Yoga massage is a combination of massage, pressure and yoga poses. It is best done by a professionally trained practitioner who will help determine the type of technique appropriate for your specific goals. Several schools and institutes teach this discipline; each has its own focus. To become certified, you will need special training.
Considerations
At one time, Thai yoga massage was little known in the United States and Canada. In 1995, Kam Thye Chow, a Malaysian, founded the first yoga massage school in North America in Montreal, Canada. The practice is a combination of yoga postures while a practitioner puts pressure along your body's energy or Sen lines. The treatment is meant to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation and immune system function and to balance your inner energy. Yoga massage is performed on the floor, on yoga mats. Unlike other forms of massage, no creams or oils are used on your skin.
Massage Practitioner Training Program
To become certified as a Thai Massage Yoga Practitioner, you will need to complete 240 hours of training. The courses are broken down into 80-hour segments that allow you to begin with a basic certification and work up to an advanced practitioner level. The training will prepare you to perform massage techniques, will provide an understanding of the theories of Ayurveda and Sen lines. You will learn the basics of anatomy and physiology and how to create special treatment plans based on your client's specific requirements.
Certification Courses for Thai Yoga Massage
Courses are available for essential, intermediate and advanced certification. Each level depends on learning and mastering skills from the prior course. Eighty hours are required to complete each level of training and are comprised of classroom attendance, internships and supervised massage treatments. Ayurvedic theory is included in the intermediate course and at the advanced level, focus is put on anatomy and physiology and creation of custom therapies.
Ayurvedic Massage Training
Ayurvedic massage training focuses on Ayurvedic restorative yoga massage and resembles Thai yoga massage in that it is performed on mats on the floor. The practitioner uses yoga poses and pressure to improve the client's health and wellness. ARYM training is available internationally in India, France, China, Tibet, Russia and Brazil. ARYM has six levels of training, from beginner to certified instructor level. Levels of instruction can be completed within three to eight days with instructor level course work requiring at least 21 days and 120 contact hours of study.
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