Thai Massage Video
HandsFree Thai Massage: The Commoner Style with Chuck Duff is a 2 hour DVD that shows how to save your hands and work safely on any size client. Purchase securely online .
Thai Bodywork Curriculum: Thai Massage Classes
The following courses are taught at Thai Bodywork in Evanston, and by Thai Bodywork Certified Instructors in various cities.
- Thai Massage Core Studies
- Level 1: strong emphasis on fundamentals, body mechanics, teaches a 1-hour session and shows the student how to study Thai massage in our program. Prepares the student for further study at Thai Bodywwork. We recommend that all students take Level 1, even if they come from other programs. The sequence and many of the principles are unique, and essential to the rest of our program. After Level 1, many options are available. Thai Massage Fundamentals for the Table teaches the same sequence and principles though modified for the table and counts as the Level 1 prerequisite toward other classes.
- Level 2: Therapeutic fundamentals -- adding Southern style techniques, using Sen lines and trigger point technology to address specific client issues. An additional 2.5 hours of treatment are presented. Prepares the student for Level 3.
- Level 3: the complete Northern style sequence as taught at the Northern Medicine Hospital in Chiang Mai (3.5-4 hours). Intermediate stretches, backbends, lifts. Preparation for advanced stretches. Level 2 must be taken prior to Level 3.
- Anatomy for Thai Massage and Yoga: a highly hands-on, palpation oriented approach to muscle location, function and stretching. This course can be credited if the student has a strong anatomy background, although many students who have had anatomy find it to be extremely useful.
- Luk Pra Kob - Thai Herbal Compress: the herbal compress is a key component of traditional therapeutic work. It should be in any Thai therapist's knowledge set and is taught in the traditional way at Thai Bodywork.
- HandsFree Thai: developed and taught exclusively at Thai Bodywork, shows the student how to work deeply and therapeutically with clients of all sizes, and without stress on the therapist.
- HandsFree 1: fundamentals of the HandsFree style, balance, using body weight, walking techniques, stretch variations. Teaches a 1.5-2 hours equence. Required for TBP certification.
- HandsFree 2: advanced variations, continues refining the students ability to work on larger clients without strain. Not required for TBP certification but required for CTB certification.
- Clinical Thai Bodywork: consisting currently of 7 modules in addition to CTB: Fundamentals, is unique in the field and offers the student a detailed, reproducible clinical approach to hundreds of common pain conditions. The general approach involves assessments, analysis of perpetuating factors, sophisticated Thai treatments and client education/self-care. The student can enter the series at any point, and each module covers pain symptoms in a specific area of the body . Please see the CTB page for details. Clinical Thai Bodywork: Fundamentals is required for TBP certification.
Thai Bodywork Course Descriptions
Introduction to Thai BodyworkHours: 0.00 | Learn more about Thai massage and the Thai Bodywork School at this free 2-hour intro workshop. Experience basic Thai massage techniques, meet Thai Bodywork faculty, staff and students.
Thai Bodywork offers one of the top Thai massage-specific instructional programs in the country. Most courses are taught by master instructor Chuck Duff. Our program is workshop-based and accomodates real world schedules. Students can fit our program around jobs and family, and take courses at a pace that they determine.
Chuck's teaching places a strong emphasis upon sustainability in practice, body mechanics, connections with yoga and therapeutic focus. Chuck is the originator of Clinical Thai Bodywork, a modality that combines trigger point therapy and Thai massage in a very effective modality for pain and dysfunction.
Our clinic offers apprentice and professional Thai massage at reasonable rates. Book a session at 847-440-7525 x703 to experience the work first hand.
All are welcome. RSVP at 847-440-7525 or info@thaibodywork.com. More info... |
Introduction to Thai Massage (12 hours)Hours: 12.00 | Discover Thai Yoga massage, an ancient, yoga-derived therapeutic technique to improve health and well being. Thai Yoga massage, evolving from the ancient healing traditions of Ayurveda and Thai Buddhism, leads to greater physical awareness, grace, and spiritual energy. This 12-hour, hands-on workshop will introduce the principles and practical application of traditional Thai Yoga therapy, and the student will learn a short sequence of poses. No prerequisites. Students will practice on each other and rotate partners. More info... |
Level 1: Thai Massage FundamentalsHours: 20.00 | This fantastic training is the gateway to the rest of our program. There are no prerequisites for this course, and students are accepted without any prior bodywork training. You will be amazed at what you learn in a weekend as we teach you the critical fundamentals of body mechanics, positioning, compression, working with passive stretches, energetic, spiritual and historical background, basic concepts of clinical work, and much more.
You will learn a valuable 1-hour professional sequence that you can immediately put to use with clients, friends and family. The focus of this training is instill principles of full-body movement through carefully refined teaching methods that have helped thousands of students learn this fantastic art. Even students who have studied at other schools give us rave reviews about this training and our teaching methods. More info... |
Thai Massage Fundamentals for the TableHours: 20.00 | This course teaches Thai massage fundamentals in the form of a 1-hour treatment sequence in the Chiang Mai style, specifically adapted to the table and the needs of the spa environment, including table body mechanics, draping, and other issues. This course is open to anyone and satisfies the Level 1 prerequisite for all of our advanced courses. We present the energetic and historical basis of the work, body mechanics, movement from the core, and fundamental techniques as well as how to effectively practice the routines. More info... |
Level 2: Therapeutic Thai Massage FundamentalsHours: 40.00 | This course establishes the foundation of a professional Thai Massage practice. The basic principles of Thai medicine are discussed, including the Sen Sip, therapeutic points, Southern and Nerve Touch (Jap Sen) styles and relationship to other point and line systems. Key treatment positions are taught for each area of the body. Thai line work is the key to relieving stagnation and making it possible for muscles to achieve their full length and function. We introduce the concepts of myofascial pain, trigger and reflex points, and the basic principles of Clinical Thai Bodywork. More info... |
Level 3: Northern Style Thai MassageHours: 70.00 | Our wonderful Level 3 training covers the Northern style sequence that was developed at the Northern Medicine Hospital in Chiang Mai. It is known worldwide as a standard of knowledge for Thai massage practitioner education, and consists of nearly 4 hours of treatment. This style is known for its Thai Yoga qualities and dynamic, flowing stretches.
Level 3 completes our traditional core series, and is mandatory for students who wish to become a Certified Thai Bodywork Practitioner (TBP). This is an extremely important training that provides the essential repertoire of asanas that any professional should have at their disposal More info... |
A&P for Thai Massage and Yoga - Level 1Hours: 20.00 | This popular course teaches anatomy and physiology in a way that is interesting, practical and relevant to the practice of Thai massage and yoga. Not just another dry anatomy class, this series provides direct experience of bones and muscles at rest, in movement, function, isolated stretching, osteopathic techniques for regulation of muscle function, interaction with energetic anatomy, pain referral and other topics of critical importance to yogis and bodyworkers.
The emphasis of the series is on practical work and palpation to increase retention and make the course more fun.
AP1 (or equivalent) is a prerequisite for our Certified Thai Bodywork Practitioner certification, and is also great preparation for the Clinical Thai Bodywork series. More info... |
Thai Herbal Compress (Luk Pra Kob)Hours: 20.00 | This course covers preparation and use of Thai herbal compresses, or Luk Pra Kob, which has been used in Thailand for over 400 years as a medicinal treatment. The herbs used in Luk Pra Kob, which are wrapped in cotton cloth and steamed prior to application, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and muscle relaxant properties. In addition, there are benefits to the skin as well as aromatherapeutic properties to the herbs, whose essential oils are released with steam.
In addition to traditional sen line application, we spend considerable time on the clinical use of the herbal compress for pain and restriction. Tthe course also covers the use of Thai herbs for traditional Thai herbal sauna or Thai steam treatments. Prerequisite: Some Thai massage experience. More info... |
HandsFree Thai Massage - Level 1Hours: 20.00 | Learn to work on large or heavily muscled clients in a way that is highly beneficial for you the practitioner as well as for the client. Asana variations using feet, legs and knees allow the therapist to provide broad, deep pressure without endangering the hands, wrists or shoulders.
In this class, we learn a 2-hour treatment sequence that employs all treatment attitudes. This is an excellent way for the practitioner to safely work with athletes and other clients who require deeper pressure without putting stress on themselves.
As in all of our courses, we maintain a strong therapeutic focus in our teaching, guiding the student in how to work with specific issues of pain or dysfunction. We employ the principles of Clinical Thai Bodywork to teach the student patterns of pain and its origins while using HandsFree or Commoner style techniques. More info... |
HandsFree Thai Massage - Level 2Hours: 20.00 | Learn to work on large or heavily muscled clients in a way that is highly beneficial for you the practitioner as well as for the client. Asana variations using feet, legs and knees allow the therapist to provide broad, deep pressure without endangering the hands, wrists or shoulders.
In this class, we learn a 3-hour treatment sequence that employs all treatment attitudes. This is an excellent way for the practitioner to safely work with athletes and other clients who require deeper pressure without putting stress on themselves.
As in all of our courses, we maintain a strong therapeutic focus in our teaching, guiding the student in how to work with specific issues of pain or dysfunction. We employ the principles of Clinical Thai Bodywork to teach the student patterns of pain and its origins while using HandsFree or Commoner style techniques.
We teach HandsFree 2 once a year. This course more than doubles your HandsFree repertoire from HandsFree 1, and gives you an amazing set of tools for working in all areas of the body. HandsFree 1 is a prerequisite. More info... |
Intensive WorkshopsHours: 3.00 | The intensive workshops are designed to help students gain a more full understanding and experience of the actual practice of Thai massage. In the core classes many techniques are taught, but because of time limitations students usually are able to practice them only briefly. In each intensive a different topic will be covered. This format allows students to more fully explore different topics, ask questions, and become truly comfortable in their practice of the skills of Thai massage and addressing specific areas. Topics include specific pain complaints, observing actual sessions, using therapeutic flying or yoga in a Thai session, business and marketing and many more. More info... |
Clinical Thai Bodywork Fundamentals - 1 DayHours: 8.00 | Clinical Thai Bodywork is a modality for the treatment of specific pain conditions using Thai massage in conjunction with other disciplines. A highly effective modality for the treatment of pain, CTB was developed by Chuck Duff and first taught in 2005.
CTB Fundamentals is a required course in our TBP certification program. The course covers the principles of trigger points and pain referral, use of adjunct techniques such as heat, cold distraction, and post-isometric relaxation, assessment, perpetuating factors and specific techniques that are useful for pain patterns in different body areas. More info... |
CTB for Headache, Neck and Facial PainHours: 16.00 | The effects of daily migraines on a person's life are truly devastating. While not all headaches are due to muscular causes, the great majority are -- and can be easily treated using CTB techniques. Headache pain alone is such an important topic that this one seminar should be on your list even if nothing else right now.
CTB Fundamentals must be attended prior to attending this course. Students should have familiarity with the relevant muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
CTB for Shoulder, Upper Back and Arm PainHours: 16.00 | This advanced course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. This course covers specific, detailed Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for shoulder, upper back and arm pain.
CTB Fundamentals must be attended prior to attending this course. Students should have familiarity with the relevant muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
CTB for Elbow, Forearm and Hand PainHours: 16.00 | This advanced course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. This course covers specific, detailed Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for elbow, forearm and hand pain.
CTB Fundamentals must be attended prior to attending this course. Students should have familiarity with the relevant muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
CTB for Mid-Back, Chest and Abdominal PainHours: 16.00 | This advanced course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. This course covers specific, detailed Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for mid-back, chest and abdominal pain.
CTB Fundamentals must be attended prior to attending this course. Students should have familiarity with the relevant muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
CTB for Low Back, Sacral, Gluteal and Pelvic PainHours: 16.00 | This advanced course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. This course covers specific, detailed Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for lumbar, sacral, gluteal, pelvic and hip pain.
CTB Fundamentals must be attended prior to attending this course. Students should have familiarity with the relevant muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
CTB for Hip, Thigh, Knee and Groin PainHours: 16.00 | This course covers specific Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for hip, thigh, knee and groin pain. These are very common pain conditions that therapists often see in their practice. Myofascial causes are frequently responsible even for pain that seems to originate in and around major joints, such as the hip or knee. CTB techniques use the highly effective asanas of Thai massage, informed by knowledge of trigger point areas and western clinical approaches. We are very often highly effective at not just relieving these pain conditions, but eleminating them entirely.
CTB Fundamentals must be attended prior to attending this course. Students should have familiarity with the relevant muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
CTB for Lower Leg, Ankle and Foot PainHours: 16.00 | This advanced course is suitable for Thai massage practitioners wanting effective tools for treating specific conditions of pain and dysfunction in their practice. This course covers specific, detailed Clinical Thai Bodywork treatments for lower leg, ankle and foot pain.
CTB: Fundamentals is required to take this course. Students must have a solid grasp of muscular anatomy and/or AP1 credit as well as Level 1 Thai Massage; Level 2 Thai Massage is recommended. It is recommended that in preparation, students read either Travell and Simons' Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction, Volume 1 relating to these pain areas, or equivalent sections in Claire Davies' Trigger Point Workbook. More info... |
Level 1 Home Study CourseHours: 0.00 | he Level 1 Home Study Course allows the student to study and gain NCBTMB CE credit for the material taught in our Level 1 course. The course consists of our Introduction for the Mat and Table DVD along with a workbook. The student must complete an exam and send it in to Thai Bodywork. More info... |
Advanced Therapeutic Thai Massage with Chris Ray: Upper BodyHours: 16.00 | This advanced workshop is intended for Thai massage therapists who would like to explore the art of deep, therapeutic bodywork, with a special focus on neck, shoulder, chest, upper back, and arm work. Over the 10 years that Christopher has been specializing in treating chronic, deep, physical and emotional pain and congestion, he has discovered numerous subtle and powerful techniques for coaxing muscles and energy to release. This detailed sense of body mechanics can not be found in any book. We are fortunate to have Christopher here to share his rich, unique, and detailed sense of body and energy mechanics, as well as his clear, heart-based approach to life. This class will help you sense a body and energy more deeply, will provide you with a therapeutic sequence for the upper body, and will enhance your existing practice in numerous ways. More info... |
Chi Nei Tsang with Chris RayHours: 16.00 | The majority of physical and emotional imbalances and congestion are stored in the abdomen, yet ironically, abdominal massage has become virtually a lost art and science. All energy lines pass through the abdomen, and this area becomes a ‘dumping ground’ for stagnant energy. This is perhaps one of the most profound forms of massage. In addition to addressing physical ailments associated with all the internal organs, this work is proven to have incredible healing effects throughout the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies. Come learn the fundamentals of this effective and healing abdominal work. Chi Nei Tsang is slow and precise work, and this class will proceed with careful awareness and attention to anatomy and energy flow. Take advantage of learning this invaluable information for your client's health and for your own health. More info... |
Upcoming Classes
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Thai Herbal Compress (Luk Pra Kob)
Feb 17
Clinical Thai Bodywork Fundamentals - 1 Day
Feb 24
CTB for Shoulder, Upper Back and Arm Pain
Feb 25
Introduction to Thai Bodywork
Feb 28
Level 1: Thai Massage Fundamentals
Mar 02
CTB for Lower Leg, Ankle and Foot Pain
Mar 10
A&P for Thai Massage and Yoga - Level 1
Mar 16
Introduction to Thai Bodywork
Mar 19
HandsFree Thai Massage - Level 1
Mar 23
Level 1: Thai Massage Fundamentals
Mar 30
Level 2: Therapeutic Thai Massage Fundamentals
Apr 11
Advanced Therapeutic Thai Massage with Chris Ray: Upper Body
Apr 21
Chi Nei Tsang with Chris Ray
Apr 23
Thai Massage Fundamentals for the Table
Apr 27
Level 1: Thai Massage Fundamentals
May 04
