Classes

"Rose is one of the greatest healers in North America."

Ken Cohen, Chi Kung Master & Author

 Intro to Thai

Thai Herbal

Level I

Level I: Lower Body, and Level I: Upper Body

Level II
Level I&II Intensive
Level I&II Spa Training

Level I & II Review

Level III

Level IV
Advanced Sen Therapy

Teacher Training
Day of More Moves

What to Expect in Class

Introduction-Thai on the Floor or Table
A one- or two-day class to introduce Thai Massage and learn movements which can easily be done on the massage table or the traditional floor mat. Covers basic techniques, philosophy, benefits and applications, with the client lying prone, side-lying, and/or supine, working on the feet, legs, abdomen, back, shoulders.           

Introduction-A Taste of Thai for Two, for Couples or Yoga Students
No massage experience necessary. A fun class to learn some great stretches to do. Thai for Two is geared for couples (any two people can be a couple, such as friends, parent/child, spouses, yoga partners, etc)  with little or no yoga or massage experience. With Thai for Yoga classes, it is helpful to have at least a beginner's experience with yoga.  Moves are done on a cushioned floor mat. Covers safety, basic techniques, and great stretches with the partner lying on their stomach, back, and sitting upright. Come join us!

Thai Herbal Class
Learn about the traditional  herbs used in thai herbal packs, and spend a day applying them. Class includes one herb pack ($40 value). The herbal packs are wonderful used during a traditional thai massage, or as an added bonus with a 'regular' massage, being placed on specific parts of the body that need special attention. The herbs are wrapped in a cotton cloth, tied into a bundle, moistened with steam, and applied over the client's clothing.

ITM uses a powerful combination of over 20 herbs and flowers that are sent to us directly from Thailand, with local herbs added as the seasons allow. Some of the herbs and flowers include lemongrass, eucalyptus, ginger, tumeric, camphor, lavender, sage, honeysuckle, and orchid.

Level I & II Condensed Spa Training
Covers about half as many of the traditional moves as in a full Level I and Level II class, but provides a quick, effective 90-minute session working on the client prone, side-lying OR supine, and seated. Take this class to quickly learn an effective thai yoga massage protocol. In this intensive two-weekends, learn thai acupressure techniques, abdominal massage, a huge variety of stretches and passive range of motion addressing the whole body, thai energetic philosophy, contraindications, benefits, and more. All work is done traditionally on a floor mat, but many moves can be adapted to the massage table. Strong focus on proper use of body mechanics and self-care techniques. PACKED with information, lots of hands-on time, moves at a quick pace. You will need to practice the routine and flow extensively to become proficient!
 

Level I, Front Position

The traditional Front Position is the foundational first step of thai massage. This class teaches a 90-minute session done on a floor mat with the client supine. Over 50 movements are taught in a progressive rhythmic sequence addressing most major muscle groups and joints. This class can be taken alone to offer thai sessions immediately, or can be followed by Level II for the complete routine.

Level I, Front Position- LOWER BODY ONLY

This class teaches the FIRST half of the traditional Front Position, focusing on the lower body with the client supine. About 30 movements are taught in a progressive hour-long sequence, thoroughly addressing the feet, legs, hips, and lower bock. This class can be taken alone, but is best followed by Level I- Front Position- UPPER BODY for the complete Level I Front Position routine.

Level I, Front Position- UPPER BODY ONLY

This class teaches the SECOND half of the traditional Front Position, focusing on the upper body with the client supine. Another 30 minutes of material is learned, including the abdomen (hara), chest, arms, hands, neck, head and face, as well as how to close the session with the client seated. This class is best taken after Level I- Front Position- LOWER BODY for the complete Level I Front Position routine.

Level II, Intermediate, Side/Back/Sitting Positions

This is a thorough class to complete the fundamentals of a basic traditional routine. Includes a brief review of the Front Position, then continues with an additional 60 movements to complete the Side, Back, and Sitting Positions for a 1-2+ hour comprehensive session of the whole body. Basic Certification in Thai Massage. Prior completion of Level I is a prerequisite.

This class is co-taught with  Al Turner II of Two Souls Thai Massage (tstm) in NYC. Al is on massage faculty at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM-NYC) and has continued to study annually with masters in Thailand since 2000. His dance background complements his use of different Thai-styles with emphasis on individualized body mechanics for all therapists. Rose and Al enjoy teaching together as a team, bringing their different expertise and experience to share with the group.

Level III & IV-Advanced Intensive, Sen Lines and Pressure Point Therapies 

An incredible class for the serious student seeking to understand the ‘whys’ of thai massage and take their practice to a higher level. Suitable for thai therapists trained in any of the major styles.

In Level III-Advanced Sen Line Therapies, learn the 10 major Sen energy lines, the underlying philosophy behind the movements, new one-hour treatment routines addressing each Sen, new stretches, focus on individual skills and real life case studies. Class includes written and practical evaluations. Prior completion of Levels I&II (Front, Side, Back, Sitting Positions) with ITM or similar is a prerequisite, and a minimum of 20 hours of written session logs (see the example form below) submitted to ITM at least one month before the class starts.  

In Level IV-Advanced Pressure Point Therapies, learn specific acupressure techniques to treat pain associated with the back, shoulders, knees or headaches. A different but complementary approach from the Sen line treatments. Learn four new routines, about 100 specific pressure points, and new stretches. Focus on individual skills and real life case studies. Learn to develop specific treatment plans for different clients. Class includes written and practical evaluations.

Advanced 2-Day Sen Lines and Pressure Point Workshops
 
These are wonderful classes for the serious student seeking to take their thai massage practice to a deeper level, but not ready or able to attend the full week-long Advanced intensives. Suitable for thai therapists trained in any of the major styles, who have completed the Front/Side/Back/Sitting Positions and can comfortably perform a 90-minute traditional floor session.

Advanced 2-day Sen Line Therapy Workshop

A new class to provide an overview of the 10 major Sen lines, then focus on learning one new Sen therapy routine to treat specific problems. First Day: Dive deeper into understanding the energetic philosophy behind Nuad Bo-Rarn. Uncover the underlying reasons for all the different stretches in the regular routine. We will discuss specific sen line locations, indications, and comparisons to other eastern and western systems. Second Day:  have fun giving and receiving with other experienced therapists while learning a whole new hour-long routine to balance one of the sen lines, new techniques & a deeper understanding of previous techniques. Enliven your thai practice with new moves that your client's will love. For thai therapists from any of the major styles who have completed the Front/Back/Side/Sitting positions and can comfortably perform a 90- to 120-minute traditional floor session.

Advanced 2-day Pressure Point Therapy Workshop

In this new class, dive deeper into Thai acupressure techniques, and focus on one therapy intended to relieve specific types of pain, either acute Back Pain, Shoulder Pain, Knee Pain, or Headaches. For example, you will learn a traditional, effective, intense 90-minute session protocol for treating back pain, including learning over 20 specific acupressure points and many stretches. You will also gain a greater understanding of the relationship between thai, ayurvedic, and chinese medicine. Have fun giving and receiving with other experienced therapists while enhancing your thai practice with new techniques that will greatly benefit your clients.

Level III-Sen Line Therapies

The goal of this class is to penetrate deeper into the spirit and philosophy of thai massage while strengthening individual skills. Suitable for thai therapists trained in any of the major styles. The focus in on learning and understanding the 10 major Sen energy lines, the energetic philosophy behind the movements, new one-hour treatment routines addressing each Sen, new stretches, and real life case studies. Class includes written and practical evaluations. Prior completion of Levels I&II (Front, Side, Back, Sitting Positions) with ITM or similar is a prerequisite, and a minimum of 20 hours of written session logs (see the example form below) submitted to ITM at least one month before the class starts. It is strongly recommended you also attend the Level I&II Review classes immediately preceding this Intensive, especially if your training is not from the ITM style. Please contact the instructor if any questions.

Thai IV-Advanced, Pressure Point Therapies

This class presents therapeutic acupressure point treatments to treat pain associated with the back, shoulders, knees or headaches. A different but complementary approach from the Sen line treatments. Learn four new routines, about 100 specific pressure points, and new stretches. Focus on individual skills and real life case studies. Learn to develop specific treatment plans for different clients. Class includes written and practical evaluations. Prior completion of Levels I&II&III (Front, Side, Back, Sitting Positions, and Sen Lines) with ITM or similar is a prerequisite, and a minimum of 20 hours of written session logs (see the example form below) submitted to ITM at least one month before the class starts. It is strongly recommended you also attend the Level I&II Review classes immediately preceding this Intensive, especially if your training is not from the ITM style. Please contact the instructor if any questions.

Teacher Training

PREREQUISITES, Levels I-IV with ITM-USA or similar. Contact the instructor if questions.

Part 1- teacher preparation, one week
Part 2-assist in Level I class, one week
Part-2, assist in Level II class, one week
Part 1 must be taken first, to be followed by at least one week in Part 2, which can be taken immediately after Part 1 or within 6 months in another Level 1 or 2 class if pre-arranged with the instructor.

This is a comprehensive 2-3 week program to learn teaching skills and apply them by assisting in a Level I & II class.

Part 1 is a wonderfully expansive week of learning how to teach bodywork while deepening our understanding of ourselves. Class work consists of learning and practicing different teaching methods, recognizing learning styles, strengthening communication and conflict resolution techniques, developing lessons plans, creating successful workshops, defining personal teaching objectives, refining thai massage techniques, and practicing teaching within the group’s supportive but honest and challenging atmosphere. Many students have stated this is the most personally rewarding class they have ever taken.

Part 2 focuses on the practical application of the material learned in Part 1, by observing and assisting in a Level I & II workshop. Based on their skills and abilities, students can assist with lectures, demonstrations, supervised practice, lesson plans, and more, all with the support and feedback of the lead instructor and fellow teachers in training.

CARPOOLING- if you want to share a ride from NYC, contact Al at twosoulstm@yahoo.com

BRING A THAI MAT and sheet and pillow to work on.

Continuing Education Credits-

Classes are approved by the Florida Department of Health, Board of Massage, for continuing education credits (CEs) for massage therapists (# 50-1025), by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork as a Continuing Education Provider (# 152830), and by the Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI #1064).  Classes can also be used for AMTA CEs.

ITM-USA embodies traditional northern style thai massage. The teaching is based on the complete program as taught at the Old Medicine Hospital and ITM in Chiang Mai by master teacher Chongkol Setthakorn. We begin with the traditional Om Namo, ringing of the bells, and warm-up exercises from yoga, meditation, and chi kung.

The classes are well organized, efficient, full of useful information, and also kept light and fun. The lead instructor, Rose Griscom, teaches the classes with occasional assistants.  Rose's personal practices enhance her teaching, and include vipassana meditation, chi kung, yoga, and lots of laughter.

After teaching thai massage for many years, ITM-USA  developed a class format and methodology to help guide students' success. We foster a mutually-respectful environment so that everyone can learn. There is plenty of hands-on time. Students are given clear, thorough demonstrations of the movements, and are encouraged to take notes and follow along in the book. The instructor guides you step-by-step through each series of movements, and then you practice on each other, with help as needed. There is time for discussion, questions, review, and integration of the material. The secret to successful thai massage is good instruction, an openness to learning, and lots of practice.

Be prepared to work and be worked on. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing. Bring layers in case you get warm or chilly.  Please have a clean body and clean feet (consider getting a pedicure to remove rough or dry skin).  Finger and toe nails trimmed short. Eat lightly before class, as many of the movements involve compression of the abdominal area. Thai massage can be physically demanding, so doing some stretching and strengthening before class can make it easier to adapt. Try not to arrive hurried and harried, but well-rested, alert, and open to the joys of nuad bo-rarn.

Student's get much more out of class if they receive at least one professional Thai massage beforehand. Arrange this individually with the instructor well before class. Sessions can be with the instructor or another experienced therapist. 

Each class includes written material and handouts. The text "Nuad Bo-Rarn, the Traditional Massage of Thailand" by Arthur Lambert and Chongkol Setthakorn is included as part of Thai I-Basic or the II-Intermediate class. "Advanced Thai Massage", written by Arthur Lambert and Rose Griscom, is a comprehensive manual included with the Level III or IV classes.

Classes are approved by the Florida Department of Health, Board of Massage, for continuing education credits (CEs) for massage therapists (# MCE-213), and by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork as a Category A Provider (# 152830). ITM is also an approved institution with THAI (#1064), the Thai Healing Alliance International.

Institute of Thai Massage-USA is approved by the

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)

as a continuing education Approved Provider.

Rose's teaching style is deeply rooted in her experiences and practices of traditional eastern healing methods...meditation, yoga, chi kung, Buddhist philosophy...along with her unbridled enthusiasm, experience, and extensive training.

Call us (609) 390-1016