Studying Thai Massage in Northern Thailand Recommended Massage Learning Centers in Chiang Mai There are quite a few Thai massage learning facilities in Chiang Mai, each with a slightly different method.

The WatPo Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School CHETAWAN Thai Traditional Massage School (CHIANGMAI) WatPo is popularly known as the Temple of The Reclining Buddha, as being Thailand's firstopen university under the King patronage. Many fields of knowledge and technology for those days were gathered at WatPo: for example, histoty, religion, literature, arts, colture, medical science, physical therapy and pharmacy. The WatPo Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School (Wat Po TTW) was opened since 1955. WatPo TTM is the first Thai Medical school under controlled of The Ministry of Education of Thailand. From starting, WatPo TTm offers 4 basic courses of Thai medical that are Thai pharmacy, Thai medication, Thai midwifery and Thai massage. During the past five decades, a lot fo Thais and foreigners have passed our courses and employed in healthy, massage and spa businesses all over the world. Treatments such as thai massage and foot massage offerint at WatPo TTM are one of the most well-known massage treatments in Thailand. In 2004, WatPo TTM cooperated with the Chetawan Thai Traditional Massage School launches 2 new branches in Nonthaburi province called Chetawan (ChaengWatthana) and in Chiangmai province called Chetawan (Chiangmai). Both of them provide massage courses and massage treatments under controlled of Wat Po TTM as well as in the geadquarter. CHETAWAN Thai Traditional Massage School (CHIANGMAI) 7/1-2 Soi SamudLanna, T.Changphueak, A.Muang, Chiangmai 50300 Tel. 0-5341-0360 TO 1

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More Recommended Massage Learning Centers

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Shivagakomarpaj Thai Massage School - Old Medicine Hospital
238/8 Wuolai Road (across from the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center) Chiang Mai
Tel: +66-53-201663, Fax: +66-53-275085
E-mail: mailto:thaimassageschool@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.thaimassageschool.ac.th

The Old Medicine Hospital has been providing instruction in traditional Thai massage for more than 40 years and is considered one of the most important learning centers for this ancient healing art. The school is certified by the Thai Ministry of Education, and many of the current Thai massage masters in Chiang Mai and elsewhere have studied here at one time or another. The 10-day introductory course (approximately $100) is offered twice monthly, usually beginning on the first and third Mondays of each month. Studies are based on traditional Thai massage theory (classroom study), technical instruction, and practice. Students are required to receive a Thai massage from a staff member, and written and practical examinations are part of the course of study. Teacher-to-student ratio is good, and graduating students speak highly of the program and its methodical, well-supervised approach.

The current website is only partially in English, but reservations can be made in advance by e-mail or phone, or you can simply go there a few days before the start of a new session and register in person. Four photos and a copy of your passport are required for registration. Upon successful completion of course-work and exams, certificates are awarded at a special ceremony before a shrine of the Father Doctor Jivaka, in whose name the school was founded. In addition to the standard two-week Thai massage curriculum, a Thai foot massage course is also offered every weekend (approximately $50).

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TMC -- Thai Massage School of Chiang Mai
203/7 Chiang Mai -- Mae Jo Road, Moo 1, T. Faham, Chiang Mai
Tel: +66-53-854330, Fax: 011-66-53-246203, cell: +66-1-671-0336
E-mail: mailto:1thaimassage@mail.com
Website: http://www.tmcschool.com

TMC opened its doors in 2001 with the goal of providing high-quality instruction in an environment conducive to learning. Along with the Old Medicine Hospital, TMC's two school locations are among a handful of Thai massage learning centers whose curricula are approved by the Thai Ministry of Education. The facilities are bright, clean, and cozy, and the two separate locations are away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Transportation to and from your hotel is provided, as well as a free daily lunch on the premises. Instruction is serious in approach and includes classroom study, practical training, and written and practical exams. Students practice on their fellow students under direct supervision, and the teacher-to-student ratio, at approximately 1 to 6, is good. The introductory course is 30 hours (approximately $100), and there are two other levels, each also lasting one week. The three weeks can be done consecutively, or you may study only one or two weeks, and then return at a later date to complete the remaining segments. Certificates are awarded for each week-long course.

TMC also offers several other courses including Basics of Thai Massage (18 hours, three days, approximately $40), and Thai Foot Reflexology (12 hours, two days, approximately $75). For serious and ongoing students of Thai yoga massage, there are extended-stay programs of 300 to 600 hours for those who wish to become Thai massage teachers.

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Asokananda -- The Sunshine Network Institute
149 Kaew Nawarat, Soi 4, Chiang Mai
Tel: +66-53-262574
E-mail: mailto:info@asokananda.com
Websites: http://www.asokananda.com and http://www.thaiyogamassage.infothai.com

Asokananda (otherwise known as Harald Brust) is one of the most important teachers and researchers of Thai yoga massage today.

He was the first to write about the practice of traditional Thai massage in any language other than Thai, and his books and energy line charts are required reference for any serious student and practitioner of this healing art. His Thailand research center is in a hill-tribe village a few hours north of Chiang Mai, where various courses in massage and spiritual pursuits are held by a dedicated group of personally-trained teachers. The center is run by Asokananda's partner and her son, three vegetarian meals are served daily. Accommodations in the village are quite rustic and early morning meditation and yoga are held before study and practice.

The 12-day Thai yoga massage training in the village school costs approximately $250, including transportation, food, and course materials. Due to Asokananda's busy international teaching schedule, however, you may be more likely to catch him in Europe or New Zealand (check websites for teaching and travel schedule). His classes outside of Thailand maintain a community and spiritual approach, accommodations are to Western standards, and courses are priced according to local arrangements. For more advanced study and teacher training, a curriculum of 750 hours is available at his center in Rotorua, New Zealand.

A new school, Chiang Mai Sunshine Massage, is being established in the city based on Asokananda's teachings and style (see websites for details). New sessions begin every Monday, and the cost is approximately $150 for a 10-day (60 hour) class.

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Lek Chaiya -- Nerve Touch Massage School
25 Ratchadamnoen Road, Chiang Mai
Tel: +66-53-278325, Cell: +66-1-881-9226
E-mail: mailto:tanavid@loxinfo.com.th
Website: http://www.nervetouch.com

Lek Chaiya is well-known for her wonderful personality, her background in Thai herbalism, and her extensive work in Thai massage. Now approaching 70, "Mama" Lek is teaching less, but her style is carried on by a small and devoted staff of teachers. The Nerve Touch method draws on Southern-style "plucking" along energy lines, but also incorporates Northern-style stretches and application of hot herbal compresses. Students and teachers prepare the herbal packs on-site, using an all-purpose combination of eucalyptus leaves, kaffir lime, lemongrass, fresh ginger, camphor, and other herbs. The hot, steamed herbs are intoxicating and extremely relaxing, and the compresses loosen up joints and muscles for easier manipulation.

Classes are held Monday through Saturday, and students can study this technique for three, four or five days, beginning practically any day of the week. This school is an informal place, classes are generally small and well-supervised, and the cost for the program is approximately $120. There's also an evening schedule from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (six days, 24 hours), and Thai foot massage workshops are offered during days or evenings (15 hours, approximately $100).

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Loi Kroh Massage School
63/3 Loi Kroh Road, Chiang Mai
Tel/Fax: +66-53-274681, Cell: +66-9-556-2387
E-mail: mailto:coocky_t@lycos.com
Website: http://www.thai.net/massageloikroh

Loi Kroh is mentioned here because of its unique approach toward learning. A small facility on central Loi Kroh Road, it offers individualized, one-on-one instruction in Thai massage. There are three small rooms, each with two floor mats and a divider curtain. The Loi Kroh routine is based on Northern-style Thai massage, and each student studies with one instructor for three, four, or five days (20 hours total, approximately $115). There is a one-day course for tourists looking for a basic understanding of Thai yoga massage, Thai oil massage, or Thai foot massage (six hours, approximately $40) and a foot reflexology course (three days, 12 hours, $100).

If you've already studied Northern-style Thai massage at another school or with another teacher, and you want to practice your moves or get individualized instruction to review a specific routine or to correct your body mechanics, private lessons are available for approximately $6 per hour, with a discount for 10 hours or more.

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Pichest Boonthume
Moi Ban Chan Kom, Chakamnol Soi 2, Hang Dong
Tel: +66-53-441704

Pichest Boonthume is a Thai massage master who teaches to small groups at his home in Hang Dong, about 15 kilometers south of Chiang Mai. Studying with Pichest is best suited to existing practitioners of Thai massage, as his style of teaching is based on honing precise body mechanics and sharpening the intuitive aspects of Thai massage that usually come only after considerable practice. If you already practice Thai massage, are willing to make a several-week commitment, and can commute daily to Hang Dong, the results of working with him can be long-lasting. Morning prayers are held before class, followed by discourse on spiritual and bodywork-specific issues. Call first (early morning is best) to request admission. Classes begin every Monday, and the cost for five days of study (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is $100.

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