Foot or sole massage

Foot massage, as practiced by the Chinese is performed in the context of chi, in that each spot on the sole of the foot corresponds to an internal organ, and the applied therapy is healing to one's overall well being. The theory supposes that an ailment of an internal organ will be associated with the nerve ending on the sole of the foot.

Before the massage, the patient's feet are soaked in a foot bath, typically a solution of hot water and herbs. The massage therapist uses liberal amounts of medicated cream, to moisturize the foot and to provide lubrication. The knuckles on the therapist's hand are usually used to provide a hard and smooth implement for the massage. As pressure is applied to the sole, theory holds that a healthy patient should not feel any strong pain. Painful spots, reflexologists believe, reflect illnesses of other parts of the body. The practitioner rubs and massages the painful spots to break down rough spots and accumulated crystals and increase circulation.

The ailments are healed when the sore spots of the sole are treated and removed by massage. Based on this theory, some shoe liners are made with pressure points to stimulate the soles of the feet to promote better health of the overall body. The nature of these "crystals" has yet to be elucidated or demonstrated scientifically. Regardless of the actual correlation of reflexology to internal organs, many enjoy it for the mix of stimulation and relaxation.

Thai Massage

Known in Thailand as นวดแผนโบราณ (Nuat phaen boran), which correctly translates only as ancient massage or traditional massage, this form of massage is also known as Thai ancient massage, traditional Thai massage, Thai physical massage, Thai yoga massage, yoga massage, Thai classical massage, Thai bodywork, passive yoga, or assisted yoga. It is usually soothing because of its emphasis on stretching and loosening the body. Its roots go back far into history, originating in India based on the Ayurveda, and then becoming popular in Thailand.

Originating in India and drawing from Ayurveda, it has inevitably incorporated modalities like yoga. The receiver is put into many yoga like positions during the course of the massage. In the northeren style there are a lot of stretching movements unlike the southern style where pressure is emphasised. It was believed that the massage art was brought over to Thailand by a Dr Shivago K.,a contemporary of Buddha almost about 2500 years ago.

The massage recipient changes into pajamas and lies on a mat or firm mattress on the floor. (It can be done solo or in a group of a dozen or so patients in the same large room.) The massage giver leans on the recipient's body using hands and forearms to apply firm rhythmic pressure to almost every part of the taker's body. The massage generally follows the SEN lines on the body-somewhat analogous to Chinese Meridians. In some gestures, legs and feet of the giver are used to fixate the body or limbs of the recipient. In other gestures, hands fixate the body, while the feet do the massaging action. Usually no oil is applied. A full course of Thai massage typically lasts two hours or more, and includes pulling fingers, toes, ears etc., cracking the knuckles, walking on the recipient's back, arching the recipient's back in a rolling action etc. There is a standard procedure and rhythm to the massage. Sometimes in a large group massage, the practitioners do the procedures in unison.

Oil Massage

Also practiced is a variation called oil massage (or aromatherapy massage). Popular with wellness tourists from Europe the Americas and East Asia, it is offered in many spas, saunas and massage salons: the naked body of the taker is anointed with aromatic herbal oils (lavender, jasmin, rose, sandalwood ect). The treatment becomes somewhat like Esalen massage: more relaxing than invigorating. Ill-informed practioners (as found on the beach and as outcall practioners) use cheap baby (mineral!) oil. Prices are higher than for traditional Thai massage.

A word of caution ...... by T.G.Davies of The Garden Chiang Mai

Only a few schools are certified by the Thai government and teaching certificates are issued after months rather than weeks of training and certainly not after a few days. Most of the courses available for tourists and travelers should therefore be looked upon as introductions to the ancient healing practices embraced by Thai massage.

This should certainly not put you off however. These courses are a serious introduction by very skilled practitioners, and there is a great deal to be learnt, both of the healing arts themselves and, as many discover, about ones own body and mind. The courses offer a journey of discovery on many levels.

The courses available are quite varied and it may be a good idea to have a morning visiting three or four schools to find which one has the best course for your individual requirements. I would certainly avoid signing up for more than one week at a time. This need not be a hindrance to your achievements as the courses are taught in modules so you can do part one and then decide if you wish to proceed.

If you want to know what a good thai massage should feel like you should visit The Garden where you will always find highly skilled staff and a friendly, clean comfortable environment. Enjoy !!!

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
Web site: 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 web site 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).

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
Web site: 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.

This school continues to be highly recommended by our guests that have taken courses there.

ITM INTERNATIONAL
TRAINING MASSAGE SCHOOL
17/6-7 Morakot Road, Hah Yaek Santitham, Chiang Mai 50300 Thailand
Overseas Calls
Tel. (66 53) 218632, Fax (66 53) 224197
Local Calls
Tel. (053) 218632, Fax (053) 224197
Email: itm@itmthaimassage.com
http://www.itmthaimassage.com

CHONGKOL  SETTHAKORN OR “JOHN”
For twenty years, Chongkol has taught people from all over the world the ancient art of Thai massage. In 1992, he founded the International Training Massage School (ITM) in Thailand to promote the Thai massage technique internationally.
Chongkol was head teacher at the Shivaga Komarpaj School in Chiang Mai for five years. In 1991, he went to the United States to teach Thai massage at the International Professional School of Bodywork (IPSB) in San Diego, California. During this time, he broadened his training by studying Massage Technician Training and Professional Massage Training. Additional studies included Western and Oriental Massage techniques such as Therapeutic Massage for Acute and Chronic Problems, Tui Na Internship (Chinese Massage), Jin Shin Acutouch (Japanese Method of Healing Art), Tai Chi Chuan, and the IPSB Movement Form.

ATCHARA SETTHAKORN received Thai Massage training from Chongkol Setthakorn at the Old Medicine Hospital in 1992 and assisted in teaching Thai massage at ITM since then.
In 1999 Atchara took an additional Thai Massage and Herbal Therapy course at Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. She has assisted Chongkol in authoring the book "Nuad Bo-Rarn, Ancient Massage of Thailand" published in 2001, and the latest edition in 2004.

ITM offer a comprehensive variety of course from beginner up to Teacher training course lasting 11 weeks resulting in teacher training qualifications accredited by the Thai education authority. If you do the teacher training courses you will be teaching real students taking level 1 courses. Level 1 students take note.

ASOKANANDA-- The Sunshine Network Institute
149 Kaew Nawarat, Soi 4, Chiang Mai
Tel: +66-53-262574
E-mail: mailto:info@asokananda.com
Web sites: 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 web sites 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 web sites for details). New sessions begin every Monday, and the cost is approximately $150 for a 10-day (60 hour) class.

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
Web site: 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, lemon grass, 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).

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
Web site: 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.

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.

CHETAWAN Thai Traditional Massage School (CHIANGMAI) Associated with WAT PRO in Bangkok

7/1-2 Soi SamudLanna, T.Changphueak, A.Muang, Chiangmai 50300
Tel. 0-5341-0360 TO 1