THAI YOGA MASSAGE
PRACTITIONER QUALIFICATION TRAINING
with Hugo Abecassis | Embodied Yoga Anatomy School
Certified by International Massage School Thailand
& Embodied Yoga Anatomy
5-DAY INTENSIVE THAI YOGA MASSAGE TRAINING
Do you feel called to learn an ancient healing practice that allows you to make a profound difference in the lives of others? ​​​
​Join us for a certified training course in the art of Thai Yoga Massage whilst you enjoy the beautiful Portuguese countryside.​
This is an accredited practitioner course and a retreat in one - perfect for practicing and learning the techniques, while also enjoying a break to find more presence, peace, and connection to yourself and nature.
In this 30-hour accredited training course you will gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in the ancient and healing power of the Nuad Bo-Rarn Thai Yoga Massage, a powerful bodywork modality recognized for its ability to alleviate physical pain, ease stress and overwhelm, and restore balance —both physically and emotionally.
​This training will offer you the skills to effectively support others in their healing journeys, while also encouraging you to deepen your own self-healing process.​​
By the end of this training, you'll be a certified bodyworker, ready to make a meaningful impact.
This 5-day intensive corresponds to Level 1 of the Thai Massage Practitioner Qualification Training.
If you do not wish to complete Level 1 and Level 2 in the same year, that’s no problem at all. You can take Level 1 this year and move on to Level 2 when you're ready.
You will receive a certificate upon completing Level 1, regardless of whether you choose to continue with Level 2.
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Level I - Foundation Practitioner Training
This level equips you with a comprehensive understanding of Thai Yoga Massage principles, enabling you to confidently give an effective 1.5-hour treatment by the end of the training.
27 March - 01 April 2025
Level II - Intermediate Practitioner Training
At this level, we focus on the therapeutic application and customized sequencing for each client, preparing you to perform a comprehensive 1.5 to 3-hour Thai Massage.
September 2025 (dates TBC)
ABOUT
HUGO ABECASSIS
Osteopath, Thai Yoga Massage Trainer and Yoga Teacher
Founder of Embodied Yoga Anatomy School
As a dedicated Thai Yoga Massage trainer with over 20 years of experience in both bodywork and Yoga, Hugo has taught countless students how to access the powerful healing techniques of this ancient practice.
His passion for anatomy and the functioning of the human body allows him to provide a comprehensive practical understanding of how Thai Yoga Massage works to ease pain and promote overall wellbeing.
His approach is also grounded in compassion, mindfulness, and respect for each individual's unique healing journey. He is committed to guiding every participant to tap into their own healing potential while mastering the art of Thai Yoga Massage.
"I believe that, as humans we are unique and each one of us share's a different experience in life.
All of those experiences are imprinted in the body, so as such, the body can be read just like reading a book.
Past, present and even future is imprinted in the tissues and that can be seen as postural behaviour, traumas, injuries, genetics, etc.
The body simply assumes an atitude as a register of all we have gathered and experienced.
My work and research pursuits the knowledge and integrity of the human body as a first step to understand deeper aspects of the being." | Hugo Abecassis
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Relevant Experience & Education:. Founder of the Embodied Yoga Anatomy and the Yoga Functional Anatomy specialized Course. . Certified Advanced Practitioner and Teacher Training Program (CAPT) 390 hours by ITM - International Training Massage School, Chiang Mai - Thailand . Completed the Yoga Teacher's Training Course at the Yoga Vidya Gurukul school in Kaivalya Nagari – India. . Certified by the UK Yoga Alliance Professionals as a Senior Yoga Teacher. . Post Graduation in Oriental Philosophies at the Lisbon University. . Certified Ayurvedic Therapist by the Asho School of Ayurveda and PanchaKarma - Dharamsala and by the Hemadri Ayurveda Center in Rishikesh - India. . Certified structural, visceral and cranial Osteopath by the Kiros Integral Health Institute of Seville and the Red Cross University of Portugal. . Certified on Biological therapies by the Kiros Integral Health Institute of Seville. . Neuro Somatic Reprogramming Certified practitioner. . More than 20 hours of Fascial Dissection livestream by Anatomy Trains. . Anatomy Trains Structural Integration: Structural Essentials . Human Anatomy Cadaver Observation Course at the Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University.
WHAT IS THAI YOGA MASSAGE?
The practice of Thai Yoga Massage, the Nuad Bo-Rarn style, is a unique and powerful holistic healing therapy that stems from the ancient Buddhist tradition.
It is said to be thousands of years old, but it is still part of Thailand's medical system due to its perceived healing properties at both emotional and physical levels.
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A traditional Thai Yoga massage session is performed on the floor in loose clothing and with a special Thai Mat. A session typically ranges from 90 to 120 minutes or more if necessary.
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As a traditional mind-body medicine, Thai Massage works with applied techniques to stimulate deep relaxation in the body and release energy blocks and stagnation throughout the entire system. ​​​​​​​​​​​​
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In a profoundly unique way, Thai Yoga Massage brings together a combination of elements from:
- yoga
- acupressure
- reflexology
- meditation
- energy work in the meridians (known as SEN lines).
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Practitioners incorporate purposeful stretching together with massage techniques with their palms, thumbs, forearms, knees and feet, for muscle compression, joint mobilization, and acupressure.
Thai Yoga Massage can be seen as a gentle dance between the therapist and the patient. ​
​This holistic therapy is a beautiful and deep experience both for the patient and the practitioner, relying on bodywork to restore the natural energy harmony in the body and mind, in a space of presence and intuitive listening.​
With the release of blockages in the body’s energy system, a new safe and sacred space is created in the body-mind system, encouraging deep healing and regeneration.
HOW DOES THAI MASSAGE WORK?
Thai Massage promotes general health and restores a deep sense of peace and wellbeing.
Some benefits may include:
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Enhances flexibility and improves posture by strengthening the back muscles and improving alignment;
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Improves sensory awareness, body's functional movement and vitality;
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Boost the immune system;
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Helps to dissolve muscular tension and can counteract physical and mental exhaustion, stress and anxiety symptoms;
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Improves circulation throughout the entire body by increasing blood flow to all organs and muscles;
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Helps with digestion
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Relieves constipation;
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Helps creating space in the body and decreasing emotional tension;
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Relaxes the body, improves sleep, particularly deep sleep;
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Increases metabolism;
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Helps restoring the nervous system;
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Helps synchronizing the body's natural intelligence and internal healthy rhythms. ​
The main goal of Thai Massage is the prevention of disease (since all diseases start at an energetic level before manifesting at the physical level); however, it can also have amazing therapeutic benefits to alleviate various imbalances and problematic conditions, such as neck and back pain, arthritis, digestive issues, insomnia, headaches, migraines, menstrual problems and PMS symptoms , and stress-related conditions.
Promoting this free flow of energy also works to restore balance and create a deep state of relaxation and well-being for both the client and practitioner.
As a practitioner, you will feel blessed when your clients tell you that they haven’t felt so good in a long time.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS COURSE
By the end of this course, you will be able to give a balanced 90 minute treatment.
This course is the first level of Thai yoga massage training course, covering a deep foundation and detailed understandings of the principles of Thai Yoga Massage, along with practicing a full body massage sequence from feet to head.
You will incorporate the fundamentals of effortless, flowing transitions between postures, and learn how to maintain proper body alignment and apply energy balance through Thai Sen lines. You will learn many techniques to create and give individualized sequences of relaxing and effective massage treatments for healthy bodies.
This course also offers an experience of Thai massage as a deep, personal journey, where the process of learning how to touch, feel and listen relate just as much to extending that practice to ourselves as to others.
Within a small group setting, you will receive guided attention and instructions to ensure you leave the training with confidence and understanding.
You will also receive a supportive manual to continue your practice at home and the knowledge to develop your own intuitive form of giving.
WHAT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH BY THE END OF THIS TRAINING
Proficient in Thai Yoga Massage Techniques
Master the foundational techniques of Thai Yoga Massage, including stretches, acupressure, and energy line work. You’ll gain hands-on experience that empowers you to effectively relieve pain and promote relaxation.
Holistic Healing Approach
Learn to assess your clients’ needs and provide tailored support that addresses both physical and emotional imbalances. This will enable you to foster wellbeing that goes beyond the surface, creating a lasting impact on your clients’ lives. ​
Confidence as a Bodyworker
My aim is for you to leave this training feeling confident, safe, and fully equipped as a bodyworker. You’ll be ready to establish your own practice and start earning income from your skills.
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Personal Transformation and Self-Healing
Engage in a transformative journey that invites you into deeper self-awareness and promotes your own healing. This focus on personal growth will not only enrich your life but also enable you to inspire and support others on their healing journeys.​
WHAT PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
I recently completed Levels 1 and 2 of the Thai Yoga Massage course with Hugo, and it was an incredible experience!
Hugo is an attentive and skilled teacher, creating a safe, supportive environment that made learning both enjoyable and enriching. His clear explanations and gentle guidance helped me feel confident in practicing each technique, and I really appreciated how Hugo tailored his teaching to each student’s needs.
I left the course feeling inspired and confident in my new skills as a Thai Yoga Massage practitioner.
Highly recommend!
Ana Henriques
The Thai Yoga Massage course with Hugo was truly transformative. From start to finish, I felt fully supported in a nurturing environment that made learning both enjoyable and impactful.
Hugo is a patient and knowledgeable teacher who explains each movement and technique with deep clarity, ensuring we understand not just the 'how' but also the 'why' behind this beautiful practice.
The course has not only deepened my appreciation for Thai Yoga Massage but also equipped me with practical skills to confidently begin offering this therapy.
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I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in a new career path or looking to expand their healing practice!
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Maria Gomes
My initial goal was not to become a therapist or a massage practitioner, but to integrate this knowledge into my practice and adjustments in yoga.
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This course allowed me to better understand anatomy and the art of alignment, which are essential in my yoga teaching.
I was able to apply it directly to my classes, offering my students a more aligned and beneficial experience.
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Many of my fellow trainees have gone on to become very talented therapists. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the human body and develop skills in alignment and adjustment.
Masha Seguy
Anyone who works with people recognises the importance of knowing how to get through to different personalities and egos, as well as knowing one self.
Thai Yoga Massage training was part of this ongoing journey. This particular experience was crucial to feel more comfortable with “hands on” adjustments during class, and also, it teaches us and challenges us to develop more subtle communication skills.
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Highly recommend it!
Susana Coito
WHO IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR?
There are no prerequisites.
This training is for anyone interested to train as a qualified Thai Yoga Massage therapist, such as:
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complete beginners wishing to learn how to work with the body and discover new and deeper ways of touching and relating to others and themselves;
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yoga teachers, osteopaths, physiotherapists, dancers and sports people, who will find Thai Yoga Massage invaluable for expanding their hands-on skills;
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individuals who simply wish to learn an effective healing art to help friends and family members;
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individuals already working in this field, are committed to continued training to deepen their practice and broaden their skillset;
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people already working with alternative therapies who wish to further their studies;
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anyone on a journey of self-development or looking for a deeper connection to themselves and life in general.
DETAILED SYLLABUS
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The history, philosophy and medical theory behind Thai Massage;
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The benefits of Thai Yoga Massage;
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Basic applied anatomy;
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An overview of the foundations and principles of Thai massage, including proper posture and alignment, how to use gravity and your own body weight to give deep pressure;
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Care for the client and therapist before, during, and after the massage;
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How to prepare the space for a treatment;
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How to save your own energy while giving a massage treatment;
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How to consider the receiver's level of flexibility and energetic state in a treatment;
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Safe body mechanics;
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The contraindication to be aware of;
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How to stay grounded and present during treatment;
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How to sequence a complete treatment according to the needs of the receiver
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Meditations and practical exercises to explore presence, self-awareness, qualities of touch, and developing compassion and intuition.
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ABOUT RETIRO DO BOSQUE
Located at the heart of Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, with a unique green landscape, Retiro do Bosque Country House is the ideal place to get in tune with Nature inside and around us.
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Rebuilt from a family house, mixing the ancestral roots of a village that is almost 900 years old and a modern simplicity that will make you feel welcomed as if you were at home.
The house is located in a small forest full of native species: a centuries-old oak tree, ash trees and fig trees, in the shade of which you can relax on one of the sun loungers, read a good book or simply listen to the songs of blackbirds, hoopoes and thrushes.
Retiro do Bosque is 1hour (100km) away from Lisbon Portela Airport. We can arrange pick-up and transfer services for you at a fair cost.
DATES AND INVESTMENT
Dates: 27th March to 1st of April 2025
Course fee: €1 400
The price includes:
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all tuition and a comprehensive manual;
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5 nights of shared accommodation (2 beds*);
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3 delicious vegetarian meals per day (+ fruit and biscuits during the day);
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international certificates issued by International Massage School Thailand & Embodied Yoga Anatomy.
*single accommodation is available at an additional expense, subject to availability. Please let us know if you would like this option.
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The price does not include travel to and from Retiro do Bosque, insurance or any extra activities.
Payment in installments is available if needed.
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a 200€ deposit is required for the reservation.
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50% paid until 01/01/2025 (600€)
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50% paid until 28/02/2025 (600€)
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​You can pay via paypal on the link below, or feel free to contact us if you prefer to do a bank transfer, use REVOLUT or MBWAY.
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REFUND POLICY
The course payment will be refunded:
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If the cancelation is done up to 60 days before the training starts, the full amount will be refunded;
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If the cancelation is done after that period and until 30 days before the training initiates, the student will have a penalty of the 100€ reservation deposit (at this point the applicant can try to find another student to take his place, this way there will be no penalty);
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30 days before the program initiates and until the end of the training, no refund will be granted unless there's a valid and justified serious motive or disease.
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The training will have a minimum of 8 participants and a maximum of 12 participants. If the minimum participant requirement is not met, the training may be postponed with up to 2 months' notice, and you will receive a full refund if you wish to cancel.
DETAILED SCHEDULE
Arrival day (27/03) - everyone arriving after lunchtime. We will have a short orientation and introduction session and practice (15:00 | 18:30), and then enjoy dinner together.
The training days typically unfold as follows:
7:45 | 8:30 - Yoga (optional)
8:30 | 9:30 - breakfast
9:30 | 13:00 - class
13:00 | 15:30 - lunch / break / study
15:30 | 18:30 - class
18:30 | 19:30 – group practice session
19:30 - dinner
Last day (01/04) - on the last day we will have yoga, breakfast and final examination.
Everyone will be free to leave after lunchtime or enjoy the venue until the end of the day.
LOCATION
