Thai Yoga Massage level 1 & 2 practitioner qualification training 
​with Katrin Heuser

Discover the power of Thai Yoga Massage.

Are you dedicated to supporting individuals seeking balance in their physical and emotional well-being?​
This training is an opportunity to learn an ancient and powerful form of bodywork with countless benefits and to develop the skills to support people in their individual healing process. At the same time this course offers the chance to embark on or continue your own ongoing journey of growth and self-development. 

In this 120h accredited training course you will gain comprehensive Thai Yoga Massage knowledge and skills to support people with your healing touch. Become a qualified bodyworker.

Upcoming courses in Portugal

Residential practitioner training
1st 2025 cohort - Level 1: 14th - 22nd May // Level 2: 22nd - 28th May
​2nd 2025 cohort - Level 1: 5th - 13th September // Level 2: 13th - 19th September

In today's world, many experience a sense of disconnection.

​By nature, we are Beings of relation. But especially in today's Western society, there is a dominant culture of separation.

As a result we: 

• are not able to be in our full expression of life
• have fallen out of resonance with Nature and the world around us
• have lost the support of the village, around which we have evolved

This can lead to enormous struggle to cope with day-to-day life and feeds into the development of disease in the body.

Modern lifestyles can challenge our well-being.

It starts with wearing shoes, walking on concrete and sitting on chairs, never mind pollution, the constantly increasing speed of life, poor nutrition... the list goes on. 

As a result we: 

• lost a whole range of movement available in our body
• lost a lot of the body's innate intelligence
• have so much toxicity in our system

This means, pain and chronic conditions find it much easier to take hold of and spread through our body.

Safe spaces are becoming increasingly rare.

​It takes so much bravery to show up for life in today's times. Expectations are impossible to meet. Everything has an agenda. We are surrounded by so much suffering.

As a result we:

• are constantly on high alert
• lack the capacity to act with clarity and decisiveness
• struggle to navigate the currents of life

These are all symptoms of a highly dysregulated ​nervous system, which is the root to so many diseases. 

The power of touch in this context is so simple and yet so healing. ​With Thai Massage we can restore vitality and movement in the body, improve the health of the tissues and alleviate stagnation. ​One of the main intentions of Thai Massage is to create an opportunity for meaningful rest and self-care.

The healing potential

A clear and compassionate touch holds significant healing potential. It might invite:

• tissues to release tension
• the nervous system to settle
• movement and vitality to return to the body
• all our internal rhythms to re-harmonise
• sensory awareness to improve
• the body's innate intelligence to wake up 

As a result, individuals may experience reduced physical discomfort, increased energy, and a renewed sense of connection and well-being.​

And from this place, healing and growth can take place. ​

Who is this training for?

There are no prerequisites as such. A lot of the people joining the training are Yoga teachers, physiotherapists, massage therapists, spiritual practitioners. However, I have had a retired police woman, an accountant, a political scientist, and a school teacher love the training just as much. Here is what most of the participants have in common: 

• They are engaged in personal growth and self-development
• They are committed to their own healing and well-being
• They are going through some big changes (career change, moving to a different country, going through a divorce, etc)
• They are looking for more true connection that has been missing in their lives or work so far
• They enjoy helping people
• Those already working in this field, are committed to continued training to deepen their practice and broaden their skillset
• Some already have a very clear focus in their modality, like working with trauma survivors, and they are looking for more tools and techniques
• Others are realising they want to work more therapeutically within the field they are already in
• Everyone is drawn to Eastern Healing Arts

Level 1 - the foundations

This level offers a deep foundation and detailed understanding of the principles of Thai Yoga Massage. By the end of this training you will be able to give a balanced 1.5h treatment. 

What will you learn in this course?

• the principle of touch, which is the essence of Thai Yoga Massage
• background and benefits of Thai Yoga Massage
• embodying the teachings of the Brahmavihara (loving kindness, compassion, empathetic joy, equanimity)
• energy line system (10 Sen)
• basic anatomy and physiology
• a selection of moves and techniques that allow you to give a safe and balanced 1.5h treatment to friends and family
• how to consider the receiver's level of flexibility and energetic state in a treatment
• the important contra-indication to be aware of
• safe body mechanics
• how to prepare the space for a treatment
• ​how to stay grounded
• a selection of moves and techniques you can integrate into other bodywork you practice or with 1-2-1 yoga students
• improve your hands-on adjustments as a yoga teacher and learn some partner work you can integrate into your classes

Level 2 - therapeutic application

This level focuses on the therapeutic application and on sequencing for the client in front of us. This is for those of you who wish to become professional Thai Massage practitioners. By the end of this training you will be able to give a relevant 1.5-2h treatment.

What will you learn in this course?

• how to connect more deeply with the meditative qualities of this practice
• how to work with other body parts, e.g. using your feet, knees, elbows
• how to use your intuition and be more present
• revision of moves and techniques learnt in the Level 1 course
• advanced postures and dynamic techniques
• specific therapeutic application to help with back pain, knee pain, digestive issues and headaches
• more understanding of anatomy and physiology relevant to these conditions
• how to deal with other conditions with the tools you have
• creating a health questionnaire and what questions to ask the receiver before a treatment
• how to create a safe space (from promoting your work to the physical space and asking permission)
• the importance of your own self-care and ritual to stay grounded
• how to sequence a complete treatment according to the needs of the receiver

The beautiful marriage between Thai Massage and Yoga

Thai Yoga Massage came to life through the vision of German buddhist monk Asokananda back in the 80's, as he wanted to unite Yoga, Vipassana Meditation and Thai Massage.

Yoga teachers are particularly drawn to Thai Massage, as:

• We draw from the Yoga philosophy to help us understand the human nature and life;
• We work with energy lines and centres, much like in Yoga (the Nadis and Chakras);
• We use a lot of the Yoga stretches and twists, but in a passive form for the receiver;
• Thai Massage is very much a practice, only that two people come to the mat;
• Many Yoga teachers who practice Thai Massage find their manual adjustments and ability to listen improved;
• Thai Massage creates a lovely compliment to teaching Yoga, especially if you are into working with people on a 1-2-1 basis. Yoga teachers generally find it quite easy to create their client base for treatments.

What previous participants say

Thank you, Katrin, for teaching me this great bodywork course and for your support. It’s now over to me to make the most of the tools you’ve given me!

I completed the 2-week Thai Yoga Massage training with Katrin and absolutely loved it. The course is very intense, with so much information to take on board. However, Katrin delivers it in a logical manner, with everything clearly explained. The support and encouragement to do your best was greatly appreciated. This is the second course I’ve taken with Katrin, and it won’t be my last. Thank you, Katrin, for teaching me this great bodywork course and for your support. It’s now over to me to make the most of the tools you’ve given me!
~ Kerry

This training has a rich value that goes beyond a monetary price.

This is a hard testimonial to write, because it’s about a training course – and the training was first class – but it was truly so much more. This experience changed me for the better. Kat didn’t just teach Thai Yoga Massage; she created a supportive space for us to integrate and heal. I’m deeply grateful for the personal changes I’ve experienced since the course. This training has a rich value that goes beyond a monetary price. If you want to train authentically and with integrity, this is the training for you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Kat. Wishing you every success and happiness.
​~ Alex

I felt transformed after the course and proud to have learned a new skill I can share with others.

Kat's approach is a balanced blend of the physical and energetic. She embodies her teaching with precision and thoroughness. I appreciated the course structure, which allows time to practise new material. I felt transformed after the course and proud to have learned a new skill I can share with others.
​~ Kate

She creates a safe, peaceful, supportive environment, ideal for learning this beautiful practice.

I really love Kat's teaching and would recommend her to anyone feeling called to Thai Yoga Massage. She creates a safe, peaceful, supportive environment, ideal for learning this beautiful practice. Kat is sensitive to each individual’s needs, and I felt fully supported throughout Level 1 and 2. If you enjoy learning in small, peaceful, friendly groups, the Hadadi School is ideal. Nothing but love is found here.
​~ Claire

It has given me a wonderful new career in a beautiful, beneficial therapy.

I loved every minute of the Thai Yoga Massage course. It has given me a wonderful new career in a beautiful, beneficial therapy. Kat is a fantastic teacher, patient and thorough. A truly wonderful course which I would recommend to anyone thinking about taking their work in a new direction.
​~ Amanda

What you will walk away with by the end of the training

Relevance
My biggest wish is that by the end of this training you have gained tools and skills that you can actually put to work, that are helpful in the context of what you do. I want you to be a fully equipped,  confident and safe bodyworker and also earn money from that.

Personal growth
As bodyworkers we need to also deal with our own stories, and continuously work on building our own resilience. Study, practice, sharing, connecting with community, deepening our understanding - all so important on this incredible journey.

Improving other people's lives
​​Thai Yoga Massage has so many healing qualities, and you will be able to make such a difference for people who are struggling with pain, overwhelm and other conditions. And when they start to feel better, they can in turn also show up for their community again.

Some examples of what previous trainees are doing now

Many offer treatments, along with other complementary modalities, accompanying their clients through all ups and downs of life, and some even have their own practice/studio. 

One student specialised in working with children with Autism and ADHD, working in a special educational needs school and is showing some remarkable results with 1:1 Yoga and Thai Massage.

A couple of my students continued to study and take apprenticeship from various teachers, and now deliver their own training courses. 

What is Thai Yoga Massage?

Thai Yoga Massage comes from an ancient Buddhist tradition and is a unique combination of yoga, acupressure, meditation, physiotherapy and energy work. It is a holistic therapy form with the aim to restore the natural energy balance in body and mind.

Thai Massage, with its grounding and deeply relaxing qualities, is the perfect antidote to our modern lifestyle stresses. With the release of holding and blockages, not only the body can regenerate, but the mind also has a chance to quieten down. 

Thai Massage promotes general health and well-being. Working to release blockages in the body, it can help to improve posture, lower back pain, breathing and flexibility. It helps to dissolve muscular tension and can counteract physical and mental exhaustion, stress symptoms and discomfort. The neurological response makes the organs work more efficiently, so digestion and circulation can improve, blood pressure levels can normalise and headaches disappear. 

Qualification & certificate

Hadadi and all courses are registered with the Complimentary Medical Association, who promote ethical, responsible, professional complementary medicine to the public and the medical profession.

On completion of the training you will receive a certificate, that so far has been recognised by insurance companies of all my students around the world. 

Please note, different countries operate to different guidelines when it comes to complementary therapy, and you may also need to present an adequate anatomy and physiology qualification to obtain liability insurance in your country of practice. 

The complete training

The complete training to become a professional Thai Yoga Massage practitioner consists of: 

• Level 1 foundation course (46h)
• Level 2 practitioner training (34h)
• 25 documented case studies
• ​2 integration calls on Zoom
• Final practical assessment

It takes time to become a qualified Thai Yoga Massage practitioner. It comes with responsibility.  

This training is comprehensive, as I believe working in a therapeutic setting comes with great responsibility. My approach includes mentorship throughout the case study process, where you may face challenges and questions. This is when you will grow the most. I aim to support you during this phase, which is crucial to developing confidence and understanding.

The mentorship phase is designed to help you navigate real-world scenarios, such as:

• Consulting on specific conditions you may not be familiar with
• Managing your energy during treatments
• Clarifying feedback from clients
• Reviewing marketing materials like websites or flyers
• Discussing pricing for your practice
• Establishing safety and boundaries
• Finding additional study resources
• Building confidence to begin offering treatments

The goal is for you to have the skills and the confidence to start your own practice as a bodyworker. This training includes two levels, case studies, mentorship, and assessments to support you every step of the way.

If any of the following points speak true for you, then this course is probably not the right fit for you, at least not right now:

• You are looking for a quicker solution and are not prepared to invest the time required;
• You prefer oil-based massages or working at a massage table;
• You have severe back or joint issues that prevent you from moving across the floor with relative ease;
• You believe massage should hurt to be effective;
• You think bodyworkers are there to "fix" people;
• You are currently dealing with your own deep trauma process. Whilst this training offers a lot of space for self-growth and self-development, it could be too overwhelming for you and not aid your own healing process at the moment. You should focus on your own therapy first for now.
• You are not prepared to establish a solid self-care practice

About the venue

Casa do Limoeiro is a traditional house in an idyllic little village in Alenquer, 45 minutes north of Lisbon. The large garden offers not only a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the country air, but an abundance of fruit and vegetables for our meals.

Accommodation is designed for sharing, rooms are simple and comfortable, and most have en-suite bathrooms. The yoga dome and practice space is a very light space with beautiful views of the organic kitchen garden. Roaming peacocks and chickens may provide some entertainment ;) 

The food is made with natural ingredients prepared with care and consideration. The organic, locally sourced, naturally high-in-energy and balanced meals will provide delicious replenishment for body and soul.

The schedule

First day - everyone arriving in the afternoon between 16h and 18h.
18:00 - Opening Circle
19:30 - dinner

The other days will typically unfold like this: 
07:15-08:15 - Yoga or movement practice (optional)
08:15 - breakfast
09:30a-13:00 - class 
13:00 - lunch
16:00-19:00(ish) - class
19:30 - dinner

On the last day we will have yoga, breakfast and class. Everyone will leave straight after lunch at 14h. 

Half-way through each week, as well as at the junction between Level 1 & 2, we will have half a day off. Depending on what people want to do and also the weather, we can go for a walk, visit a local vineyard, or relax by the pool. This is important time for integration. 

Do you have any questions?

Upcoming courses in Portugal

Residential practitioner training
1st 2025 cohort - Level 1: 14th - 22nd May // Level 2: 22nd - 28th May
​2nd 2025 cohort - Level 1: 5th - 13th September // Level 2: 13th - 19th September

VISIT KATRIN'S WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO, PRICE OPTIONS & REGISTRATION

More about me

My whole life, I have been interested in the body and movement. After many years of dance, my Scoliosis lead me to Pilates and finally to Yoga and Thai Massage, which then became my path in life.

For me, my work is about the never-ending exploration of the body and mind, and a way of discovering the beauty of life. As we bring the awareness to what is happening inside and where we are in the present moment, the body is encouraged to release where it is holding. Then we can embark on a journey of restoration and growth.

I hold a 500h Level 4 NVQ Yoga Teaching qualification, trained in Manual Lymph Drainage and have studied extensively in Thai Yoga Massage and Osteothai, including a Master Osteothai qualification, over the past years. Through my work as a bodyworker comes also my understanding of trauma, chronic conditions and pain, as well as the influence of working with fascia, the craniosacral system, structural support and regulation of the nervous system.

​I used to run a Yoga Festival in London and launched an online anti-stress breathing programme. Since 2015 I live in Lisbon and run Little Yoga Space, where I teach and give Osteothai treatments, and I am the director of Hadadi, offering foundation and advanced training courses in Thai Massage and trauma-informed Yoga worldwide. 

To hear me talk about some of the above...