200 Hour Thai Massage Training
A transformational training experience.
June - December 2026
A Doorway to Self-Growth & Self-Healing
Informed by Buddhism, Thai bodywork is a Physical Expression of Compassion. In other words, “Compassion in Action.” Blue Lotus celebrates and nurtures the growth of mindfulness, compassion, loving kindness and equanimity all while learning a playful and energetic yet deeply relaxing modality. Thai bodywork, at its core, opens the door to personal growth where your healing is its purpose. And when the understanding of your own healing journey is embodied, you can share that gift with others who are ready to receive it.
The Blue Lotus Connection
After many years of graduating classes, the Training Program at Blue Lotus continues to evolve as a dynamic learning experience that honors both the technique and spirit of Thai bodywork.
With the support of experienced teachers, helpful assistants, a steady community of students, and many opportunities to learn and grow, the Blue Lotus’ 200 hour program sets the stage for personal breakthroughs and openings while giving you unparalleled training in the exploration of healing touch.
Whether you are an experienced bodyworker or have never experienced healing touch in your life, you will find that this program challenges you in many, often unexpected, ways. We guarantee that you will emerge after seven months, with a stronger, more flexible and more relaxed body, heart and mind as well as many wonderful gifts that you can share with the world.
Meet Paul Fowler, Lead Trainer
Paul Fowler was named the “Best Thai Massage Therapist in Chicago” by Chicago magazine in 2005. Featured in Time Out Chicago, Fox News, WGN morning news, and public television, he is a 2001 graduate of the Chicago School of Massage Therapy.
After spending nearly a year in Thailand in 1999, studying with Pichest Boonthamme, perhaps the greatest living teacher of the art, he began teaching Thai massage in 2001. He goes back to Thailand yearly to reconnect with his teacher and deepen his practice and understanding.
Before discovering Thai massage, he taught for seven years in the Chicago Public Schools. He combines his years of teaching experience, his many hours of dedicated practice, as well as his authentic training in Thailand, to communicate his extensive knowledge simply and thoughtfully.
Your class will meet one weekend a month for seven months.
The weekends begin Thursday evening and continue through Sunday evening.
Schedule 2026 dates:
June 11-14
July 9-12
Aug 13-16
Sept 10-13
Oct 8-11
Nov 5-8
Dec 10-13
Hours:
Thursday eve: 5p-8p
Friday: 9a-6p
Saturday: 9a-6p
Sunday: 9a-5p
In addition to the 7 training weekends, you will be required to do out of classroom study and practice in between the weekends. You will need to perform six 90-minute Thai bodywork sessions on family or friends in between each session. You are also required to receive a number of professional Thai bodywork sessions, develop a movement and meditation self-care practice, do community service, and complete regular reading and writing assignments. There may be some extra expenses incurred for receiving sessions.
Through the process of learning the practice of giving Thai bodywork, you will also be “getting into your own body” and learning ways to nurture yourself so that you can hold space for others. We hope you will join us on this challenging, yet rewarding adventure into the “yoga of touch” !
162 CE’s for massage therapists available
upon completion of the 200 Hour Training.
Interested in Training with Blue Lotus?
If you are interested in our program, take five minutes and fill out the no obligation application above. When we receive it, Paul will call you and give you the opportunity to learn more about the school. If, after your conversation, you are convinced that you would like to enroll, we will send you link for you to pay the deposit. By filling out the application, you are not committing yourself to the program, just taking the first step to see if this is the right program for you.
Upcoming Blue Lotus Workshops
Partner Thai Massage for Everybody!
We’re doing it again!
Join us for this fun-filled romp of a class where we learn to give and receive Thai massage in an open and welcoming environment. Bring a friend or come by yourself!
Do you want to see what Thai massage is all about? Do you want to just receive some bodywork and learn how to give some as well? Would you like to learn and receive partner stretching? Are you interested in joining the 200 hour training this year?
Paul has been teaching Thai massage for two decades so you can be sure that you are in good hands!
This two hour class is floor mat based and fully clothed (wear yoga type clothes) and is located at Sat Nam Yoga in the west loop of Chicago. Free street parking is available.
Date: Sunday, March 29
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $10 (such a deal!)
Location: Sat Nam Yoga Chicago, 2nd floor
Please register through Blue Lotus Thai Studies
Thai Yoga and Hot Herbal Compress Workshop
There is a particular flavor of Yoga in Thailand called Reusi Dat Ton. This practice is actually where Thai massage and other forms of Thai traditional medicine have derived from. RDT includes self-massage, joint loosening, yoga-type poses, breath work, Buddhist concepts, meditation and more. In the morning we will luxuriate in this beautiful self-care practice.
Then, in the afternoon we will work with steamed herbal compresses or Luk Pra Kob as they say in Thai. These heavenly warm balls of herbs wrapped in cloth and applied to the body is a delightful experience for anyone luck enough to receive the work. And what do you know. . .that lucky person will be you! Everyone will get a chance to both give and receive massage using the LPK!
All are welcome to join this unique and edifying class.
Date: Saturday, April 4th
Time: 10:00am – 5:0pm
Location: Sat Nam Yoga Chicago
Cost: $210
Early Registration before April 1st: $175
Please register through Blue Lotus Thai Studies
Thai Massage Continuing Education for Licensed Massage Therapists
This one-of-a-kind experience provides 7 continuing credit hours for Massage Therapistsand is the perfect class to bring aspects of Traditional Thai Massage into your practice. In this short workshop geared toward LMT’s, you will walk away with an entire toolbox of techniques and approaches to compression and stretching. You will wonder how you ever survived without them!
This is not a throw-away class just to get CE’s. This is a treasure trove of treats, packed to the brim with goodness. “It will be one of the most fruitful CE classes you have ever taken, guaranteed or your money back! I am that confident that you will love it.” ~Paul
Date: Monday, April 13
Time: 10:00am-5:00pm
Location: Sat Nam Yoga Chicago
Cost $210
Please register through Blue Lotus Thai Studies
Training Contact Information
For detailed course information
Please contact Paul Fowler directly.
773-841-6018
info@bluelotusthai.com
For studio related inquiries contact karampal@satnamyogachicago.com