Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about THAI
Why should I join the Thai Healing Alliance?
Membership in THAI adds a level of professional recognition
to your practice. The THAI membership certificate and the title of RTT (Registered Thai Therapist) are visible symbols of your commitment to integrity in traditional Thai healing arts. The members-only section of the website allows you to network with students, practitioners and teachers; to research and read articles of interest; to advertise your services to members and the general population; and to stay up-to-date on relevant events in your region and in the world. The semi-annual
Living Traditions newsletter, with articles of interest and current events, is sent to all members by mail and
is also available electronically. Each member receives a listing in the official THAI directory, and may receive contacts from new clients as a result of the
client referral service accessible to the general public.
What’s the difference between THAI and other groups who have web sites on Thai massage?
There's a big difference; a very big difference. Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI) is the only
non-profit organization dedicated to the international standardization of study and practice
of
traditional Thai massage (Nuad Boran, Thai yoga therapy, etc.).
Unlike other groups, THAI is a non-partisan organization; in other words, we do
not promote one teacher or style over another. Members of THAI have
international recognition, and adhere to standards that have been endorsed by
some of the most prominent teachers and schools in the world of Thai massage.
Unlike other web sites and organizations, THAI exists to serve its members, not
simply to promote its own needs. All officers of THAI are volunteer and unpaid;
and all revenues come right back to the organization in order to better serve our
members. THAI is the only organization that has adopted standardized levels of
achievement, agreed upon by a wide variety of teachers and schools worldwide.
THAI is the only organization that is also endorsed by a wide variety of schools
and teachers in Thailand, including those who are approved by the Thai Ministry
of Education.
Is THAI a governing body or a regulatory agency?
No, it is not. Membership in THAI is voluntary and is not enforced by any laws or regulations. There
are governing bodies that regulate the practice of western massage and bodywork, Chinese medicine, physiotherapy, and other forms of healing and body therapy, but
THAI does not govern or regulate any such practice. All members of THAI must comply with their local laws and ordinances regarding their personal and professional practices.
How much does it cost to be a member,
and what are the requirements?
There are six levels of membership, each with their own
requirements and benefits.
Fees listed
below are in US dollars, valid for each two-year membership period.
- Basic Member: $85 (minimum 30 hours of study with any teacher or
school)
- Practitioner: $175 (minimum 150 hours documented formal study + 50
logged practice sessions. Members at this level or higher receive the title of RTT)
- Advanced Practitioner: $175 (minimum 270 hours of documented study,
plus 10 additional hours of Thai cultural studies, plus 240 hours of logged hands-on practice)
- Instructor: $250 (minimum 420 hours of approved study, plus 20
additional hours of Thai cultural studies, plus 500 hours hands-on practice)
- Institution: $300 (schools and institutions that offer traditional Thai
massage curricula or related healing arts.
The principal teacher must meet the Instructor level requirements listed
above.
-
Associate Member: $175 Companies engaged in education, merchandising, retail, tourism etc. who wish to be affiliated with THAI as supporting members,
advertisers or suppliers)
What about advertising?
In a sense, each member of THAI derives advertising benefits
by being listed in the web site directories, by exchanging web links, and by receiving referrals generated
through the web site. But for stronger impact and to advertise a particular
service or product, several levels of advertising are available to members of
THAI. These include adverts on the THAI web site (home page and members-only
section), and adverts in the semi-annual Living Traditions newsletter. Ads can be submitted
as camera-ready art, or you can send us your text and graphic image or logo, and
we will prepare the ad for no additional charge. Ad rates and dimensions are
available on the web site, in the Member Area section.
Do I need an e-mail address to belong to THAI?
Yes you do. Even if you don’t have a computer, you must list an e-mail address where you can receive information about membership and special events, client referrals, and other information.
Do I need my own web site to join THAI?
No, not at all. But if you do have a web site, and you
maintain membership as Practitioner level or higher, your web site can be listed in the members’ directory. All members who have their own websites share links with THAI, and display the THAI logo/link on their web site.
I’m just learning about traditional Thai Massage – can I join?
Absolutely! THAI welcomes all students of traditional Thai therapies and other bodywork modalities. THAI is the best place to be if you’re interested in furthering your study and practice of traditional
Nuad Boran. The Basic Member requirements are 30 hours of combined study in traditional Thai massage, Thai yoga massage, or related Thai therapies. Your studies may be with a variety of teachers in different settings, as long as the total
documented study equals 30 hours or more.
To ask a specific question not covered in these FAQs, please contact: info@thaihealingalliance.com
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