Created and Delivered by
The Barefoot Therapist
Traditional Thai Massage Diploma
Grounded, practical, and deeply connected to the craft of touch. This course trains qualified bodyworkers (Irish Level 5 / UK Level 3) to deliver authentic Thai Massage with confidence, balance, and care — blending structure, rhythm, and mindful movement into every session
Why study Thai Massage?
Thai Massage is a treatment your clients will genuinely love — no undressing, no oils, no fuss. They simply arrive in something comfy, lie down, and let their body unwind. The work leaves people feeling rebalanced, refreshed, energised, and often a little taller.
For therapists, it’s a game‑changer. Learning to use your bodyweight instead of muscle strength allows you to apply deep, effective pressure in a way clients can fully relax into. It also protects your hands and wrists from the strain that often comes with strong treatments.
You’ll learn how to use your feet and knees to deliver broader, more grounded pressure, helping you work deeply with far less effort — and giving clients a more comfortable, less sore experience afterwards.
Most therapists find that studying Thai Massage transforms how they approach all of their treatments. It enhances your flow, your confidence, your body mechanics, and your overall therapeutic presence. It’s not just a new skill to add to your range — it’s a way of working that supports both you and your clients for the long term.
**This is a fully floor‑based course. You’ll be sitting, kneeling, and moving on the mat for long periods, so you’ll need to feel reasonably comfortable working this way. If you’re unsure whether this suits your body, just get in touch — we can chat through it and look at alternative training options if needed.**
What to expect on the course
This diploma runs over 8 full days of practical, hands‑on training. For private tuition or very small groups (up to 3 learners), the full practical training is completed over 6 days, with assessments taking place on Days 5 and 6.
Thai Massage is a physical, floor‑based treatment, so you can expect plenty of movement, kneeling, and working close to the mat. It’s a demanding but deeply rewarding way of working, and you’ll be supported throughout to move safely, sustainably, and with confidence.
During the course, you’ll learn a complete Thai Massage routine that gives you a strong framework to build from. You’ll explore a wide range of techniques, assisted stretches, and adaptations so you can tailor treatments to your clients’ individual needs. The focus is always on using bodyweight, balance, and grounded pressure to protect your joints while delivering deep, rebalancing, energising work.
For group courses, Days 7 and 8 include two practical assessments to ensure you can safely deliver treatments and have fully integrated the skills taught. For private tuition or groups of up to three, these assessments take place on Days 5 and 6.
After your practical training, you’ll have 6 months to complete four case studies (each client receiving a minimum of six treatments). Once your case studies are submitted and assessed, you’ll receive your certification.
Who can attend this course?– This course is available to holistic therapists with a level 5 qualification in body massage (or UK level 3) or an equivalent qualification covering anatomy and physiology, consultation skills, understanding of contra-indications to treatments and experience in bodywork.
If you do not have an anatomy and physiology qualification, there are many available at colleges and online, if you are not sure, send me a message with a course link, ill be happy to take a look. Here is a link for a suggested course from FHT – https://anatomy-and-physiology-online-courses.co.uk/product/anatomy-physiology-ap-level-3-diploma-fht-accredited/
Course accreditation
This diploma is fully accredited by AIT – Associated Irish Therapists. If you require therapy insurance, AIT will provide cover for Traditional Thai Massage once you have successfully completed the course.
Learners who choose to insure with AIT can also receive 10% off their insurance package by using the code BAREFOOT88 when applying online.
While this is a well‑recognised and widely accepted qualification, therapists insured with other providers should check with their insurer to confirm that Thai Massage training accredited by AIT is covered under their policy before enrolling.
Course cost
Private tuition / 1:1 learning – €1200
Group of 2 learners – €1100 per person
Group of 3–4 learners – €1000 per person
Group of 6 learners – €900 per person
Booking terms and conditions
Course rate
- 25% cancellation fee up to 30 days before Day 1 of the course
- 50% cancellation fee up to 14 days before Day 1
- No refunds or amendments within 14 days of the course start date
If we need to reschedule or cancel any course dates at any time, you will always be offered the choice of transferring to another available date or receiving a full refund.
Important note about accommodation and travel
If you are booking accommodation to attend this course, please ensure it is fully refundable or amendable. While rare, it may be necessary for us to amend or cancel course dates right up to the start date. We cannot accept liability for any costs associated with cancelling or changing accommodation or travel arrangements.
Qualification requirements
This training is for qualified therapists only. A copy of your Level 5 Body Massage qualification (or UK Level 3 equivalent) will be required before attending the course.
If you are unsure whether your qualification meets the entry requirements, please contact us before booking. Cancellations due to insufficient qualifications will incur a €50 admin fee, which will be deducted from your refund.
Ready to book? All booking details are available here.
