Overview

Thai massage is an incredibly dynamic practice that becomes more than just something you “do” – it weaves its way into your life, evolving into a way of living. Its roots in Ayurveda encourage self-reflection and greater self-awareness in terms of physically taking care of ourselves, but also with respect to our individual constitution and how that impacts the decisions and patterns we see throughout our lives.

“Whatever your needs or intentions for learning this skill, there is something for everyone. In a touch-deprived society, simply feeling confident and comfortable enough to give a compassionate touch to others is a hugely powerful gift. ”
— Atlas Studio

By moving our own bodies to facilitate wellness in others, we affect ourselves in a positive way – creating an environment that is not solely about giving but receiving as well. Thai massage is unique in the world of bodywork as there is a major focus on working towards the ease and efficiency of body mechanics. This ultimately enhances both the client and the practitioner experience.

This practice doesn’t only have to be about starting a new career or even earning an income. Many people take Thai massage training in order to help family members and friends with chronic pain or movement restrictions.

For current bodywork practitioners, energy workers, yogis and other movement therapists, it is an incredible addition to your tool-kit. Numerous yoga teachers have noted that Thai massage has helped them feel so much more comfortable and confident to approach hands-on assists and adjustments in class. Registered Massage Therapists have discovered that their own bodies benefit from Thai massage in a way that allows them to safely practice bodywork for years to come with greater awareness and without injury. Some therapists decide to offer Thai massage as a completely new service, whilst others integrate the principals of this ancient art into their existing practice. Personal trainers and other one-on-one coaches have found huge value in being able to provide effective assisted stretches for their clients at the end of a training session- not only for the deep stretch and release but also for its applications in flexibility training.

Our Approach

We begin with foundational principles and teach in a very systematic way providing instruction, hands-on practice and repetition to ensure that the student’s skills develop exponentially over the duration of the course.

We have taken great care in developing courses that provide a strong and supportive environment so that participants finish with a feeling of total confidence in his/her abilities. Classes become incredible bonding experiences that are both fun and challenging. Students often rate his/her experience as among the best workshops they have ever attended.

Courses we offer

1.5 hour Somatic Self massage and Partner Thai Experience

While it is almost always better to have someone else do the massage. There are proven self massage technique that can transform an ordinary day to a deeply relaxing experience. Join us as Denise shares touch and movement techniques that release chronic contraction in our everyday tight places. A great workshop to see if you like our approach and Denise’s teaching style or just to give yourself a little retreat.

3.5 hour Taster and Two-Day Introductory Courses

Courses to excite the senses, teach the student or couple interested in a casual massage and see if you are ready for the deeper practices and dedication necessary to become a Thai Yoga Massage Therapist.

In a 3.5-hour intro course, the students learn how to give and receive a  massage. The 2-day course deepens the student experience, as they learn how to give and receive a massage that provides the foundation for massaging all parts of the body.

Prenatal Thai Yoga Massage

A 3-day course where students learn a 60-minute flow designed specifically for expecting mothers. They will also learn all necessary contraindications and precautions to take when working in this environment. Anatomy and physiology of the pregnant body and emotional balancing hand gestures for mom to take home.

Thai Yoga Massage

4-day courses to prepare students for certification and professional practice. Intro to Thai Yoga Massage teaches a 90-minute massage, with all the tools to give a beneficial therapeutic massage; Thai Yoga Massage deepening your practice expands the repertoire to 180 minutes, allowing for increased refinement and customization of a routine that addresses the specific requirements and body alignment of the client. The Thai Yoga Massage for Special Populations will give you a repertoire of adjustments to assist in a variety of special conditions. All courses include anatomy, physiology and biomechanics.

Courses, Dates, tuition

Dates:

  • Somatic Self-Massage and Partner Thai Experience TBA

  • Taste of Thai Yoga Massage: TBA

  • Intro to Thai Yoga Massage - Thai 1: Fri-Mon, April 19-22, 2024

  • Thai Yoga Massage Deepening your practice - Thai 2: TBA

  • Thai Yoga Massage Therapy for Your Body Type - Thai 3: TBA

  • Anatomy for Thai Yoga Massage: Sat-Sun - TBA

  • Aromatherapy and Thai Yoga Massage - Sat - TBA - 12-8pm

  • PreNatal Thai Yoga Massage: Saturday, TBA - 12-8pm

  • Aromatherapy - table massage includes essential oils TBA - 12-8pm

Tuition:

Register:

Contact Denise at [email protected]

Course Texts:

Our Teachers

Denise Davis-Gains,  the owner and lead instructor at Atlas Yoga Studio, has been practicing Thai Yoga Massage since 1998 and training practitioners since 2014. Denise is also an accomplished yoga teacher and has been involved in the healing arts since 1984.

Denise Davis-Gains established this school, located in Cambridge, Canada after many years of teaching fitness, yoga and working with the human body locally, nationally and internationally.

Olivia Gains has been practicing Thai Yoga Massage since 2014. Other faculty from time to time.

To register for upcoming courses, please contact us at [email protected] or text us at 519.240.9642