East Meets West in Thai Massage Program

East Meets West in
Thai Massage Program

Appointments for Student Massage Clinics begin March 10

SFCC’s Massage Therapy Program, now in its fifth year, has added training in Thai Massage. Unlike Swedish and Deep Tissue massage, also taught at SFCC, Thai Massage is rooted in Eastern/Thai Medicine and Buddhist philosophy. The clothed client lies on a futon-style mat on the floor while the therapist uses a variety of techniques to release pain and discomfort and increase flexibility and range of motion.

Thai Massage Program Instructor Emily Graves said, “The practitioner moves throughout the client’s body, massaging using compression, rocking, passive stretching, joint mobilization, and more. The therapist uses different parts of their body such as feet, knees, elbows, hands as ‘tools’ with which to massage. Advanced Thai practitioners incorporate techniques such as cupping, herbal compresses, Thai tools, and more.”

Julianna Santillanes, Massage Therapy Program Lead, is excited to add Thai Massage to the College’s offerings. She recognized that Graves, an instructor in SFCC’s program since its launch in 2020, had the right experience, training, and initiative to develop and lead the Thai Massage Program. It is one of the few programs in the country that prepares students who are not yet Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) to become licensed in massage therapy while providing a complete education in the practice, history, and culture of Thai Massage. Additionally, current LMTs can complete a 400-hour certificate in Thai Massage to gain practical competency rooted in the assessment and treatment of this comprehensive practice. 

Thai Massage student cohorts begin each January, while students studying Western massage begin in August. “One of the great perks for the community is that SFCC has expanded student massage sessions from March through December. It gives people the opportunity to try both forms of massage,” Santillanes said. Members of the public can secure appointments beginning March 10. Students in the Thai Massage Program will offer a massage clinic for the public in June.

Thai Massage was healing for instructor 

Graves explained her love for Thai Massage grew out of her passion for Muay Thai boxing, which she has practiced for 27 years. After sustaining major injuries unrelated to the sport, she credits Thai Massage for providing healing from those injuries, inspiring her to learn the craft.

Twenty-two years ago, Graves devoted herself to intensive Thai Massage study. She was mentored by Thai Massage Master Pichest Boonthame, along with many excellent teachers throughout the years. Upon arriving to New Mexico in 2008, she was eager to continue her professional Thai Massage practice but discovered that the only way she could earn a state license was to attend an expensive private massage school that did not include training in Thai Massage. She completed a 705-hour program in Western deep tissue and medical massage. After passing the national licensing exam, she has practiced here for many years.

Part of her values, based in Thai Massage principles, is in healing and teaching others what she has been given by her teachers. Frustrated by not finding a program with a path to licensure in Thai Massage, she has worked diligently to develop the SFCC program for others. She believes that practitioners need to understand the rich culture and philosophy behind Thai Massage. “Thai Massage is for anyone. So much of its original practice is intertwined with Buddhist ideals. In addition to the anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and science our students study, our program also teaches about concepts such as the four elements and ‘sen,’ and Thai approaches to self-care.”

Santillanes and Graves emphasize that SFCC’s massage program tracks are rigorous. After earning a certificate or A.A.S. degree, graduates are eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEX) to qualify for New Mexico state licensure.

In addition to a full program of study in Thai Massage, there are yearly courses for massage therapists seeking continuing education credits. Find applications for admission to the programs and more information on the Massage Therapy Program and Thai Massage Therapy Program pages.