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Asian Modalities Certificate Program

ASIAN MODALITIES CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

What You'll Learn

  • The benefits, indications, contraindications, and assessments for shiatsu and Thai massage
  • The application and techniques of Asian modalities
  • The history of shiatsu and Thai massage
  • Traditional Chinese medicine, including Qi, Yin Yang theory, Five Element theory, channels (meridians), tsubo, as well as principles of traditional Thai medicine

Approvals in the United States

100 NCBTMB Approved Continuing Education Units (60 units – Shiatsu & Traditional Chinese Medicine + 40 units – Thai Massage)

    • Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy NCBTMB Approved Provider Number: 1020

Course Overview

Students of the Asian Modalities Certificate Program will learn how to perform two types of Asian bodywork, shiatsu from Japan and Thai massage from Thailand, which are based on balancing the energetic systems of the body.

To give students a solid foundation of knowledge to support the hands-on skills learned, the history of these modalities are presented, along with traditional Chinese medicine, including Qi, Yin Yang theory, Five Element theory, channels (meridians), tsubo, as well as principles of traditional Thai medicine.

Students learn the benefits, indications, contraindications, and assessments for shiatsu and Thai massage. In our Shiatsu and Thai massage training programs, students will also learn the proper application of palming, finger and thumbing techniques, elbow and forearm techniques, stretching, joint mobilization, and foot techniques with the use of effective and efficient body mechanics.

Warm-up, centering, and focusing methods are emphasized as well as postural awareness. At the completion of the class, students are able to perform 60-minute traditional shiatsu and Thai massage treatments on a mat on the floor.

Both written and hands-on evaluations will be used to assess students for a complete understanding of techniques prior to receipt of the Shiatsu and Thai massage certification.

The addition of these modalities makes practitioners more versatile, enriching the menu of services bodywork practitioners offer their clients. For example, some clients will be drawn to the centering and grounding aspects of shiatsu and Thai massage. Others may prefer how the stretching makes their bodies feel. Yet others may like that no lubricants are used and that they remain fully clothed instead of being draped by a sheet. This versatility can help develop a stable client base by giving clients options in addition to Western massage therapy.

Prerequisites

  • Must be a Licensed or Certified Massage Therapist
  • Shiatsu and Thai Massage are performed on mats on the ground. There is significantly greater physical demand on the body of the practitioner than traditional table work including spending time kneeling, bending, lifting, squatting, sitting on the buttocks, and using the feet and toes.
Overview
Instructor: Malvina Lorida and Stacy Allen
Dates: May 13 - June 7, 2025
Location: Playa Samara, Costa Rica
Cost: Starting at $1,500

Frequently Asked Questions

Dates

100 Hour Complete Program
May 13th - June 7th, 2025

60 Hour Shiatsu and TCM Only
May 13th - 25th, 2025

40 Hour Thai Massage Only
May 27th - June 7th, 2025

Price

100 Hour Complete Program
Tuition and Shared Accommodations: $3,750

60 Hour Shiatsu and TCM Only
Tuition and Shared Accommodations: $2,250

40 Hour Thai Massage Only
Tuition and Shared Accommodations: $1,500

Accommodations

Enjoy simple and comfortable accommodations in our Costa Rican style bungalows tucked away in the heart of Playa Samara just seconds from the beach. Each 2 or 3 bedroom bungalow is fully furnished with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and living room. Single or double bedrooms are available as well as studio apartments. Enjoy the swimming pool, lush gardens, WiFi access, hot water showers, and fans. A/C is available at an additional charge.

What's Included?
  • 100 NCBTMB Approved Continuing Education Units (60 units – Shiatsu & Traditional Chinese Medicine + 40 units – Thai Massage)
    • Costa Rica School of Massage Therapy NCBTMB Approved Provider Number: 1020
  • Accommodations in our Oasis Villas – fully appointed bungalows with complete kitchens in the heart of Playa Samara
  • Airport Pickup and Dropoff
  • Text book and use of all classroom facilities (tables, linens, lubricant etc.)
What's Not Included?
  • Airfare
  • Meals – all accommodations come with fully equipped kitchens, and there are several local grocers including an organic market all within 5 minutes
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Upcoming Programs

Asian Modalities Certificate Program (100 Hours) Continuing Education
Asian Modalities Certificate Program (100 Hours)

May 13th - June 7th, 2025

Shiatsu & Traditional Chinese Medicine (60 Hours) Continuing Education
Shiatsu & Traditional Chinese Medicine (60 Hours)

May 13th - 25th, 2025

Thai Massage Program (40 Hours) Continuing Education
Thai Massage Program (40 Hours)

May 27th - June 7th, 2025

Asian Modalities Certificate Program (100 Hours) Continuing Education
Asian Modalities Certificate Program (100 Hours)

November 30 - December 20, 2025

Shiatsu & Traditional Chinese Medicine (60 Hours) Continuing Education
Shiatsu & Traditional Chinese Medicine (60 Hours)

November 30 - December 12, 2025

Thai Massage Program (40 Hours) Continuing Education
Thai Massage Program (40 Hours)

December 10 - 20, 2025

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Map-location

PLAYA SÁMARA, COSTA RICA

Location

Playa Samara is a perfect paradise for continuing education in orthopedic massage in Costa Rica. The town is nestled in the beautiful green hills of the famous Nicoya Blue Zone on the Pacific Coast of the peaceful Central American nation.

Highlights

Enjoy strolling the streets of the small downtown area and visiting the many local and international restaurants, bars and discos, and cute gift shops. The beautiful and tranquil Samara Bay is surrounded by miles of palm tree lined white sand beaches and provides a perfect and safe location for kayaking, snorkeling, surfing, SUP, and swimming as well.

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