Ayurvedic
Thai Yoga Massage Course in Bali
Acu Thai
Ayurvedic Yoga Massage
BALI
Indonesia
2/12 ~ 2/26
2025
Sincere enquirers should review all these details over a laptop rather than a smartphone
The Wisdom of the Five Great Elements & their relationship to the 12 major meridians is not only a powerful healing force, but also makes for an insightful healing and edifying journey. Although somewhat jokingly referred to as massage psychotherapy this practice actually goes through the body to reach places much deeper than the mind; revealing what the mind has been concealing while releasing energies and insights.
Training Includes:
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2 Levels of Training; enabling you to do a full-body and a seated sequence.
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Experiential knowledge of the 12 major meridians as they relate to the Panch Maha Bhuta / Five Great Elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space.
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33 Powerful Acupressure Points
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Opportunities to practice on actual clients.
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Receiving the massage on almost a daily basis.
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Level II "Adept Practitioner" Certificate.
(Or Level III "Master Practitioner" if you have previously taken our Elemental Yoga Therapy Training)
Curious About Level 3?
The amazing Saraswati Temple is at the heart of Ubud; and just a 10 min walk from our training campus!
The Location
Bali's cultural center for art, yoga and wellness is Ubud! It derived its name from the lush natural growth of ubad; the medicinal plants and herbs near the center of the island. And, equally so, Ubud's spiritual energy has attracted many spiritual teachers, healers, scholars and gurus who reside in the area; and are well-known in the global wellness community as well. In fact, one can go on a literal healing journey within Ubud alone. (For example, the book/movie Eat, Pray, Love took place largely in Ubud). Thus, in Ubud we have found an inevitable & incomparable place of unity for Asian spirituality and healing arts: Indian Ayurveda, Thai Yoga Bodywork, Chinese Meridian Theory & Japanese Shiatsu; all coming together beautifully in our Bali Yoga & Spa Retreat!
The Training
This training has it all and beyond! As it coincides with a yoga retreat, students of the training also get to partake in much of the awesomeness of the retreat in addition to the training. Thus, beyond great yoga classes, you also receive the incredibly therapeutic and rejuvenating Thai Yoga Massage that you will be learning; as it is as imperative to know how the massage should feel as it is to learn how to give it. In fact, all of our offerings are based upon several ancient healing arts, from Ayurveda to Traditional Chinese Medicine to Zen Meditation, and so on. And, they are all based upon the Panch Maha Bhuta / Five Great Elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Space.
Since you are interested in a TYM training we will assume you already know a little bit about TYM. But, like most people (including yogis and LMT's), you're probably asking, 'What do these elements have to do with yoga and massage?' Which is natural, as it is kind of like a lost secret, and yet nearly all Asian healing arts are based upon these elements. But, to be more direct, it means that not only will you have many exceptional yogic experiences, but you will also know what elemental energy channels (aka meridians) you are stretching, opening and activating in yourself and others. ~But, again you might naturally be asking, 'What does that mean?' Well, let's just put it this way:
By the end of this training not only will you be able to give an amazingly therapeutic massage, but you will also know if your massage clients (as well as yourself) need more or less of each element and how to achieve such balance. For example, if you have "too much Fire" (i.e. too intense, easily aggravated, and tend to push yourself and others to the limits) then we will teach you Water element practices, which soothe and control fire. (But, of course, that couldn't be you! You would never be as "firey" as that! But maybe it is someone you know. Therefore, in this retreat you can also learn how to deal with various elemental temperaments you encounter in others, as well as in yourself.)
Furthermore, someone who has "too much earth" and is therefore may often feel heavy and lethargic, could use more fire element practices to bring them back into balance; and someone who lacks courage and confidence could use more space element practices; etc, etc. The scenarios are endless.
Truth be told, we all have elemental imbalances. And, with each element there are mental, physical and spiritual symptoms of having either too much of the element, or not enough. Thus, the goal of all of our retreat practices is to balance all of the elements; and balance is synonymous with harmony!
Thus, besides asana classes, flexibility massage and acupressure, we also use sound, mantra, music, meditation, virtue science, yoga nidra and basically an endless toolbox of elemental techniques. But perhaps the most exciting part is, when we go on our many excursions, you will notice that each place we visit has an elemental theme.
For example, and as you can already guess, visiting the beach and the healing water temples will also get you into a deeper understanding and connection with the Water Element; and the (optional) hike to Mt Batur Volcano will lead to greater realizations about the transformational powers of Fire; and so on.
In the end (that has no end), you will never be able to look at anything in your surroundings and not be impressed with the energies and healing opportunities that surround you at every moment. And this goes for your future TYM clients as well. Every person you meet will display the elements in their own unique way, and if anything could use some balancing to help them out, you will have a very unique elemental toolbox to serve them in finding greater harmony.
Many Activities & Excursions:
Morning and Evening Yoga Classes, Specialty Workshops,
Excursions all around Ubud: Sacred Monkey Forest, Waterfalls, Sound Healing Pyramids, the world famous Green School, Art Markets, Cultural Events and More!
You can also extend your stay an extra week (from 2/27 to 3/5) to join our Yoga & Spa Retreat group for the 2nd week of their retreat* which will be taking excursions further away from Ubud and will include activities like snorkeling and scuba diving around incredible coral reef, colorful schools of fish, giant tortoises, and even an old sunken ship!
However, we know for most people this means another week away from home and work, which for many will imply a greater burden on one's budget. Therefore, for those in the Acu Thai training we offer this additional
"7 Day Retreat Option" for only an additional $500**
* You will already share in most of the activities and excursions of those on the first week of the Yoga & Spa Retreat.
** $500 is only 1/3rd of the regular price for the 7 Day Retreat Option... and it also covers lodging! However, it does not cover the cost of the scuba diving option, as it is an additional expense of about $90 should you decide to do it. However, it covers a thorough and essential training + 2 dives. (However, it is considerably less if you are already trained and certified to dive.)
To learn more about the 7 Day Retreat option: Go to the Yoga & Spa Retreat page. (Aka: "7 Day Yoga & Scuba Retreat")
"Balinese Style," if you know what it is, then you already know the type of place you would like to stay; and where you stay can play a very big part in your overall experience of Bali. Therefore, although we already have some great rooms already reserved for our students, we are also perfectly fine with allowing our students to choose their own lodging; especially if price is -or is not- an issue. For example, after the cost of a long flight to Bali, some people may need a very cheap place to stay; while others may want to take the opportunity to spend a little more and stay in an extra-magical place that would never be an option for them back home. (Thus, some of the pics on this page are of our lodging, and some pics are examples of what you can find outside of what we provide). Nevertheless, we are certainly not leaving you on your own to find alternate lodging. If you want to choose one of the lodges we have already reserved, it is already covered with your tuition! Or, if you want to look into some other options, we are still here to help! We can give suggestions of great places nearby and will deduct $375 from the cost of your tuition to help you pay for it.
Food
It may sound exaggerated, but many of the restaurants in and around Ubud almost seem like holy places, too good to just eat there; nor do we. We love to hang out for as long as we can to soak in the atmosphere and feel the charm of the Balinese hospitality, which is second to none! Or you might even connect to the wifi and catch up on some work back home with a beautiful green rice field as a backdrop to your laptop. But before I digress any more, I should mention that, previously, meals were covered on our training and tour, but in Bali it quickly became clear that this just doesn't make sense; for there are so many awesome places you can go within walking distance of our campus, with so many different types of cuisine (including vegan and gluten free) and the budget range is just as vast. However, for most westerners the prices you find most anywhere will still seem pretty great. Expect to pay as low as $3 for a decent, healthy meal on the low end, $5 to $6 for your average awesome meal and, if you pay $12 or more for a meal, it's probably going to be divine!
Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl!
Teba Sari is one of many restaurants you can find on the water.
Flight Info
You will have to get your own flight, but a recent check on cheap0air.com (which also offers financing for flight purchases) is currently turning up flights for less than $1400 ~round trip~ from Cincinnati, USA - and much less than that from larger airports like O'hare, Detroit, JFK & Dulles.
Passport
If you don't have a passport you will want to start working on that pretty soon as it can take 4 to 6 weeks; and even longer if there are any glitches in the process.
VISA On Arrival
From the USA, as well as a long list of other countries [Check the list here], you do not need a pre-ordered VISA to enter Bali, and should opt for the V.O.A. instead. Currently the VOA only costs $30 and the process is super simple: Exit the airplane, follow the crowd to the VOA line, pay the fee, pass thru immigration and collect your luggage.
Airport Pick Up
We have our own trusted drivers. They will be waiting for you as you exit the airport and holding up a sign with your name. When they drop you off at your room they will not ask you for payment nor a tip (Although most people usually tip 50k - 100k IDR for the 90 min ride to Ubud. 100k IDR is only about $6 USD, but is considered a very good tip.
Currency Exchange
As you head toward the exit of the airport you will pass by several money exchange services. They all pretty much give you the same rate, but only exchange about $100. Once you arrive in Ubud, we can show you many nearby places where you can exchange more, whenever needed, at a much better rate than the exchange services at the airport.
Entrance at In Da Lodge
Not your ordinary hostel!
Early Bird Specials!
Includes Lodging!
Add $500 to prices below if you would like to add the 7 Day Yoga & Scuba Retreat which follows this training.
Member & Alumni Discounts
Cincinnati Yoga School Members,*
CYS Yoga Teacher Training or
Vishwa Yoga Journeys Alumni
& any regular**Acu Thai Massage clients of Cincinnati Yoga School:
Deduct $1000
from the prices seen below.
*Must be a current CYS member or have been a member in the past for at least 6 months.
**Must have received (or scheduled) at least 6 Acu Thai Massages (aka: Thai Yoga Massage) as a client of Jade, Will, or Kristen CYS.
Enroll between...
Jan 1st ~ July 31st
$3000
CYS Members, Acu Thai Clients
& Training Alumni: $2000
Aug 1st ~ Oct 31st
$3250
CYS Members, Acu Thai Clients
& Training Alumni: $2250
Nov 1st ~ Jan 31st
$3500
CYS Members, Acu Thai Clients
& Training Alumni: $2500
Note: Some events that are outside of training, such as trekking up and around a volcano before the break of dawn and scuba diving are not in the interest of the whole group, therefore there are separate additional fees for certain activities such as, but not limited to these. (Diving is usually around $75 and includes a 2 hr training + 2 dives. The volcano hike is usually around $50 and includes a required local guide and transportation from Ubud to Mt Batur. -Expenses for additional / optional activities other than these are usually very nominal; often less than $2 and rarely more than $25.
Above Prices Exclude:
Flight, Food and a few event entrance fees that may total around $50 - $75 USD.
Lodging
Yes! If you opt for our lodging facilities, then your lodging costs are included with the above prices. However, you are not limited to our lodging options; and if you decide to find your own lodging you can deduct $350 from the above prices.
Want to find your own lodging?
There are some good reasons for that and the lady in the video below goes over a few of them. However, if you do this, please make sure you are not more than a 15 minute walk from our training campus.
Bring a Friend ~ Save a Bundle!
If you bring a friend (to join either this training or the corresponding yoga retreat) we give a 10% discount to both of you + if you share your room you can split the cost of lodging (only $125 each). Between the 2 of you, this can be between $400 and $450 in total savings: depending on whether you avail the Early Bird Special or not.
Deposit and Refund Policy
Deposit is non-refundable, but can be used toward a future YTT, Thai Yoga Massage training or Yoga Retreat if you are unable to come to the initial training intended. Also, any amounts already paid towards the tuition of the training are technically non-refundable if the request for a refund is made within 60 days of the training commencement. However, if this were to happen, the amount can still be used towards a future training or retreat. Nevertheless, one can still request a refund after the 60 day deadline and we will do our best to grant it, or some portion of it. However, we will be under no obligation to do so; and, if we choose to do so, it could take up to 9 months for the full dispersal of the refund and it may come in increments. This is not because of a lack of sympathy for anyone who requests a refund, but as a necessity to protect the funds of the operation until it has been completed safely.
Large rooms at Kausala, which is also our training campus.
2 pristine pools at Gora Guest House
Pool at Casa Luna
A lodging option next door to our campus
This video is 90% about tips for making the most of your time in Ubud, but at about 1:25 mark she begins to explain why we allow our lodging options to be optional. She also has recommendations for getting around. However, unless you come from a country where you are accustomed to driving on the left side of the road, we beg you not to follow her advice about getting a scooter; unless you also have lots of in-traffic scooter or motorcycle driving experience. However, you won't need to do this anyway as we have our own transportation services for our guests.
Contact us ASAP
if you have any questions whatsoever or to register, as there can be a lot involved in traveling to the other side of the world.
Don't wait til the last minute to look into it.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Curious About Level 3 TYM Training?
Level 3 gives you the title of "Adept" TYM Practitioner and implies you have completed the following 3 trainings: Levels 1 & 2 (described above) and the 300Hr Vishwa Ayurveda Yoga Teacher / Practitioner Training. ~ which will be scheduled soon. But, frankly, it would be too much to add this 300Hr/33 Day training too soon. Give yourself at least a few months to let Levels 1 & 2 sink in -Or- you can start with the Vishwa Ayurveda training and add Levels 1 & 2 later. The VA, in itself, already gives one a great start into the body work skills of TYM.