SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Certified Practitioner Program:CTP (164 hour residential intensive). This 13 day, (November 5th. to November 17th./ Advanced: November 17th. to November 20th. 2021) program covered all four levels of the Basic Professional Thai Yoga Certificate Program plus 20 additional breakout and/or supplemental courses. The CTP1 course is an intensive seminary training based on Traditional Thai Massage, Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Indigenous, Traditional, Natural and Native American Medicine.
Special Thanks to SomaVeda® Khruu Noy Southivongrath and to SomaVeda® Khruu Maureen Hughes for their inspiring and fun guidance and support teaching SomaVeda®!
1) November 2021 SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Cert. ProgramPhoto Gallery
Unique to our program! Daily Reishi Yoga also known as “Reusi Dot Ton“. Bring a new and exciting Yoga practice to your home life and Shala/ Studio!
Massage Therapist? Bring the exciting therapies of Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy to your practice. Save your Hands! Our unique “Hands Free! Thai Yoga” variations have not only enlivened careers but have saved many Massage Therapist from debilitating occupational disabilities such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! NCBTMB and FSMTB CE hrs. Approved. Learn how to double your existing practice and income!
Allied or Medical Health Practitioner: Doctor, Nurse, Chiropractor, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist? Looking to expand your practice offering with CAM procedures and practices proven effective? It is well known that Indigenous Traditional Medical Systems are the basis of CAM procedures. Learn from the source!
The 164 hr. CTP1 qualifies as the pre-requisite course requirement for all SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine Degrees. The SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Certificate course additional qualifies graduates for all Intermediate, Advanced and Teacher Certification programs in SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Therapy .
For full description, curriculum and registration details CLICK HERE
For NAIC/ SCNM Thai Yoga Center Tuition Grants and Scholarships CLICK HERE
Can’t make it to a live class? Join our LearnThaiYoga “Jump Start Your Healing Practice” Home Study/ Distance Learning Platform! Over 30 different on-line, self paced courses to give you access to some of the same high quality instruction you would receive in a LIVE SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Certification Program. Although, there is no substitute for LIVE training under a Thai Ajahn such as Dr. Anthony B. James. Ajahn Dr. James has personally crafted these On-line programs to give you access to authenticity.
Can’t afford to join a LIVE class? … even with a tuition scholarship? LearnThaiYoga On-line is only $16.95 per month!
Already have a practice, but it’s not working? Your not making money? Your not having a successful life experience as a Thai Yoga and or healing arts professional? In the Learn Thai Yoga On-line platform you will find details healing arts business development and marketing plans based on 38 years of professional experience in this industry. Join us at Learn Thai Yoga!
SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Certified Practitioner Program:CTP (164 hour residential intensive). This 13 day, (September 10th to September 22nd./ Advanced: September 10th. to September 25th. 2021) program covered all four levels of the Basic Professional Thai Yoga Certificate Program plus 20 additional breakout and/or supplemental courses. The CTP1 course is an intensive seminary training based on Traditional Thai Massage, Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Indigenous, Traditional, Natural and Native American Medicine.
Special Thanks to SomaVeda® Khruu Dr. Ken Pennock and to SomaVeda® Khruu Jarda Obuchov for their inspiring and fun guidance and support teaching SomaVeda®!
1) September 2021 SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Cert. ProgramPhoto Gallery
Unique to our program! Daily Reishi Yoga also known as “Reusi Dot Ton“. Bring a new and exciting Yoga practice to your home life and Shala/ Studio!
Massage Therapist? Bring the exciting therapies of Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy to your practice. Save your Hands! Our unique “Hands Free! Thai Yoga” variations have not only enlivened careers but have saved many Massage Therapist from debilitating occupational disabilities such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! NCBTMB and FSMTB CE hrs. Approved. Learn how to double your existing practice and income!
Allied or Medical Health Practitioner: Doctor, Nurse, Chiropractor, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist? Looking to expand your practice offering with CAM procedures and practices proven effective? It is well known that Indigenous Traditional Medical Systems are the basis of CAM procedures. Learn from the source!
The 164 hr. CTP1 qualifies as the pre-requisite course requirement for all SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine Degrees. The SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Certificate course additional qualifies graduates for all Intermediate, Advanced and Teacher Certification programs in SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Therapy .
For full description, curriculum and registration details CLICK HERE
For NAIC/ SCNM Thai Yoga Center Tuition Grants and Scholarships CLICK HERE
Can’t make it to a live class? Join our LearnThaiYoga “Jump Start Your Healing Practice” Home Study/ Distance Learning Platform! Over 30 different on-line, self paced courses to give you access to some of the same high quality instruction you would receive in a LIVE SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Certification Program. Although, there is no substitute for LIVE training under a Thai Ajahn such as Dr. Anthony B. James. Ajahn Dr. James has personally crafted these On-line programs to give you access to authenticity.
Can’t afford to join a LIVE class? … even with a tuition scholarship? LearnThaiYoga On-line is only $16.95 per month!
Already have a practice, but it’s not working? Your not making money? Your not having a successful life experience as a Thai Yoga and or healing arts professional? In the Learn Thai Yoga On-line platform you will find details healing arts business development and marketing plans based on 38 years of professional experience in this industry. Join us at Learn Thai Yoga!
LIVE! November 164hr Thai Yoga Practitioner, Ayurveda Lifestyle Consultant and SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Teacher Certification 2020:
SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Certified Practitioner Program:CTP (164 hour residential intensive). This 13 day, ( September 4th – 16th./ Advanced: 16th – 19th. 2020) program covered all four levels of the Basic Professional Thai Yoga Certificate Program plus 20 additional breakout and/or supplemental courses. The CTP1 course is an intensive seminary training based on Traditional Thai Massage, Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Indigenous, Traditional, Natural and Native American Medicine.
1) November 2020 SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Cert. Program Photo Gallery
2) November 2020 SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Cert. Program VIDEO SLIDE SHOW!
The November 2020: 164hr. SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Certificate Course qualifies towards all advanced certificate (Accredited, State of Florida Compliant, AAPNA, NCBTMB) and SCNM College Degree programs in Indigenous, Traditional, Natural Medicine, Ayurveda, Ayurveda Life Style Consultant, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist,SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Teacher Certification and SomaVeda® Thai yoga Therapy Practitioner. Graduates are qualified to practice and to provide health and wellness services for Spirit, Mind and Body for a variety of health related concerns and issues in all 50 states and Canada! Yoga Teacher already? Bring a comprehensive Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy practice to your school or program in only 13 days! This amazing Ayurveda, Yoga and Yoga Therapy retreat at the beautiful 5 acre Native American Indigenous Church Sanctuary offers a healing atmosphere unique to central Florida. Learn, Restore and Grow!
Unique to our program! Daily Reishi Yoga also known as “Reusi Dot Ton“. Bring a new and exciting Yoga practice to your home life and Shala/ Studio!
Massage Therapist? Bring the exciting therapies of Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy to your practice. Save your Hands! Our unique “Hands Free! Thai Yoga” variations have not only enlivened careers but have saved many Massage Therapist from debilitating occupational disabilities such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! NCBTMB and FSMTB CE hrs. Approved. Learn how to double your existing practice and income!
Allied or Medical Health Practitioner: Doctor, Nurse, Chiropractor, Acupuncture, Nutrition, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist? Looking to expand your practice offering with CAM procedures and practices proven effective? It is well known that Indigenous Traditional Medical Systems are the basis of CAM procedures. Learn from the source!
The 164 hr. CTP1 qualifies as the pre-requisite course requirement for all SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine Degrees. The SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Certificate course additional qualifies graduates for all Intermediate, Advanced and Teacher Certification programs in SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Therapy .
For full description, curriculum and registration details CLICK HERE
For NAIC/ SCNM Thai Yoga Center Tuition Grants and Scholarships CLICK HERE
Can’t make it to a live class? Join our LearnThaiYoga “Jump Start Your Healing Practice” Home Study/ Distance Learning Platform! Over 30 different on-line, self paced courses to give you access to some of the same high quality instruction you would receive in a LIVE SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Practitioner Certification Program. Although, there is no substitute for LIVE training under a Thai Ajahn such as Dr. Anthony B. James, Ajahn Dr. James has personally crafted these On-line programs to give you access to authenticity.
Can’t afford to join a LIVE class … even with a tuition scholarship? LearnThaiYoga On-line is only $12.00 per month!
Already have a practice, but it’s not working? Your not making money? Your not having a successful life experience as a Thai Yoga and or healing arts professional? In the Learn Thai Yoga On-line platform you will find details healing arts business development and marketing plans based on 38 years of professional experience in this industry. Join us at Learn Thai Yoga!
Step #One is to not be ignorant! As the courts like to say to the chagrin of many medical, allied medical and or complimentary health providers and ministers of any kind… “There is NO excuse to not know the law!”
I am going to walk you through some legal basics and depending on your starting place advanced. I stopped being surprised and amazed at how little healing arts practitioners do NOT KNOW about the law in general and in specific about what they base their and their families life and livelihood upon. I want to help is possible to sort it out and more than this at the end of this article to offer some concrete solutions to bring light into your legal darkness!
Be sure to read all the way through to the bottom and click the “How To Win In Court” image and link.
What’s a Thai Yoga and or Traditional Thai Massage certificate?
What’s a massage license?
How are they different?
When and where do you need them?
How do you get them?
What do you need to know to practice Thai Healing Arts legally in the US?
You will find all the answers right here! Be forewarned as the subject deserves a good answer this post is a long one and you may need to read it more than once.
There are many therapists, especially in the US, who passionately argue for licensing. However this article is not about opinions and preferences, but strictly about facts and the legal side of massage vs. Traditional Thai Yoga Massage/ Thai Yoga/ Traditional Thai Massage and spiritual/energetically based, religious therapeutics, healing arts in general.
Every practitioner of a religious therapeutic healing art needs to be clear and to know the legal basis for the art they are practicing.
We here at NAIC (Native American Indigenous Church Inc. Tribal Organization): Thai Yoga Center can not only answer the question but can provide a legal basis for you to practice anywhere!
Certification versus licensing
The first thing we need to understand is that there there is a difference between certification and licensing.
Certification Definition:the action or process of providing someone or something with an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement: a fundamental requirement for organic certification | the certification of teachers.• an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement:graduates who want to gain industry-recognized certifications. – certifies all or part of the following:
You are qualified to practice Thai Yoga/ Traditional Thai Massage
You possess the necessary understandings (knowledge) and competencies (skills)
You have had a certain amount of training: i.e. minimum standards apply.
Certification is only about qualification, skills and training. It does not automatically give you the legal right to practice ANY healing art Thai or otherwise.
Licensing Definition: “a permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade (especially in alcoholic beverages): a gun license | [as modifier] : vehicle license fees.• formal or official permission to do something: logging is permitted under license from the Forest Service. • Medical and or Allied Medical and or Massage License etc.
Many people believe incorrectly that you can only do healing work IF you are “Licensed” by the state! First of all NOT TRUE! This is a myth often perpetuated by “Massage Therapist” and or State Massage Boards. Massage is legally defined as “Rubbing for Money” regardless of alleged benefits. According to Massage organizations and State Massage Boards, Massage is apparently very dangerous and practitioners need to be restricted and licensed by the respective states! Please not all states have these wacky rules.
Thus a Massage License gives you the legal right to practice massage (Rubbing for Money), IF your jurisdiction has licensing laws (not all do). A license is generally issued by a legal entity like a state licensing board, for example. However, this Massage Therapy practice is defined strictly an has statutory scope of practice rules and conditions!
Let me reiterate that there are still some states which do not have licensing requirements for massage at all! Please note however, they may have local jurisdictional codes or rules by county, city etc. which may have the same effect as a massage ordinance.
Additionally, all those laws change frequently.
The Fly in the Legal Ointment!
If…
Certification means you are qualified to practice massage or any indigenous traditional healing art such as Thai Yoga or Traditional Thai Massage.
Licensing (if required) gives you the legal right to practice massage.
The issue is that Traditional Thai Yoga (SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Therapy) and / or Traditional Thai Massage is NOT Massage and or Massage Therapy as defined by law!
There are Special Rules for Thai Yoga Therapy and or Traditional Thai Massage
In the case of Thai Yoga there are special considerations to consider. It depends on how massage and or bodywork is defined. Thai Yoga is quite different from massage and or massage therapy. It is an entirely different animal. Thai Traditional Yoga Therapy (“Ryksaa Thang Nuad Phaen Boran Thai- Reussi Dotton“) is Classical Ayurveda from Thailand. It is the manipulative discipline of Thai Traditional Medicine, Thai Ayurveda (including Thai Traditional Physical Therapy TTPT/ Tok Sen/ Tit Tar and Thai Traditional Naturopathy), (“Marmacikitsa/ Kayachikitsa“). For a deep discussion on What Is Thai Yoga, please read my earlier post on the subject. What is Thai Yoga Part 1, What is Thai Yoga Part 2.
2)(f) Is a rabbi, priest, minister, or member of the clergy of any religious denomination or sect when engaging in activities which are within the scope of the performance of his or her regular or specialized ministerial duties and for which no separate charge is made, or when such activities are performed, with or without charge, for or under the auspices or sponsorship, individually or in conjunction with others, of an established and legally cognizable church, denomination, or sect, and when the person rendering service remains accountable to the established authority thereof.
“Nothing in this section shall prevent or restrict the practice of a person who uses touch, words or directed movement to deepen awareness of patterns of movement in the body, or the affectation of the human energy system or acupoints or Qi meridians of the human body while engaged within the scope of practice of a profession with established standards and ethics, but such services shall not be designated or implied to be massage or massage therapy.
Such practices shall include, but not be limited to, the Feldenkrais Method; Reflexology; The Trager Approach; Ayurvedic Therapies, Rolf Structural Integration, Polarity or Polarity Therapy; Polarity Therapy Bodywork; Asian Bodywork Therapy that does not constitute massage as defined in this chapter; Acupressure; Jin Shin Do; Qi Gong; Tui Na; Shiatsu; Body-Mind Centering and Reiki. These exempt practitioners may use the terms ”bodywork”, ”bodyworker” and ”bodywork therapist” in their promotional literature.“
In the first example if your a religious practitioner meeting the qualification required you not only do not have to have a license your expressing exempted from them!
In the Massachusetts example, under the secular rule you can imply an exception but it is not stated… furthermore as it is a secular law it can be changed at anytime!
Not only is this confusing it still does not answer the question about whether or not you need a license to practice Thai.
Maybe we are asking the wrong question. The question is NOT whether you need a license or not but under what legal basis can you practice regardless of having a license or not.
Because we are a Native Tribal and Indigenous Tribal Organization (Tribal Church- Faith Based Religious Organization) and Aboriginal community we have been researching this issue and question for years. Many bright legal minds and legal experts have weighed in on our legal rights to practice. The question of “Thai” comes from our community adopting Classical and traditional Ayurveda medicine of Thailand and Thai Yoga Therapy (Traditional Thai Massage) as an authentic traditional , spiritually based healing methods or systems suitable for our tribal organization and members to practice.
We pass this wisdom on to you now!
First thing, is if you define or call what you do Massage or Massage Therapy (rubbing on people for money) then GET A LICENSE!
Once you have that license follow the ethics and scope of practice, don’t cheat and don’t violate the restrictive scope of practice and you’ll be fine.
However, if you want to practice Thai Yoga/ Thai Massage legally in the US you don’t need a license but you do need a legal AUTHORIZATION! Remember the Florida Code and the exemptions I listed above? A religious exemption to practice is “on the books” in every state. There are conditions which determine if you personally meet the criteria for exemption however, we can show you the in’s and outs of this process.
NO Loopholes! Don’t put your self and your family at risk by working under loopholes and “under the table” etc. Come out into the light and develop your healing practice and career in the light.
If you practice any form of alternative, complimentary and or spiritually based healing work and either do not have a license and or are practicing outside your mandated scope of practice you are at risk! In order to continue your ability to practice Spiritually and or Energetically based Indigenous, Traditional, Natural and or Native Healing and Wellness Services, Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Thai Yoga and or Thai Massage or related, you will need to become an active Member of NAIC according to your authorized scope of practice. Many states are actively passing laws to restrict all forms of energy, indigenous, traditional and or natural medicine and healing. Take the new Maryland Law HB 1156 as an example:
This type of abusive and unconstitutional law is being suggested and or implemented across the country!
NAIC Inc. is not legally responsible for any former students, practitioners and or teachers, non member activities for services rendered. You must have an active NAIC membership to qualify for legal protection under our authority.
Your previous training and certificates via THAI, ITTA, Thai Yoga Center, Yoga Alliance, IAYT, YA, ABMP, AMTA, Clayton, NAMA, AAPNA etc. DO NOTprovide you with the legal protections for all the healing work your able to do. However, they may qualify you for NAIC Tribal Org. membership.
The Elephant in the Room!
Of course the elephant in the room is your SCOPE of Practice! Even if you have a medical or allied medical license fro any particular state… Ask your self, Does this license give me the legal right to do what I actually do? What I mean by this is do you actually try to practice true medicine?Because if you do you may be in violation of many aspects of your license and subject to citation, violation and or criminal proceeding every day! Enforcement for violations of scope of practice is random and just because you have not been violated yet does not mean your safe or immune from citation, fines and or criminal procedures!
Lets consider the current legal climate and narrative of hysteria currently surrounding all healthcare practices, especially any form of traditional and or indigenous based complimentary or “alternative” medical or healing practices!
Here are some common areas well meaning but uninformed practitioners regularly run a foul of state medical and or massage boards:
Do you give health advice in your consultations or services? Food, Eating, Nutrition, Supplements, Juicing, weight loss relating to any condition or health issue of any kind?
Do you assess, or make any specific recommendations for alleviating, reducing, improving, remediating, controlling, managing any diagnosed illness of any kind ever?
Do you recommend any treatments, sessions, programs or do any treatments, sessions, programs hands on for any specific and or diagnosed health or medical condition of any kind at any time?
Do you use any adjuncts, tools, mechanical aids, vibrations, light, sound, water, mechanical vibrators, electro-acupuncture devises of any kind ever?
Do you do ANY kind of psychological, emotional or mental health or wellness counseling on any kind? Including Tapping, EFT, AO Scan, ANy type of Frequency Body Scan or treatment, BET, TFT, Energy Psychology etc.?
Do you use or integrate ANY Native American Ritual, Sacrament, Ceremony, Any Herbs, Any Essential Oils and or any traditional indigenous medicine, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Homeopathy, Nature Cure, Yoga Therapy, fitness recommendations into your healing, therapy or wellness services?
Are you subject to draconian and unreasonable State Health Department “Mandates, Suggested Guidelines” regarding your rights to practice or work at all? Mandates and Suggested Guidelines are not LAW. No Governor not Health Department can make or unilaterally pass ANY law. In fact it is a violation of their Oath of Office to do so! But what are your rights to practice or to engage in healing work or ministry?
Would you like to do or use any of the above now or in the future?
Here’s a few more questions:
Ask yourself:
Was your healing and natural medicine training apprentice style?
Did you learn your Thai Yoga or Thai Massage practice in Thailand and now want to practice legally in the US?
Was your training in Native American and or Indigenous Medicine?
Do you have a current license but are having issues with your full scope of practice?
Do you practice Ayurveda, Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Thai Yoga and or Thai Massage, Indigenous Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupressure, Shiatsu?
Do you practice Reiki, Pranic healing, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Spiritual Massage, Crystal healing?
Do you counsel and or give advise on nutrition, food, diet, eating lifestyle, supplementation, nutrients or other regimen to enhance wellness or address illness?
Do you practice detoxification programs such as Pancha Karma?
Do you practice emotional healing, energy psychology, traditional naturopathy, holistic psychology or psychotherapy?
Want to get out of the Massage Therapy licensing/ Taxed therapy Gerbil wheel?
Do you use or recommend Herbs, sacrament and or unconventional herbal therapies for healing?
Need legal protection and freedom from expense liability insurance issues?
Do you practice Homeopathy, Radionics, Rife or other any energy based healing?
Do you carry or use Native American Sacrament, Birds of Prey feathers in your healing work for your self or for others?
Do you believe healing, therapy and wellness is a Human Right, as well as a constitutional right?
Are you concerned about laws and governmental authorities limiting you and your families access to health care?
Are you concerned about mandatory Vaccination issues for yourself or your children?
Have you been hiding your healing work? Keeping it on the “Down Low”, avoiding marketing or advertising because of fear?
Are you subject to draconian and unreasonable State Health Department “Mandates, Suggested Guidelines” regarding your rights to practice or work at all? Mandates and Suggested Guidelines are not LAW. No Governor not Health Department can make or unilaterally pass ANY law. In fact it is a violation of their Oath of Office to do so! But what are your rights to practice or to engage in healing work or ministry?
If any of the above is true…
Well, you should know the answer by now! We can help you!
Time to step into the light!
No loop holes. Loop Holes can be changed, can be closed. Let us show you how to bring your healing work and natural medicine safely into the light as an NAIC Medicine Card holder or Branch Elder.
However, In order to qualify for the legal protections offered under NAIC Authority and Membership and or Authorized Blessed medicine Cards Program, additional training and or NAIC Certification may be required. You MUST meet NAIC guidelines and qualifications as well as our rules, procedures and guidelines for practice.
To be clear. If you are practicing Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, SomaVeda®, Thai Yoga, Thai Massage, Pancha Karma, Nutritional and or Food Counseling, Detox Programs, Bio-Energetic, EFT, Bio-Tapping, Massage, Reiki, Herbology, Homeopathy, Flower Remedies, Aroma Therapy, Traditional Naturopathy, Kinesiology, Native American Medicine, Lomi Lomi, Acupressure, Ministerial Counseling and or Psychological services, Colon Hydro-therapy, Iridology, Flower Remedies, Acupressure and or similar without a license which specifically includes your actual scope of practice and services rendered to the public, your practice may be illegal and you are “at risk” and possibly subject to legal penalties including fines, censure and prosecutions from various local, state and federal authorities.
Question? What if I have a Massage, Massage Therapy or other License? Doesn’t that protect me?
NO!
State and National Massage Therapy Scope of Legal Practice do NOT include many CAM practices and therapies such as Ayurveda, Pancha Karma, Detox Programs, Assessments, Psychological and Emotional Therapies, Thai Yoga, Thai Massage, Yoga Therapy, Spiritually based Massage, Food, Eating and Supplement strategies, personal and spiritually based Psychological Counseling etc. In fact they may specifically prohibit you from doing them! (Read your Scope of Practice State Massage Law!) More than this, if your practicing out side your Legal Scope of Practice as defined in your particular state your Liability Insurance is not covering these practices in the event of an accident or claimed injury! Most Massage Liability Insurance programs such as AMTA, ABMP etc. specifically state that in your practice outside your SOP the policy is “null and void” in the event of a claim!
Recently, we have received reports that unlicensed, out of scope of practice healers are being prosecuted, fined, censured and literally shut down because they did not have the forsight to plan ahead and establish a legal basis for their healing work. Both the Federal Gov’t and all Licensing States have hired additional investigators specifically to track down, investigate and prosecute/ persecute so called “Unlicensed” practitioners. They have every legal right and mandate to do so.
Lets say it Again… No Loop Holes! The only reasonable answer to avoid both legal and liability issues to to establish and claim your right to practice today with an NAIC Membership.
We want to ensure all of our graduates, former and current students rights to practice without fear or interference. If you have not applied for the appropriate NAIC Authorized Membership, do so today! Unlike other “associations” it’s a one time fee for most memberships.
Don’t put your practice, your clients, your life at risk of legal jeopardy! Come out of the “Loop Hole” shadows. Stop basing your future on “Maybe no one will file a complaint”.
Take immediate and positive action to create a legal basis for your healing work today!
If your not sure if your specific practice is covered or if you have any questions regarding NAIC Membership and or our Authorized Blessed Medicine Card Program, contact us today by email or phone.
NAIC is the only way! Everyday and in around our Nation, Native American Indigenous Church and our parent organization and its members are successfully standing up for their constitutional rights under the protective umbrella of NAIC. This protection is showing itself in the exchange of healing and healthcare services, protecting access to indigenous traditional and natural medicine, protecting the right to use prayer, affirmation, energy and laying on of hands, transporting, receiving, utilizing Sacred Sacraments, and NAIC independent branches receiving relief from property taxes and etc.
The only way you can benefit is to be a member. The only way you can share the umbrella of NAIC legal protections for your rights is to be a member. The only way you can practice and express your legitimate healing and natural medicine based medicine is to be a member. The only way to guarantee your family, friends and clients access to your practice is to become a member. Join our NAIC community today!
What about schools, clinics and or intentional healing communities?
Are you a teacher, school director, owner, Medicine Elder, wellness center, dispensary owner and wish to protect your community, clients, members and or and students under our protective legal umbrella by affirming your sincere and firmly held belief in Native American healing principles? Contact us to day for information on how to form your own independent NAIC Branch.
STEP #TWO! Legal Resource!
Do you find your self intimidated by the Law or Legal issues? Do you sometimes feel you need a lawyer but can not afford one? Do you sometimes feel disadvantaged because you don’t have adequate legal resources or the right information? I have a solution for you. Become your own best legal advocate. The law was created for you and you should know how it works and understand how it relates to you, your life and your business.
This course is nothing less than amazing. Graduates qualify for a J.D. Degree!
I welcome your questions. I can assist you in sorting out the legalities of your health practice but only if you are willing to invest a little effort to help your self.
We here at the Thai Yoga Center have been teaching and issuing professional certification in Traditional Thai Yoga, Ayurveda and Traditional Thai Massage full time since 1984. Absolutely, we know how to practice Traditional Thai Yoga, Traditional Thai Massage legally!
NAIC: Thai Yoga Center Bulletin: Updated 12/07/2020
How to Practice SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies® Thai Yoga Under Corona Concerns
We have been receiving many queries from SomaVeda® Thai Yoga graduates and practitioners regarding how to practice or even whether they should practice at all during the Covid-19 pandemic situation. Some practitioners are located in states with “Lock Downs” and “Stay at Home Orders” and “Social Distancing” to one degree or another from quite harsh to little or no! There is no uniform strategy or solution being applied nationally. This is further complicated by local jurisdictions interpreting the “recommendations” of elected officials. In most states Massage Therapy as an industry has either been completely shut down or severely restricted, only being considered “essential” if a Licensed MD prescribes it for example… How often does that happen even in the best of times? My understanding is rarely if ever. Who can make a living like this? More than this who can help using their skills to heal their community like this?
Dr. James on Safe Practice 12/08/2020
Dr. James give an Update 05/19/2020
So what are you to do as a practitioner?
Well, if your a smart and prepared practitioner you have been working under your NAIC Legal umbrella as an NAIC AFM Authorized Minister Practitioner. Because we who practice under NAIC are legal to offer our services and minister to our members! Yes, even under “shutdown” orders. Why is this? several reasons… I won’t do the whole “Legal Guidelines ” lecture here as it is located in class, in “The Book” and in other “Legal” articles I have posted here… but I will say it simply because of A) Somaveda® Thai Yoga is NOT legally defined as “Massage” and or “Massage Therapy” unless you call it so, and or market it as such on a personal basis (Shame of you!). and B) Under NAIC Tribal Org. It is a Religious Therapeutic Ministry and “Sacerdotal Duty” of NAIC as a healing ministry. As a “Religious Practice” our healing ministry is exempted overtly from most if not all legal restrictions… Even where there have been unconstitutional (illegal- unenforceable) restrictions on religious practices they still allow “Social Distancing” and “Safe Practices”.
First a reminder here! The primary outcomes of SomaVeda® Thai Yoga are “PromiiWihanSii“ or the four divine states of mind! They are Love, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity. Do you have to physically touch or be present with an individual to show, to practice or to do this? No! This means you can practice at a distance, by phone, by video or in person but with a short separation between you!
The SomaVeda® training and certification you were given included in depth education in Eating, Sacred Nutrition, Energy healing, Energy Psychology (BET/ Tapping), concrete strategies for dealing with Cancer, Diabetes and Heart Disease as well as natural solutions for infections, pain and inflammation, toxicity and deficiency. Yes, in class we emphasized the Marma Chikitsa or Hands-on (Chirothesia), However, we do train all practitioners in the holistic Ayurveda based practices of indigenous, traditional medicine as well. When you can’t emphasize the hands on … what do you emphasize? Well, every thing else! If you have forgotten the everything else… I have given you access to a wealth of practical review and new materials in our LearnThaiYoga On-Line/ Distance learning platform for only $12.00 per month! I know ridiculously cheap for whats there. More than this there are dozens of individual lessons on how to keep you centered, healthy and organized right now! Complete reviews of all basic SomaVeda® levels, Tapping and food related.
SomaVeda® Adjunctive Therapies: Consider for the current time emphasizing SomaVeda® Adjunct Therapies: Nutritional consulting, Energy Psychology and BET/ EFT, Ayurveda Counseling, SomaVeda® T.A.E.L.R. (Tool Assisted Energy Line Release Protocols), Nuad Prakhop and Herbal therapies, SomaVeda® Homeopathy/ Bach Flower Remedies and Sacred Waters Therapies, PEMF/ Bio-Mat and or Voltage based Therapies, Rife/ Radionic and or distance Therapies i.e. No contact vibrational Therapies etc… We have so much to offer in our tool kit for wellness. There is a therapy approach suitable for every situation no matter how dire!
There is currently no cure for Corona and there won’t be one anytime soon. Eventually, everyone is going to catch it and go through it however, they do. The most important strategy is not to try to avoid it, but to ensure that everyone who either has already been exposed or is going to be exposed (everyone) is as healthy in every way possible right now and if possible before they are infected.
This relates to “co-morbidity” i.e. the underlying, and or pre-existing medical and health conditions which complicate and exacerbate the progress and mortality possibility of Covid infections such as Diabetes, Heart Disease and Cancer, Immune Disorders or Syndromes, other unknown or “Sub-clinical” infections, Vaccine Injuries, Malnutrition, Toxicities and Deficiencies, chronic inflammatory conditions etc. From the basic certification you have the information to use for counseling on these issues!
Other established co-morbidities are STRESS! Depressions, Anxieties, Fears, Phobias, Rage and irrational anger, Addictions either alcohol, drugs or both! People are suicidal from despair and who is counseling them? You know the fundamentals of Energy Psychology i.e. BET/ EFT/ Tapping, a proven therapy you are legally authorized to do. If you did nothing but market and practice coaching and counseling people to Tapp on their emotional, mental issues you would be a God send.
Do everything, offer everything and find what your community wants and needs from you!
Under NAIC as an Authorized Full Blessed Member you are legal and able to do programs and sessions for your patients and clients using everything you have been given access to in your training and certification for Ministry. Yes that includes “hands-On”. But, no matter how you define or redefine your practice let it be a SomaVeda® practice. What I mean by that is a WHOLISTIC practice. I implore you to not define your practice as a “massage” , “Bodywork” or “rubbing on people for money” practice. A) That is NOT what SomaVeda® is. B) It is NOT what you were trained and or certified in. C)It is a misrepresentation of the Sacred art and entirely self limiting both for you and your clients.
My new lecture lesson series on “SomaVeda® 49 systems of Self Expression and Healing” offers many different way to take what you already know and have and format, emphasize and or market it in new and interesting ways both as service offerings and as profit centers for you!
Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of indigenous traditional medicine which has many solutions for Corona co-morbidty! If your SomaVeda® Advanced Practitioner and or Teacher you know this and have the training in Ayurveda therapy which you can counsel with.
Bottom line? If your not practicing under NAIC your on your own! Sorry, Best of luck to you negotiating the current shifting legal and health sands. If your an NAIC Authorized practitioner of any level then your legal to practice if you follow strictly all of the legal guidelines! I said IF. If you do not follow ALL of the guidelines you are simply not protected. This means every client, every single one has to be an NAIC Member… No exceptions. You have them join NAIC as an APM Member if they are not already one. Your clients can do this easily now with the New OnLine APM Registry at SomaVeda.Com. Additionally , every client, no exceptions must fill out and sign the NAIC Informed Consent and Waiver Form. You were given copies of this Consent form, additionally the form is found in the Practitioner DropBox. If you need a blank, contact the office. If legal protection was ever important it is doubly so now under the current conditions. If your not clear… go to the “Legal Guidelines” course at LearnThaiYoga and review the published materials.
Additional Suggestions:
* Keeping in mind your legal Exceptions for religious practice. Be sure to practice legally, and within all national and local laws and guidelines. Remember! “Suggested Mandates” and or “Suggested Guidelines” are NOT Laws. No more so than when your Mom used to tell you to come home before late! * Change your rules and regulations to comply with the lawful laws, and to be safe at all times. Make sure that all clients are NAIC Members and fill out both NAIC APM Membership and Informed Consent forms to follow your new guidelines.
*Make sure to copy and prominently display your NAIC Authorization, AFM and or LCHT… If your an Ordained Minister, make sure those documents are framed and on the wall, entry way of any office, clinic or practice areas. * Consider taking the temperature of every client before they enter your practice room. It is ok to ask (not require) clients to wash before entering the room and to optionally give the clients the option to wear a mask. The therapist may also do the same, if that is the only way to get them into your practice! The wearing of mask by the public has been completely and scientifically debunked/ discredited by most national and international experts. 73% of persons who claim to have been infected became so while wearing masks.
Let me be clear, wearing of mask is social virtue signalling and has nothing tom do with disease transmission of any virus. Many ordinary people who watch way too much “news” still believe they need to wear a muzzle or “face shaming” device for their safety.
SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Sessions are for healing and therapy and we DO need to provide a congenial and atmosphere that allows the clients to be relaxed… if that means wearing a mask then I will not turn away a client or church member because they feel they need to wear a mask. As a matter of policy NAIC does not require mask wearing for services for the obvious reasons.
* Change the way you perform SomaVeda® Thai Yoga. For fearful clients, avoid close contact with the client’s face or breath, and keep your face at a safe distance. This is the same procedure that you would follow in dealing with any person with a severe emotional trauma. We can achieve much benefit by working into issues tangentally or indirectly.
Suggestion and Use AYURVEDA recommendations for all pre- and or co- morbidities! I have written an extensive article with official AYUSH Ayurveda recommendations for Ayurveda medicines and supplements to keep you and your clients in tip top health and wellness. Please take a minute and familiarize yourself with the proven strategies being currently used and recommended by our Ayurvedic Medical counterparts in India and elsewhere. “SomaVeda® Thai Yoga and Ayurveda Solutions for Corona Issues“In addition to the Herbs and medicines listed I have included links on Beardedmedia.com for you to locate and purchase all the recommend supplements.
Please Note: Having made the obligatory recommendations… Do you need to really be concerned with contracting and or spreading the “Virus”? NO! The risk as promoted by the media and official government hype is “hype”-er-bolic and completely and maliciously over blown and over stated. Unless your over age 83, with severe and chronic underlying issues such as obesity (+150 to 200+ lbs.) diabetes, heart disease and or cancer etc. while in a hospice or nursing home (over 70% of all mortality is in hospice or nursing home) at the same time as you have a serious case, you will 98 to 99% never know you were sick or have the first symptom, same for everyone you know! My strongest recommendation is that IF your concerned then stay home and do what you think is right for yourself… however, better still is to take some of the “At Home” time and invest in becoming a “Corona Expert”! We have the training to assist you in this at LearnThaiYoga in the “Natural Solutions for Corona, Flu and Novel Viral Infections“ course. I recommend this “Non-Hype” education into an issue that will be affecting your business and life for the far future!
* Consider using your feet and SomaVeda® T.A.E.L.R. (Tool Assisted Energy Line Release), instead of your hands. Consider working most of the session in side position, to maintain more distance between therapist and client, and to keep faces pointing away from each other.
* To what degree it is feasible, ensure plenty of fresh air and sunlight in the treatment area. Consider moving your mat, table or chair outdoors! Fresh air is good for many reasons.
* Make plenty of Colloidal Silver! Spray everything before and after, let “air dry” as a disinfectant. Do the same for your mask, gloves, face! Spray your mat. If you can not make your own silver because you never did invest in a Silver Maker as we taught in class, then you can order one now through the School or by the new “MIMOM Blue Sacred Water” at BeardedMedia.com… Best if you make your own for yourself and your clients!
* I am also recommending that you have a new mat or back up mat that can be cleaned and disinfected between sessions..These are the same type of mats now being used everywhere in Thailand today. Cloth mats are comfy and attractive but they are not hospital grade for cleaning. Here’s a link for the type of Mat we recommend now for professionals. We will be using these type of mats as well here at the Thai Yoga Center for the reasons stated above. Vinyl Mat: Click Here! These mats come in various sizes and are reasonably priced!
Please let us know if you have any specific conditions, questions or challenges not addressed in this notice.
Keep Working! Be the source person for healing you were born to be!
Legal Resource!
Do you find your self intimidated by the Law or Legal issues? Do you sometimes feel you need a lawyer but can not afford one? Do you sometimes feel disadvantaged because you don’t have adequate legal resources or the right information? I have a solution for you. Become your own best legal advocate. The law was created for you and you should know how it works and understand how it relates to you, your life and your business.
New Professional Liability Insurance for SCNM/ Thai Yoga Center Grads!
By popular request, NAIC has successfully negotiated for a New Program of Professional Liability Insurance Alternative Balance for SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine and Thai Yoga Center Certificate program graduates!
All current and past SomaVeda® Thai Yoga, Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy graduates are eligible. You can choose the coverage appropriate for your level of certification! Nice!
Discounted professional liability insurance coverage is available to NAIC professional members who provide Holistic Ayurvedic Therapies (non-invasive only).
When you register with Alternative Balance, You may choose as many modalities for coverage as apply to your practice; there are no extra charges for the additional modalities listed below: Bold indicates Primary for NAIC AFM/ LCHT Level with CTP1, SomaVeda® SomaVeda® Ayurveda LifeStyle Certificate, SomaVeda® Ayurveda Yoga Therapist as appropriate for scope of practice. If you not clear, happy to assist! Call the office today!)
Ayurveda
Massage (Only if in Non-License State or you hold State Massage License)
Yoga
Yoga Therapy
Bodywork
Energy Work
Wellness & Life Coaching
Nutritional Consultants or Therapist
Herbalist Consultations
Esthetician (Additional State License Required)
Cosmetology (Additional State License Required)
Personal Trainer
Biofeedback
Ear Candling
Nutrition Consulting (Counseling)
Naturopathic Consulting (Must be Active NAIC LCHT or Higher Level)
Pilates
Aromatherapy
EFT/ BET
Pole Fitness
Dance Instructor
Nail Technician
Fitness
Animal Therapies
Airbrush
Tanning
Aerial Yoga (Acro-Yoga)
Coverage extensions are available for additional services as needed.
Professional ($249.00)
Acupuncture! (+ $229.00)(Must be with additional coverage)
Cupping (+ $129.00) (Must be with additional coverage)
Part-time Professional (Avg. 20hrs or less a week) ($219.00)
Student ($189.00) (As long as your pre-certification or graduate as a certified practitioner)
Additional Insured Premises Coverage: Perfect if your renting a commercial office space or suite and or are leasing space in a shared commercial space or wellness center, multi-practitioner healing center, hospital etc. You will need an “Additional Premises Rider for Liability Insurance i.e. “Slip and Fall” type of coverage. Be sure to include this request at the time you reserve your policy! You will need the name and address of your landlord to have this coverage added. If you move you can change it!
Alternative Balance Po Box 538 Mont Vernon NH 03057 1-800-871-3848 Associations for Better Living
NAIC Elders -Jibarro Borekin Taino Indigenous People Join Together
Over the weekend of September 28, 29 and 30th. 2018 Elders and Principle Medicine Men and Women or the Native American Indigenous Church (NAIC) of Brooksville Florida and The Borekin Nation of Jibarro Taino People of Puerto Rico met and formally agreed to mutual affiliation and solidarity. In consideration of the terrible toll on the PR indigenous people following hurricanes Maria and Irma, NAIC has volunteered to support both Medical and Educational missions in Lares, Puerto Rico. (https://todosunidosdescolonizarpr.blogspot.com/2018/10/school-and-hospital-of-natural-medicine.html)
In recognition of contributions and shared ceremony The Estado National Soberano De Borinken has officially adopted NAIC Chairman and Medicine Man Dr. Anthony B. James as a full fledged member of the Jibarro tribe effective September 30th. 2018. Dr. James has been issued all formal certificates of membership and the Estado Nacional Soberano De Borinken official passport and Tribal Medical License (Licensia para Ejercer la Medicina Indigena). http://todosunidosdescolonizarpr.blogspot.com/2018/10/no-one-gets-out-without-hug.html
Dr. James has agreed to bring his system of SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies® Thai Yoga, Ayurveda and Religious Therapeutics to the Taino elders and community. The hope is to restore a complete and functional traditionally based, spiritually based healing and medicinal function to the greater Taino Borekin community restoring a function virtually lost during the colonial period of time. The Taino elders and medicine men and women are open to receiving education in Ayurveda and Thai Traditional Medicine! This is a first and of historical note.
This meeting and affiliation was held under the umbrella of SMOKH (Sacred Medical Order of the Knights of Hope/ Church of Hope)
September 2018, 164 Hr. SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Ayurveda Certification Program
NAIC/ SCNM: Thai Yoga Center for Indigenous Thai Yoga, Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy and Natural Medicine Photo’s
Sacred Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, SomaVeda® Thai Yoga, Indigenous Traditional and Natural Medicine SCNM: Thai Yoga Center for Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy and Natural Medicine Photo’s September 2018 intensive Thai Yoga Therapy at The Native American Indigenous Church (NAIC): SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine and Thai Yoga Center located at the NAIC Sanctuary in beautiful Brooksville, Florida.
September 2018 SomaVeda® Thai Yoga, Ayurveda Lifestyle, Ayurveda Health Consultant Program Photo Gallery: CLICK HERE!
Students participated in the NAIC Seminary: SomaVeda® Indigenous Thai Ayurveda and Thai Yoga Therapy Basic Practitioner Certificate Course (CTP1). This SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies® Indigenous Thai Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy Practitioner Certificate Training included fifteen additional courses emphasizing Sacred Nutrition, Counseling, Emotional Mental Health Strategies, Nutrition and supplementation to enhance practice results, Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy and Legal Guidelines for NAIC Ministers.
SomaVeda® Thai Yoga, Ayurveda and Yoga Therapy programs stress practice development and marketing strategies that work!
NAIC/SCNM: Thai Yoga Center Ayurveda/ Thai Yoga/ Yoga Therapy/ Indigenous, Traditional Medicine, Thai Traditional Medicine religious therapeutics educational programs and Certification programs visit ThaiYogaCenter.Com
Learn more about the science behind SomaVeda® Thai Traditional Medicine at www.ThaiMassage.Com
SomaVeda® Indigenous Thai Yoga certification programs are under the direction of Aachan, Dr. Anthony B. James and Thai Yoga Center staff teachers: Khruu Dr. Julie James.
For information on NAIC Seminary College Degree Programs visit SomaVeda.Org Thai Traditional Medicine: (Indigenous Traditional Thai Yoga: Traditional Thai Massage: Indigenous Traditional Medicine: Yoga Therapy: Ayurveda: Ayurveda Yoga Therapist: Ayurveda Health Counselor: Yoga Therapist: Learn Thai Yoga: Doctor of Sacred Natural Medicine).
Schedules and Locations for NAIC Sponsored SomaVeda® Thai Yoga and Ayurveda Certification programs are posted at SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Calander.
Current Facts about Thai Yoga and Thai Massage Certification and Licensing
What’s a Thai Yoga and or Traditional Thai Massage certificate?
What’s a massage license?
How are they different?
When and where do you need them?
How do you get them?
What do you need to know to practice Thai Healing Arts legally in the US?
You will find all the answers right here! Forewarned as the subject deserves a good answer this post is a long one and you may need to read it more than once.
Traditional Thai Yoga/ Thai Massage legal aspects
There are many therapists, especially in the US, who passionately argue for licensing. However this article is not about opinions and preferences, but strictly about facts and the legal side of massage vs. Traditional Thai Yoga Massage/ Thai Yoga/ Traditional Thai Massage and spiritual/energetically based, religious therapeutics, healing arts in general.
Every practitioner of a religious therapeutic healing art needs to be clear and to know the legal basis for the art they are practicing. We here at NAIC (Native American Indigenous Church Inc. Tribal Organization): Thai Yoga Center can not only answer the question but can provide a legal basis for you to practice anywhere!
Certification versus licensing
The first thing we need to understand is that there there is a difference between certification and licensing.
Certification Definition:the action or process of providing someone or something with an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement: a fundamental requirement for organic certification | the certification of teachers.• an official document attesting to a status or level of achievement:graduates who want to gain industry-recognized certifications. – certifies all or part of the following:
You are qualified to practice Thai Yoga/ Traditional Thai Massage
You possess the necessary understandings (knowledge) and competencies (skills)
You have had a certain amount of training: i.e. minimum standards apply.
Certification is only about qualification, skills and training. It does not automatically give you the legal right to practice ANY healing art Thai or otherwise.
Licensing Definition: “a permit from an authority to own or use something, do a particular thing, or carry on a trade (especially in alcoholic beverages): a gun license | [as modifier] : vehicle license fees.• formal or official permission to do something: logging is permitted under license from the Forest Service. • Medical and or Allied Medical and or Massage License etc.
Many people believe incorrectly that you can only do healing work IF you are “Licensed” by the state! First of all NOT TRUE! This is a myth often perpetuated by “Massage Therapist” and or State Massage Boards. Massage is legally defined as “Rubbing for Money” regardless of alleged benefits. According to Massage organizations and State Massage Boards, Massage is apparently very dangerous and practitioners need to be restricted and licensed by the respective states! Please not all states have these wacky rules.
Thus a Massage License gives you the legal right to practice massage (Rubbing for Money), IF your jurisdiction has licensing laws (not all do). A license is generally issued by a legal entity like a state licensing board, for example. However, this Massage Therapy practice is defined strictly an has statutory scope of practice rules and conditions!
Let me reiterate that there are still some states which do not have licensing requirements for massage at all! Please note however, they may have local jurisdictional codes or rules by county, city etc. which may have the same effect as a massage ordinance.
Additionally, all those laws change frequently.
The Fly in the Legal Ointment!
If…
Certification means you are qualified to practice massage or any indigenous traditional healing art such as Thai Yoga or Traditional Thai Massage.
Licensing (if required) gives you the legal right to practice massage.
The issue is that Traditional Thai Yoga (SomaVeda® Thai Yoga Therapy) and / or Traditional Thai Massage is NOT Massage and or Massage Therapy as defined by law!
There are Special Rules for Thai Yoga Therapy and or Traditional Thai Massage
In the case of Thai Yoga there are special considerations to consider. It depends on how massage and or bodywork is defined. Thai Yoga is quite different from massage and or massage therapy. It is an entirely different animal. Thai Traditional Yoga Therapy (“Ryksaa Thang Nuad Phaen Boran Thai- Reussi Dotton“) is Classical Ayurveda from Thailand. It is the manipulative discipline of Thai Traditional Medicine, Thai Ayurveda (including Thai Traditional Physical Therapy TTPT/ Tok Sen/ Tit Tar and Thai Traditional Naturopathy), (“Marmacikitsa/ Kayachikitsa“). For a deep discussion on What Is Thai Yoga, please read my earlier post on the subject. What is Thai Yoga Part 1, What is Thai Yoga Part 2.
2)(f) Is a rabbi, priest, minister, or member of the clergy of any religious denomination or sect when engaging in activities which are within the scope of the performance of his or her regular or specialized ministerial duties and for which no separate charge is made, or when such activities are performed, with or without charge, for or under the auspices or sponsorship, individually or in conjunction with others, of an established and legally cognizable church, denomination, or sect, and when the person rendering service remains accountable to the established authority thereof.
“Nothing in this section shall prevent or restrict the practice of a person who uses touch, words or directed movement to deepen awareness of patterns of movement in the body, or the affectation of the human energy system or acupoints or Qi meridians of the human body while engaged within the scope of practice of a profession with established standards and ethics, but such services shall not be designated or implied to be massage or massage therapy.
Such practices shall include, but not be limited to, the Feldenkrais Method; Reflexology; The Trager Approach; Ayurvedic Therapies, Rolf Structural Integration, Polarity or Polarity Therapy; Polarity Therapy Bodywork; Asian Bodywork Therapy that does not constitute massage as defined in this chapter; Acupressure; Jin Shin Do; Qi Gong; Tui Na; Shiatsu; Body-Mind Centering and Reiki. These exempt practitioners may use the terms ”bodywork”, ”bodyworker” and ”bodywork therapist” in their promotional literature.“
In the first example if your a religious practitioner meeting the qualification required you not only do not have to have a license your expressing exempted from them!
In the Massachusetts example, under the secular rule you can imply an exception but it is not stated… furthermore as it is a secular law it can be changed at anytime!
Not only is this confusing it still does not answer the question about whether or not you need a license to practice Thai.
Maybe we are asking the wrong question. The question is NOT whether you need a license or not but under what legal basis can you practice regardless of having a license or not.
Because we are a Native Tribal and Indigenous Tribal Organization (Tribal Church- Faith Based Religious Organization) and Aboriginal community we have been researching this issue and question for years. Many bright legal minds and legal experts have weighed in on our legal rights to practice. The question of “Thai” comes from our community adopting Classical and traditional Ayurveda medicine of Thailand and Thai Yoga Therapy (Traditional Thai Massage) as an authentic traditional , spiritually based healing methods or systems suitable for our tribal organization and members to practice.
We pass this wisdom on to you now!
First thing, is if you define or call what you do Massage or Massage Therapy (rubbing on people for money) then GET A LICENSE!
Once you have that license follow the ethics and scope of practice, don’t cheat and don’t violate the restrictive scope of practice and you’ll be fine.
However, if you want to practice Thai Yoga/ Thai Massage legally in the US you don’t need a license but you do need a legal AUTHORIZATION! Remember the Florida Code and the exemptions I listed above? A religious exemption to practice is “on the books” in every state. There are conditions which determine if you personally meet the criteria for exemption however, we can show you the in’s and outs of this process.
NO Loopholes! Don’t put your self and your family at risk by working under loopholes and “under the table” etc. Come out into the light and develop your healing practice and career in the light.
If you practice any form of alternative, complimentary and or spiritually based healing work and either do not have a license and or are practicing outside your mandated scope of practice you are at risk! In order to continue your ability to practice Spiritually and or Energetically based Indigenous, Traditional, Natural and or Native Healing and Wellness Services, Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Thai Yoga and or Thai Massage or related, you will need to become an active Member of NAIC according to your authorized scope of practice. Many states are actively passing laws to restrict all forms of energy, indigenous, traditional and or natural medicine and healing. Take the new Maryland Law HB 1156 as an example:
This type of abusive and unconstitutional law is being suggested and or implemented across the country!
NAIC Inc. is not legally responsible for any former students, practitioners and or teachers, non member activities for services rendered. You must have an active NAIC membership to qualify for legal protection under our authority.
Your previous training and certificates via THAI, ITTA, Thai Yoga Center, Yoga Alliance, IAYT, ABMP, AMTA, Clayton, NAMA, AAPNA etc. do not provide you with the legal protections for all the healing work your able to do. However, they may qualify you for NAIC membership.
Of course the elephant in the room is SCOPE of Practice! Even if you have a medical or allied medical license fro any particular state… Ask your self, Does this license give me the legal right to do what I actually do? What I mean by this is do you actually try to practice true medicine?Because if you do you may be in violation of many aspects of your license and subject to citation, violation and or criminal proceeding every day! Enforcement for violations of scope of practice is random and just because you have not been violated yet does not mean your safe or immune from citation, fines and or criminal procedures!
Here are some common areas well meaning but uninformed practitioners regularly run a foul of state medical and or massage boards:
Do you give health advice in your consultations or services? Food, Eating, Nutrition, Supplements, Juicing, weight loss relating to any condition or health issue of any kind?
Do you assess, or make any specific recommendations for alleviating, reducing, improving, remediating, controlling, managing any diagnosed illness of any kind ever?
Do you recommend any treatments, sessions, programs or do any treatments, sessions, programs hands on for any specific and or diagnosed health or medical condition of any kind at any time?
Do you use any adjuncts, tools, mechanical aids, vibrations, light, sound, water, mechanical vibrators, electro-acupuncture devises of any kind ever?
Do you do ANY kind of psychological, emotional or mental health or wellness counseling on any kind? Including Tapping, EFT, BET, TFT, Energy Psychology etc.?
Do you use or integrate ANY Native American Ritual, Sacrament, Ceremony, Herbs and or any traditional indigenous medicine recommendations into your healing, therapy or wellness services?
Would you like to do or use any of the above now or in the future?
Here’s a few more questions:
Ask yourself:
Was your healing and natural medicine training apprentice style?
Did you learn your Thai Yoga or Thai Massage practice in Thailand and now want to practice legally in the US?
Was your training in Native American and or Indigenous Medicine?
Do you have a current license but are having issues with your full scope of practice?
Do you practice Ayurveda, Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Thai Yoga and or Thai Massage?
Do you practice Reiki, Pranic healing, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Spiritual Massage, Crystal healing?
Do you counsel and or give advise on nutrition, food, diet, eating lifestyle, supplementation, nutrients or other regimen to enhance wellness or address illness?
Do you practice detoxification programs such as Pancha Karma?
Do you practice emotional healing, energy psychology, traditional naturopathy, holistic psychology or psychotherapy?
Want to get out of the Massage Therapy licensing/ Taxed therapy Gerbil wheel?
Do you use or recommend Herbs, sacrament and or unconventional herbal therapies for healing?
Need legal protection and freedom from expense liability insurance issues?
Do you practice Homeopathy, Radionics, Rife or other energy based healing?
Do you carry or use Native American Sacrament, Birds of Prey feathers in your healing work for your self or for others?
Do you believe healing is a Human Right, as well as a constitutional right?
Are you concerned about laws and governmental authorities limiting you and your families access to health care?
Are you concerned about mandatory Vaccination issues for yourself or your children?
Have you been hiding your healing work? Keeping it on the “Down Low”, avoiding marketing or advertising because of fear?
If any of the above is true…
Well, you should know the answer by now! We can help you!
Time to step into the light!
No loop holes. Loop Holes can be changed, can be closed. Let us show you how to bring your healing work and natural medicine safely into the light as an NAIC Medicine Card holder or Branch Elder.
However, In order to qualify for the legal protections offered under NAIC Authority and Membership and or Authorized Blessed medicine Cards Program, additional training and or NAIC Certification may be required.
To be clear. If you are practicing Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, SomaVeda®, Thai Yoga, Thai Massage, Pancha Karma, Nutritional and or Food Counseling, Detox Programs, Bio-Energetic, EFT, Bio-Tapping, Massage, Reiki, Herbology, Homeopathy, Flower Remedies, Aroma Therapy, Traditional Naturopathy, Kinesiology, Native American Medicine, Lomi Lomi, Acupressure, Ministerial Counseling and or Psychological services, Colon Hydro-therapy, Iridology, Flower Remedies, Acupressure and or similar without a license which specifically includes your actual scope of practice and services rendered to the public, your practice may be illegal and you are “at risk” and possibly subject to legal penalties including fines, censure and prosecutions from various local, state and federal authorities.
Question? What if I have a Massage, Massage Therapy or other License? Doesn’t that protect me?
NO!
State and National Massage Therapy Scope of Legal Practice do NOT include many CAM practices and therapies such as Ayurveda, Pancha Karma, Detox Programs, Assessments, Psychological and Emotional Therapies, Thai Yoga, Thai Massage, Yoga Therapy, Spiritually based Massage, Food, Eating and Supplement strategies, personal and spiritually based Psychological Counseling etc. In fact they may specifically prohibit you from doing them! (Read your Scope of Practice State Massage Law!) More than this, if your practicing out side your Legal Scope of Practice as defined in your particular state your Liability Insurance is not covering these practices in the event of an accident or claimed injury! Most Massage Liability Insurance programs such as AMTA, ABMP etc. specifically state that in your practice outside your SOP the policy is “null and void” in the event of a claim!
Recently, we have received reports that unlicensed, out of scope of practice healers are being prosecuted, fined, censured and literally shut down because they did not have the forsight to plan ahead and establish a legal basis for their healing work. Both the Federal Gov’t and all Licensing States have hired additional investigators specifically to track down, investigate and prosecute/ persecute so called “Unlicensed” practitioners. They have every legal right and mandate to do so.
Lets say it Again… No Loop Holes! The only reasonable answer to avoid both legal and liability issues to to establish and claim your right to practice today with an NAIC Membership.
We want to ensure all of our graduates, former and current students rights to practice without fear or interference. If you have not applied for the appropriate NAIC Authorized Membership, do so today! Unlike other “associations” it’s a one time fee for most memberships.
Don’t put your practice, your clients, your life at risk of legal jeopardy! Come out of the “Loop Hole” shadows. Stop basing your future on “Maybe no one will file a complaint”.
Take immediate and positive action to create a legal basis for your healing work today!
If your not sure if your specific practice is covered or if you have any questions regarding NAIC Membership and or our Authorized Blessed Medicine Card Program, contact us today by email or phone.
NAIC is the only way! Everyday and in around our Nation, Native American Indigenous Church and our parent organization and its members are successfully standing up for their constitutional rights under the protective umbrella of NAIC. This protection is showing itself in the exchange of healing and healthcare services, protecting access to indigenous traditional and natural medicine, protecting the right to use prayer, affirmation, energy and laying on of hands, transporting, receiving, utilizing Sacred Sacraments, and NAIC independent branches receiving relief from property taxes and etc.
The only way you can benefit is to be a member. The only way you can share the umbrella of NAIC legal protections for your rights is to be a member. The only way you can practice and express your legitimate healing and natural medicine based medicine is to be a member. The only way to guarantee your family, friends and clients access to your practice is to become a member. Join our NAIC community today!
What about schools, clinics and or intentional healing communities?
Are you a teacher, school director, owner, Medicine Elder, wellness center, dispensary owner and wish to protect your community, clients, members and or and students under our protective legal umbrella by affirming your sincere and firmly held belief in Native American healing principles? Contact us to day for information on how to form your own independent NAIC Branch.
Legal Resource!
Do you find your self intimidated by the Law or Legal issues? Do you sometimes feel you need a lawyer but can not afford one? Do you sometimes feel disadvantaged because you don’t have adequate legal resources or the right information? I have a solution for you. Become your own best legal advocate. The law was created for you and you should know how it works and understand how it relates to you, your life and your business.
This course is nothing less than amazing.
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Jurisprudence World Indigenous Medicine Conference 2017, Dr. Anthony B. James
Dr. Anthony B. James (USA), AmaLia Wai Ching (Bali), Marvin S. Hausman, M.D. (USA), Nevis June 2017
Dr. Anthony B. James Jurisprudence/ legal presentation 10th. World Conference of Indigenous and Traditional Medicines, Nevis West Indies, June 2017. Dr. James an Aachan and Master teacher of Indigenous, Traditional Ayurveda and Thai Yoga discusses some basic principles of establishing a legal umbrella for practicing religious therapeutics. The conference was sponsored by SMOKH (Sacred Medical Order of the Church of Hope) a UN registered International ecumenical organization. www.SMOCH.org.
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