INTRODUCING

Training

photo of Omega workshop with Ananda teaching by Heidi Kettler

Thai Yoga Massage, Sacred Bodywork training is a wonderful learning experience devoted to the study of Thai Massage. Classes are kept small so that you will receive a lot of individual detailed attention. The focus of the training is hands on. A spirit of love and community is created and sustained throughout the program via group discussion, prayer, meditation and from the healing and connecting power innately found in this form of bodywork. Since Thai Massage comes from a Buddhist practice, there is a Buddhist focus during the training.

Thai Yoga Massage, Sacred Bodywork training is a three level program consisting of: Beginners Level 1, Intermediate Level 2, and Advanced Level 3. Levels 1 is 33 hours. Level 2 is 34 hours. Level 3 is 36 hours. Basic certification is given after completing both Levels 1 and 2. Advanced certification is given after completing Level 3.

Level One
In this thirty-three hour intensive beginners training program, you will learn the history, theory, and practice of northern style Thai Massage. Each class begins with meditation and prayer followed by warm up exercises. You will then learn the fundamental techniques used in Thai Massage such as palm, thumb, and knee pressing, joint mobilization, energy line work, muscle stretching, and assisted yoga poses. These techniques will be practiced as you learn over fifty movements from the traditional sequence in the supine and prone positions. Attention will be given to proper body mechanics, posture, pressure, rhythm, focus, body-mind connection, and awareness. Upon completion of Level 1, you will be able to give a one hour Thai Yoga Massage in the supine and prone positions. You will have a strong foundation for a professional practice.

Level Two
In order to join Level Two, you must have completed Level One. In this thirty-four hour intensive intermediate training program, you will learn more than sixty new movements in three new positions: side-lying, inverted, and seated. You will also learn a very healing technique known as blood stopping which deeply relaxes the body and mind. The material that you previously learnt in Level One will be reviewed, refined, and integrated with the Level Two material. On the last day, in order to complete Level Two, you must give a Thai Massage to someone whom you have brought to class. No notes may be used for the final. Basic Certification will be given upon successful completion of Level Two. You will be able to give a two hour full body Thai Massage in the five positions. You will be well on your way to a professional practice.

Level Three
In order to join Level Three, you must have received Basic Certification. In this thirty-six hour intensive advanced training program, you will learn more than sixty new movements from the supine, side-lying, prone, seated, and inverted positions. These movements can be added to your practice so that you have a larger movement vocabulary to draw from. This will enable you to work with people of different sizes, flexibility levels, and needs. You will also learn abdominal massage which is an important healing aspect of Thai Massage. The emphasis of the training will continue to be hands on. Techniques from Levels One and Two will be reviewed, refined and integrated with Level Three material. You will learn how to create your own sequences in order to give a customized two and a half to three hour Thai Massage. On the last day, in order to complete Level Three, you must give a Thai Massage to someone whom you have brought to class. No notes may be used for the final. Advanced Certification will be given upon successful completion of Level Three. Upon successful completion of Level Three, you will be able to establish a thriving heart based practice.

Recommendations
Book - Thai Massage, Sacred Bodywork by Ananda Apfelbaum -$21.95. It can be purchased from Ananda, at bookstores, or at amazon.com.
DVD - Thai Massage, Sacred Bodywork by Ananda Apfelbaum -$29.95. It covers the Thai Massage sequence learnt in Levels 1and 2. The DVD can be purchased from Ananda at the workshop.
Practice - Some practice outside of class is recommended, but not required.
Physical Condition- Previous bodywork or yoga experience is recommended, but not necessary.

Training Fees
Basic Certification: $1130 for early registration; $1180 therafter.
Advanced Certification: $600 for early registration, $650 thereafter.

Repeat Course Fees
All courses may be repeated at half price as follows:
Level 1 $285 for early registration; $335 thereafter.
Level 2 $285 for early registration; $335 thereafter.
Level 3 $300 for early registration; $350 thereafter.

Make Up Classes
It generally takes one to two hours of private training to cover the material missed during a six hour workshop day. Missed Level 1 course hours must be made up through private lessons with Ananda prior to starting Level 2. Missed Level 2 course hours must be made up through private lessons with Ananda prior to joining Level 3. $60/hour for one student; $40/hour/student if there are two or more students together. During the makeup class, only the actual Thai massage material will be covered and not other workshop activities such as warm up exercises, meditation, etc.

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Following are some of the students' responses to the workshop classes:

"This class has been an amazing experience for me. I feel blessed to have had this opportunity."
- Felicia Tomasko, LAYOGA Magazine staff

"Ananda is a brilliant teacher, a wise woman."
- Mindy Groff

"Ananda, created a beautiful learning atmosphere. I'm most grateful."
-Althea Lewis

"I thank Ananda for her supportive teaching and patience."
- Amy Eisenberg

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Contact
www.traditionalthaiyogamassage.com
email: ananda@traditionalthaiyogamassage.com
phone: 917-441-1866 (emails prefered over phone calls)

Payments
Payments may be made by credit card or check.
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Private Training
One on one training is also available with Ananda. To set up private training, email Ananda. This is not to be used in combination with the workshops.

Private Training Fees
One student alone: $75/hour or $65/hour for prepay of five hours which comes to $325 and saves you $50.
Two students together: $85/hour or $75/hour for prepay of five hours which comes to $375 and saves you $50.

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