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Navina™ Curriculum

Study Thai massage with a curriculum that brings the wisdom of the East and blends it with the science of the West. Truly one-of-a-kind, the Navina™ approach brings modern relevance to an ancient art form.

Principal Training Modules | Enhanced Training Modules | Adjunct Training Modules

Highlights of the program include:

  • A system of 3-day training modules making them accessible to a busy schedule.
  • Learning and applying anatomy skills, building a greater understanding of the body and how to utilize optimal biomechanics.
  • Creating a deeply relaxing and therapeutic client experience whilst maintaining the heart-centred approach of the tradition.
  • Letting our understanding of anatomy inform our intuition to guide each treatment.
  • Integrating Ayurveda into your tool kit, opening the doors to creating the most incredible massage experience possible.
  • Building the business skills necessary to use Thai massage as a source of income if you choose.
  • Understanding the different needs of athletic clients, the sedentary, pregnant women and the elderly.
  • No requirement to complete all trainings: any number of courses can be taken for personal development.
  • An innovative Continuing Education system ensures practitioners continually enhance their skills and knowledge of the body.

Professional Training Module Structure:

Principal Training Modules

The first 3 modules of training establish a sound understanding of quality touch, relevant and practical anatomical principles, the four Foundational Principles of Thai massage and building healthy client-practitioner relationships. Completion of modules 1-3 will supply you with a 3-hour massage sequence and the knowledge and skill to customize each treatment for the individual. Once all course requirements are met for Modules 1-3 inclusive, an online examination must be taken and passed in order for Principal Certification to be awarded. There are no prerequisites to study Thai massage with us.

Principal Module Time Sessions Total
Module 1: The Essentials of Quality Touch

CEUs available: 10.5 Category A (CMTO), 8 PE/A1 (CMTBC), 16 Primary (MTAM), 31 CE hours (NCBTMB) 4 FIS/PTS (canfitpro).

Building a solid foundation in the concepts and the practice of high quality touch. Combining fundamental anatomy theory with positive intention and hands-on practice, we establish a base on which our following modules build a safe and successful massage practice.

21 hrs 10 massages = 10 hrs 31 hrs
Module 2: Expanding Your Thai Massage Repertoire

CEUs available:10.5 Category A (CMTO), 8 PE/A1 (CMTBC), 16 Primary (MTAM), 36 CE hours (NCBTMB).

In this course we solidify our understanding of content covered in the first module and we then build on these concepts and postures to begin to explore more of the body. By adding in more postures we will extend our massage sequence to 2 hours. We also begin the discussion on business development.

21 hrs 10 massages = 15 hrs 36 hrs
Module 3: Customizing the Client Experience

CEUs available: 10.5 Category A (CMTO), 8 PE/A1 (CMTBC), 16 Primary (MTAM), 41 CE hours (NCBTMB).

We once again revisit and consolidate knowledge gained from previous courses and build on top. After this course you will have a complete 3-hour massage sequence that will allow you to provide a total body experience for your clients. Once the requirements for this training are complete, you will also be eligible to apply for Principal Certification.

21 hrs 10 massages = 20 hrs 41 hrs
Principal Certification Requirements
63 hrs
30 massages = 45 hrs
108 hrs
*NOTE: All Principal training modules are approved for CEUs with the CMTO (10.5 CEUs for each module), the CMTBC (8 PE/A1 each module) and the MTAM (16 primary credits per module).

Enhanced Training Modules

Upon completion of the Principal Certification modules, you are able to take any and all of the Enhanced training modules. These modules are designed to be flexible and can be taken in any order, with the only pre-requisite knowledge being content from the Principal modules. The Enhanced modules will deepen your practice and expand your skill set, and transform Thai massage into an essential component of your life. Massage treatments become a dance-like flow, transitions become fluid extensions of postures and you fine-tune intuition to help guide your sessions. Completing all 6 Enhanced modules and associated requirements will make you eligible for Advanced Practitioner Certification, which involves each student passing a one-on-one practical examination with a teacher.

Enhanced Module Timeframe Sessions Total
Expanding Touch Techniques and Enhancing Sensitivity

CEUs available:7 Category A (CMTO), 41 CE hours (NCBTMB).

“Thai massage is as good to give as it is to receive” – we have already explored this concept in our practice by using efficient and safe biomechanics. This course will extend this idea to the use of our different “tools” when massaging. We explore greater use of our feet, knees and forearms in the application of massage pressure and muscle manipulation techniques to improve practitioner and client experience.

21 hrs 10 massages = 20 hrs 41 hrs
Ayurvedic Approach to Thai Massage

CEUs available:41 CE hours (NCBTMB).

Ayurveda is the “science of life”; an ancient system of medicine developed over 5,000 years ago that allows us to see discrete differences within each individual. With this understanding we are better able to customise our massage treatments to the needs of our client. We begin our study of Ayurveda by learning the 3 doshas, the Vayus and the 5 elements, and we put them into the context of Thai massage.

21 hrs 10 massages = 20 hrs 41 hrs
Thai Massage for the Active Body

CEUs available: 7 Category A (CMTO), 41 CE hours (NCBTMB).

In this enhanced module we direct our attention towards the athletic/active body. Individuals who maintain an active lifestyle will require a different approach to massage, often with greater emphasis placed on assisted stretches. We also spend considerable time preparing you as the practitioner to work with more active bodies, ensuring the effective and safe movement of more muscular and dense limbs.

21 hrs 10 massages = 20 hrs 41 hrs
Energy Lines and the Myofascia

CEUs available: 7 Category A (CMTO), 41 CE hours (NCBTMB).

Traditional Thai massage teachings focus on 10 primary energy lines within the body. We are now beginning to find that indeed these lines correlate highly with physical structures known as myofascial pathways. In this course we spend less time on learning new postures and more time exploring the use of myofascial stretch techniques, mapping the body with Anatomy Trains and learning about Marmani, Trigger Points and Acupoints. This is an innovative and incredibly unique [modern] representation of the energy lines in Thai massage practice.

21 hrs 10 massages = 20 hrs 41 hrs
Side-lying, Pregnancy Massage and More

CEUs available: 7 Category A (CMTO), 41 CE hours (NCBTMB), 41 Primary (MTAM).

Thai massage is an accessible form of bodywork to almost everyone. The side-lying series will show you just how available this practice is to most people. This series is a powerful set of tools that will allow you to massage groups of people that are often deprived of compassionate touch. We also practice the practical skills needed to approach pregnancy massage.

21 hrs 10 massages = 20 hrs 41 hrs
Posture Play – Thai for Advanced Receivers

CEUs available: 10.5 Category A (CMTO), 41 CE hours (NCBTMB).

Designed as a more playful and intuitive training course we offer. In this specialty course we examine some of the “fancier” postures that are only safely accessible to advanced receivers (the occasional client). We also delve deeper into creating ease and flow within our treatments so that they become a fluid dance.

21 hrs 10 massages = 20 hrs 41 hrs
Advanced Certification Requirements
126 hrs
60 massages = 120 hrs
246 hrs
Full Curriculum (Principal + Enhanced)
189 hrs
90 massages = 165 hrs
354 hrs
*NOTE: Principal Certification modules 1-3 are pre-requisites for each of these courses.

For course dates and locations, as well as information on how to register, follow this link to our Course Dates & Locations page.

Specialty Courses:

As an adjunct to the Professional Training system outlined above, there are also a range of other courses that we offer.

Adjunct Training Modules
Specialty Module Time Pre-requisites CEU’s Available
Introduction to Thai Massage

In this 4-hour taster course, you are introduced to the fundamentals of Thai massage. Through hands-on practice, you will learn a blissful 35-minute massage sequence, gaining first-hand experience in both giving and receiving Thai massage. Once you have learned the basics of Thai massage, you can share this beautiful gift with your family and friends. They will certainly appreciate it! Bring them along and you can swap massages when in need.
4 hrs None None
Thai Yoga Stretching for Exercise Professionals (Part 1)

Effective flexibility training not only helps prevent injury, it improves muscle recovery, athletic performance, functional independence, and the client-trainer relationship. This hands-on workshop is geared toward trainers, instructors, coaches, and anyone who works with physically active individuals. Gain an understanding of how to incorporate total body flexibility into each client’s individualized workout program. You’ll learn a series of assisted stretching techniques inspired by Thai yoga therapy. Practice proper body mechanics to keep your own body safe as you assist your clients in various stretches.
8 hrs Fitness
Certification
canfitpro (4 FIS, 4 PTS)
Thai Yoga Stretching for Exercise Professionals (Part 2)

Building on concepts and techniques learned in part 1, we expand our discussion to focus more on mobility and function than flexibility alone. Previously learned skills are refined and explored in greater depth, and elements of massage are now incorporated into your Thai stretching sessions. New stretches as well as variations on existing techniques expand your repertoire, allowing you to select the most appropriate Thai yoga postures for each individual client.
8 hrs Fitness
Certification, Thai Yoga Stretching for Exercise Professionals (Part 1)
canfitpro (4 FIS, 4 PTS)
Savasanahhh

Savasanahhh is the perfect blend of compassionate touch and restorative yoga. Guide your students deeper into relaxation, restoration and bliss with this fluid combination of Thai massage and restorative yoga. Learning to provide compassionate touch will do more than just enhance your restorative classes – it will act as a conduit to deeper connection and greater wellbeing in all aspects of your life. It will also provide the skill and confidence to approach hands-on assists in any yoga class. Our teaching approach focuses on the essentials of compassionate touch, practicing in a safe and sustainable way whilst providing you with the practical skills that will allow you to translate Thai massage immediately and effectively into your classes.
There are no prerequisites for this training. It has been designed with yoga teachers in mind, but is certainly open to all who are wanting to experience this powerful union of Thai massage and yoga.
19 lectures, ONLINE COURSE None Yoga Alliance, CMTO (2A)
Table Thai Massage

Open to Registered Massage Therapists and those who have completed the Principal Certification requirements, this course transports your knowledge of Thai massage and brings it to the table. A valuable addition to any tool-belt, this course creates even greater accessibility for those who are unable or who find it difficult to get down onto the mats. It also creates a more familiar setting where clients who have never received Thai massage before feel more comfortable.
21 hrs Licensed Massage Therapist or
Principal
Certification
CMTO (10.5A), 41 CE hours (NCBTMB)

For a more detailed curriculum overview, please download the document below:
Detailed Curriculum Information

Remember to check out the Course Dates & Locations page for our upcoming course calendar.

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