, informed consent, the therapeutic relationship, client confidentiality and will also learn and understand laws and regulations regarding massage therapy (from local government levels to the state and CAMTC law). Students will also learn about certification as a massage therapist and permit and business license requirements pertaining to conducting a massage therapy business. Students will receive a guide to setting up a massage business, professional liability and insurance. Students will learn and understand employment classification: employee vs independent contractor, and general tax guidelines. Students will learn an employee's rights and benefits under California and how to become an employer.

Traditional Thai Massage Fundamentals (120-hr)

Traditional Thai massage has a thousand year tradition in Thailand. In this form of massage, the recipient is fully-clothed in a loose-fitting top and pants. The massage consists primarily of bending and stretching movements that stretch in yoga postures. No oil used.  In Thailand, a traditional Thai massage session lasts two hours.  At Bodhi Panya Institute, we teach a complete set of traditional Northern Style Thai Massage techniques using feet, knees , elbows, and sitting in all 4 positions, as taught at Loi Kroh Traditional Thai Massage & Yoga (Chiang Mai, Thailand). Learn It The Thai Way!  Having completed the course, students will be able to perform 1 to 1.5 hrs. and 2 hrs. full-body, traditional Thai massage for general health maintenance and well-being. 

Thai Foot Reflexology massage (30-hr)

Students learn and practice the traditional form of hand and foot reflexology. Reflexology is based on the belief that all parts of the body are reflected in the feet and hands and by applying gentle pressure to these areas can affect the corresponding part of the body and help to restore balance.

Thai Aroma Massage (30-hr)

Thai aroma massage integrates methods using Eastern and Western modalities, based upon ancient Thai massage philosophy using Thai-style deep massage and yoga stretching with Western modalities Swedish massage, Deep Tissue, and Lomi Lomi. The course includes a detailed roadmap guide to successful sessions.

Thai Herbal Massage (30-hr)

Herbal healing has deep roots in Thai culture. Herbal heat compress is the best-known traditional therapy. This dates back to ancient times when it was the secret healing technique of Buddhist monks, local herbal healers and midwives.  The herbal heat compress contains numerous healing herbs that complement the massage. Students will receive an introduction to traditional Thai herbal massage, theories and Thai Culture and will learn how to make herbal balls and ingredients, how to use hot compress and body mechanics, massage positions, techniques, steps and procedures. At the end of the course, students should be able to perform a 1 to 1.5 hrs. and 2 hrs. Thai herbal massage.

SWEDISH MASSAGE (36-hr)

This course introduces students to the basic skills needed in massage therapy. Students will also learn a full sequence to offer pregnant women. Class will cover appropriate positioning when working with pregnant women, including and use of side-lying. Considerations for each trimester in pregnancy  will be reviewed as well as contraindications.

Deep Tissue Massage (30-hr)

This course will be hands-on and gives the student an understanding of the use of deeper strokes including trigger point, myofascial release, and cross fiber friction. Students will also learn how to apply deeper pressure without causing strain on their bodies. The benefits of deep tissue massage are removing constricted or cramped muscles, which alleviates the discomfort.

Having completed the course, students will be able to perform a full-body 1, 1.5, and 2 hrs. deep tissue massage. 

Student Clinic (54-hr)

Students will develop customer service skills, managing the client experience from start to finish with professionalism. They will focus on maintaining a professional image through dress, hygiene, and communication, while also learning to handle difficult situations, including declining services when necessary. Training will cover front desk tasks, client confidentiality, SOAP notes, health forms, and teamwork in a clinic setting. Students will complete 17 hands-on assignments, totaling 20 hours of massage sessions, along with 6 hours of lectures and group discussions, gaining real-world experience in BPI’s Student Clinic.