The Thai Tok Sen Massage Course at London School of Massage teaches qualified therapists how to use traditional wooden tools to apply controlled rhythmic tapping along the body’s Sen lines.
Originating from the Lanna tradition of Northern Thailand, Tok Sen combines gentle percussion, vibration, acupressure and assisted stretching. It is normally performed through comfortable clothing without massage oil.
Training is delivered by a qualified practitioner trained in Chiang Mai and at Wat Po in Thailand, providing students with practical instruction informed by authentic Thai Massage traditions.
Students learn safe tool handling, pressure control, treatment positioning and a structured Tok Sen routine that can be offered as a standalone treatment or incorporated into Thai, sports, deep tissue and complementary massage sessions.
The course is suitable for:
Students must meet the published entry requirements to receive the accredited CPD certificate.
Training can help therapists:
London School of Massage has delivered professional massage and complementary therapy training since 1994.
Students benefit from:
Learn more on the London School of Massage history page.
This practical course combines the cultural background and principles of Tok Sen with supervised hands-on training.
Students learn how to position clients safely, handle the traditional wooden mallet and peg and apply controlled rhythmic tapping with appropriate direction, pressure, angle and tempo.
Training includes:
The course is delivered in person at a London School of Massage training venue.
Students normally work in pairs and take turns practising and receiving the techniques. This allows them to understand the sound, vibration, pressure and comfort of Tok Sen from both perspectives.
The principal training equipment is provided for classroom use.
Traditional Tok Sen Massage is normally performed:
Students should wear loose clothing that allows movement and assisted stretching.
The course develops the practical skills required to use traditional Tok Sen tools safely within a professional massage or bodywork practice.
Students learn:
Training covers:
Students practise:
The practical routine may include techniques for the:
Students learn how to sequence techniques smoothly and adapt the treatment to the client’s needs.
Students learn:
This is a specialist CPD course for qualified therapists.
Students should hold one of the following:
The qualification should include suitable Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology training.
No. This course builds on existing massage, consultation, contraindication and Anatomy and Physiology knowledge.
Students without a recognised Level 3 qualification may only attend at the school’s discretion and would receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than an accredited CPD certificate.
Complete beginners should first consider the VTCT/ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Massage Course.
Students may be asked to provide evidence of their existing qualification.
Anyone uncertain about eligibility should send a copy of their qualification to London School of Massage before booking.
Students should be able to:
Anyone with an injury, health condition or mobility restriction that may affect participation should contact the school before attending.
There are no formal written or external practical examinations.
Students are assessed continuously through:
Students receive practical guidance and feedback throughout the course.
An electronic accredited CPD certificate is issued when the tutor is satisfied that the student has demonstrated the required practical skills, professional conduct and safety awareness.
The course carries 14 CPD points.
Students who do not hold the required prerequisite qualification or meet the practical assessment standard may receive a Certificate of Attendance instead.
The course is accredited or approved by:
Further information is available on the London School of Massage Accreditations and Approvals page.
Students are responsible for confirming that their qualification and Thai Tok Sen Massage certificate meet the requirements of their chosen insurer, employer or professional association.
Further guidance is available on the massage therapist insurance page.
Qualified and appropriately insured therapists may use Tok Sen within:
Therapists may offer Tok Sen as a dedicated treatment or integrate selected techniques into existing massage and bodywork sessions.
The course can help therapists:
Therapists must continue to work within their qualifications, competence and insurance conditions.
Students wishing to gain a full traditional Thai Massage qualification can progress to the VTCT Level 3 Thai Massage Course.
Other relevant progression options include:
Students can also explore the full range of massage courses for qualified therapists.
This course is designed for qualified massage therapists, Sports Massage Therapists, Thai Massage practitioners and eligible bodywork professionals who would like to add traditional Tok Sen techniques to their existing practice.
Students should hold a recognised Level 3 RQF qualification in Massage, Sports Massage or an accepted equivalent that includes Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology.
If you are unsure whether your qualification is suitable, you are very welcome to send London School of Massage a copy before booking.
No. This is a specialist CPD course that builds on existing massage skills, anatomical knowledge, consultation and safe professional practice.
Students without an eligible Level 3 qualification may be permitted to attend for personal development but will receive a Certificate of Attendance rather than the accredited CPD certificate.
Students wishing to gain a recognised qualification in traditional Thai Massage may consider the VTCT Level 3 Thai Massage Course.
You will learn how to use traditional Tok Sen tools safely and confidently within a structured treatment.
Training includes:
You will also learn how to adapt the rhythm, pressure and techniques to suit the individual client.
There is no separate written examination or external practical examination.
You will be assessed continuously throughout the training through supervised partner practice, tutor observation and individual feedback.
To complete the course successfully, students must demonstrate safe tool handling, suitable rhythm and pressure, appropriate client positioning, awareness of contraindications and confident delivery of the treatment routine.
No. London School of Massage provides the traditional Tok Sen tools and main classroom equipment required during training.
Students normally work in pairs and take turns practising and receiving the treatment, so you do not need to bring a separate model.
All techniques are taught through comfortable clothing and classes are open to all genders. Professional conduct, consent, privacy and student dignity are maintained throughout.
London School of Massage provides the professional massage couches and main classroom equipment used during training.
Students may need to bring:
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and participate in the Tok Sen and assisted-stretching techniques.
A complete course-specific list, including any additional items required, will be provided after enrolment.
Students who plan to offer Tok Sen professionally will also need to purchase a suitable professional Tok Sen tool set and have access to an appropriate treatment couch or padded treatment area.
Qualified therapists who successfully complete the course may integrate Tok Sen techniques into their existing massage, Thai Massage, Sports Massage or bodywork practice where this falls within their qualifications, competence and professional scope.
Before offering Tok Sen commercially, students should confirm that it is covered by their professional insurance. Further information is available on the Therapist Insurance page.
Therapists who would like to develop related Thai bodywork skills may also consider the Table Thai Massage Course or the VTCT Level 3 Thai Massage Course.
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