Professional Development

The Iron Bird Way helps you enter a living Thai medical tradition where you can grow the roots of a practice, gain clarity in your craft and better care for your clients.

Ways to Work
Together

Herbals for Bodywork

Iron Bird Herbals crafts Thai traditional herbal bodywork supplies for The Iron Bird Way. Extras are available for clients, other bodywork therapists and for their clients.

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Apprenticeship & Mentoring

With methods mirroring those in use for generations, the Apprenticeship program is for those interested in developing real skill in the practice of Thai bodywork based in a living medical tradition, while contributing to the preservation of that tradition. Working one-to-one, or in a small group cohort, the Apprenticeship program involves a long-term commitment to craft and tradition.

Whether you are just beginning your health or wellness practice, or feel the need to make some changes, the Mentoring program for professional practice is an investment in your future success and happiness. These sessions, offered in-person or virtually, help you develop and maintain a flourishing practice full of clients with whom you enjoy working.

Apply here →

Skill development

For those interested in developing new skills while gaining exposure to treatment-oriented Thai traditional bodywork and wellness based in a living medical tradition, continuing education classes — offered a couple times annually — are a great place to start!

Are you interested in a specific topic? Professionals may also request private classes in anything from the body mechanics of working on the floor to abdominal massage to Thai herbal compresses and more.

Sign up for group class notifications →

Contact Jessica to request private training →

  • “Jessica has been an integral part of starting my practice. She is someone who listens, guides you and supports you–helping you lay the foundation necessary for success. Thank you, Jessica! I truly appreciate all you have done for me.”

    – Dana Larson, owner of Sundara Kamala Bodywork in Minneapolis, MN

  • “Both as a massage teacher and as a business consultant, Jessica is truly a partner in success. She is an intelligent and active listener, has business savvy and offers encouragement as you build your business. Whether it’s a tax question, technology advice or business ethics, Jessica offers sound and gentle guidance.”

    – Jeannie DiMaio, LMT and co-owner of Ballard Center Massage in Augusta, ME

  • "Jessica's instruction was great - clear and easy follow - with summaries of the history and purpose behind each technique."

    — Cody W.

  • "This class went above and beyond my expectations! I loved the container, the teachings, the techniques, the organization and the space - all of it!"

    — Lara S.

  • "Jessica was incredibly caring and knowledgeable. The hands-on practice was amazing!"

    — Yaselis T.

FAQs

  • Every state (and sometimes municipality) has different requirements for massage licensure and a different definition of what constitutes “massage” or “bodywork.” At this time, The Iron Bird Way classes focus on continuing education. Each person is responsible for checking with their local requirements around professional practice.

  • This depends on many individual factors, such as how one learns, prior experience, how deep they want to go and what kinds of treatments they want to offer. I spent three years practicing and learning before offering sessions professionally.

  • Learning Thai medical theory is essential to application of techniques. If we do not understand how, when or why to use a technique, we cannot use it effectively. When we learn Thai medical theory, we start to understand the needs of individuals and how to work with them as opposed to applying the same sequence to everyone.

  • The Iron Bird Way does not require you to be a massage therapist for all classes - though some do require this previous knowledge. Knowing basic anatomy is helpful.

  • Traditionally, Thai bodywork is performed on the floor or a low platform. Some techniques are much easier to perform on these surfaces. However, once you learn what Thai bodywork is, the surface you work on is less important.

  • Mentoring can help you discern what types of clients you want to work with and the skills you need to develop in order to serve them well. Mentoring meets you where you are and offers support around anything from body mechanics and self-modulation to developing copy for your website and client communications.

Ready to grow your skills and your practice?