Thai Yoga Massage Professional Diploma

Would you like to become professionally qualified to give relaxing yet deep body work in the traditional style of northern Thailand?

Shiatsu and Thai Massage Training Scotland offers a diploma in authentic Thai Yoga Massage in Glasgow. This is a unique opportunity to learn with experienced teachers who apprenticed with masters from the temples of Northern Thailand. The course is a fully insurable, accredited qualification with Federation of Holistic Therapists and meets Level Three National Occupational Standards.

Thai Massage is in demand. It is a growing field in the therapy industry. We will bring you to a high standard in a short period of time. We will support you with skilled individual attention along the way.

Traditional Thai Yoga massage is a dynamic healing art. It involves massage techniques, gentle palm and thumb pressure, and passive applied stretches. These stretches resemble the poses of yoga. The receiver wears loose clothing. Originally, monks practiced it at the temple. It is a spiritual practice that stems back to the times of Buddha and before. The massage techniques are applied as a moving meditation of Metta (loving kindness). It is a truly rewarding experience which leaves both giver and receiver more stretched, relaxed & in balance.

You may already be a massage therapist, looking to enhance your existing career. Perhaps a yoga teacher looking to offer a more comprehensive service to your students. Or a Shiatsu practitioner seeking another string to your bow.

However, no prior experience in massage or yoga is necessary.

The course can bring a fresh start from an unrelated career, offering flexible working hours and benefits to your own health and well-being.

In simple stages, you will be shown how to apply a wide repertoire of techniques. These are varied. We begin by using gentle palm and thumb pressure, moving effectively with your body weight. You will also learn to confidently apply passive stretches and yoga poses to your client. You will have plenty of supervised practice time. You also learn about the theory of this ancient healing art. This includes the Sen energy lines, breathing and meditation techniques, and the historical context of the therapy.

This course has been established for over 12 years and is the most comprehensive available in the country. It is taught by teachers with unique and extensive experience in Thai bodywork. They are also skilled in various other disciplines including acupuncture, acroyoga, Qi Gong, dance therapy, yoga teaching, Shiatsu, and mindfulness.

Practical training sessions for the Diploma level qualification are held in four separate weekend training modules. In 2026 there are 8 modules to choose from. See dates of practical modules here

Training is held at Mango Studio, the home of Shiatsu and Thai Massage Training Scotland: 72 Berkeley Street, Charing Cross, Glasgow G3 7DS

The main course teacher is Lucy Trend, with extra assistant teachers, ensuring a generous student to teacher ratio. Read about Lucy here

Theory study is in the form of an online course. This is self led and involves some reading, some quizzes, and some project work, in bite sized, step by step modules.

Outline of Course Curriculum and Requirements:

-Mindfulness and yoga warm up skills are included in the course curriculum.
-Each student is allocated individual tutorial time with the head tutor.
-Thai Medicine theory and contextual online studies are required for professional certification. Allow up to 30 hours for reading and study.
-Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and Health and Safety online study are required. Allow 40 – 90 hours for this aspect of your study, depending on your learning style, or prior experience. This is not required for students with existing level 3 massage qualification.
-Theory modules are online in your own time.
-Two hours of weekly home practice are necessary for all students. This dedication is essential so that you can perfect the techniques between the training weekends.
-You’ll need healthy willing friends or family without injuries or illness to practise on.
-Accessibility: if any aspect of the course is inaccessible to you, for any reason, please enquire about accessibility options. This includes disability or diverse learning styles.

Do you have some more questions about the course? Click here to check the FAQs

If you would like to register for the full training, or have further questions please e-mail your enquiry to Lucy: info@stmts.co.uk

See also: Foundation and CPD Courses

Full Diploma level training includes:
- 4 x 2-day non-residential training weekends at Mango Studio in Glasgow (online attendance is possible for some modules)
- One to One tutorial with principle instructor
- Assessment and case studies
- All the online study required for professional practice, which are:
  - Level Three Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
  - Traditional Thai Medicine Practice, Context and History
  - Massage Therapy practical theory
Single Module pathway This is for those who may not be in a position to commit to the full course immediately. Begin by attending your chosen module/s as stand alone courses, and upgrade to Diploma level once you are ready to commit to the further study. See info on single practical modules here
Repeaters: Half price deal for those who have already done the training but would like to consolidate their foundational skills. Many students find they learn more deeply second time around. Others may have taken a break from practice, and repeating the course gives them renewed confidence in their latent skills.

Reviews

Such a great course!

“Such a great course learning different aspects of Thai Massage. I have been equipped to provide great treatments and I’m eager to learn even more!”

— Ashley T, class of 2023

A beautiful therapy!

Thai Massage is a beautiful therapy and gives me a lot, I enjoyed learning it and the group was also a pleasure to work with”

— SF, class of 2023

Such a great teacher!

The course has been really fantastic for giving me confidence that I didn’t have before, and I really appreciate Lucy being such a great teacher.”

— Bracken Holroyd, class of 2019

A fantastic experience!

“I enjoyed the structure the course, the material covered, and the teachers and assistants were always there to help. A fantastic experience!”

— MC, Yoga Teacher, class of 2018

A relaxed learning environment!

“The relaxed and friendly learning environment made it a joy to learn, Lucy is an excellent teacher. And I have met a lovely bunch of people and made some lifelong friends”

— Charlie Prouse, class of 2018

Absolutely fantastic!

“The entire experience has been absolutely fantastic; the relaxed environment and relaxed teaching style, the teacher’s skills and experience, and the individual feedback has always been constructive and in depth.”

— Stephen Rogan, yoga teacher and massage therapist, class of 2014