The Healing Touch of Thai massage
with David Roma
November 11th–15th, 2026
Gray Bear would like to both introduce you to an exceptional human being as well as to an art-form, a meditation, that can truly enhance your connection to life and to those that you love.
Rooted in Metta (Loving-Kindness); David has personally transformed the practice of traditional Thai Massage into something individualized: a kindness-oriented, slow-moving human-being honoring connection….which also happens to be an exceptionally effective body-work technique. You simply have to experience his unique approach to understand the gift he brings with this offering.
Thai massage offers a holistic approach to relaxation and healing, focusing on the body’s internal energy pathways and promoting well- being. Its unique blend of stretching, yoga, and metta sets it apart from traditional massage techniques and provides a comprehensive experience that addresses both physical and spiritual aspects. Rooted in Ayurvedic principles and Buddhist compassion, Thai massage is a holistic, floor-based therapy blending assisted yoga, acupressure, and energy work to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and boost energy flow.
This training is open to everyone. Participants will learn a 90 minute Thai Massage sequence. This will be a great opportunity to experience and learn this unique bodywork in a small group setting. We will explore, practice and integrate various techniques to ensure smooth transitions ~ moving energy throughout the session while slowness is superior to the quality of being.
What You Will Learn:
- Full Body Contact: Performed on a mat on the floor, allowing for deep, leverage-based movements.
- practitioners guide the recipient through passive stretches and yoga-like poses to increase range of motion and relieve tension.
- Rhythmic Flow: Techniques are applied in a slow, rhythmic, dance-like manner to create a,wave-like effect.
- Metta (Loving-Kindness): The practice is considered a meditation in motion, emphasizing compassion, mindfulness, and intention.
- LMT’s will receive 21CEU NCBTMB. Includes Manual & Certification.
Registration Details
Workshop discounted at $1295 if paid in full by Sept 30th. Space is consciously limited. Price includes tuition, lodging, meals and full use of facilities. Payment via Paypal, Venmo, check or credit card accepted. Following registration, confirmation letter and additional information (including directions to Gray Bear) will be sent. Late fee registration, after October 1st, increases to $1395.
Arrival Departure Schedule
We'll begin with guests arriving Wednesday, between 2:00-4:00 pm. First class is 4:15, dinner at 6:15. Orientation & opening circle follow. Sunday checkout time is 2:00.
Gray Bear is a two hour drive from the Nashville airport, and 3.5 hours from Memphis. Please plan arrival/departure time with this in mind.
Gray Bear Lodge P.O. Box 682 Hohenwald, TN 38462
Telephone: 615-782-0469
Who Should Attend
This retreat is open to all; You do not have to be a massage therapist in order to attend. Ideal for singles or couples; Thai massage is a folk art as well as a professional practice. Learning this art form as a life skill to gift to loved one’s along our journey is a truly lovely practice. Massage therapists and Thai massage practitioners; beginners or advanced are welcome and will benefit greatly from David’s unique experience.
LMT’s will receive 21CEU NCBTMB. Includes Manual & Certification
About the Instructor
David Roma is a world-renowned Thai yoga instructor. His smooth, “slow flow”, Tai Chi-like approach has become his trademark and attracted both students and clients globally.
With over three decades of experience in Thai massage, David blends proven modalities with compassionate therapy. David has guided hundreds of practitioners and clients worldwide toward sustainable lifestyle changes through movement and mindfulness.
David Roma first discovered Traditional Thai Massage while on assignment piloting for a prominent communication company in the mid 1990's. Based in Bangkok, flying a private jet, David began teaching yoga within the city limits. It was then that he began to experience Thai Massage as a healing modality to the body and a blissful state of well being.
David is a Nationally Board Certified Licensed Massage Therapist, a member of AMTA, Thai Healing Alliance, Certified Yoga Instructor and an Instructor for the Sunshine School of Massage in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
NCBTMB symbolizes commitment, dedication and expertise. Massage therapist who are Board Certified have gone above and beyond licensure.
He has choreographed classes with profound techniques allowing the practitioner to be present and use their body effectively by using less energy while practicing the art of slowness.
To become a true Thai massage practitioner, it is imperative to be mindful in listening to your heart, use your intuition and move with good intention.
David is honored to share and provide beautiful flowing transitions. In his bodywork practice, he is continuously elevating himself, always learning how to become a true artist from within.
What to Pack
Gray Bear is home to 400 acres of rolling hills, thick forest, natural springs, and even a waterfall. You can experience the wonders of nature while sitting in a hand-built wood fire sauna; hear the silence of nature's symphony lying on a hammock while curled under a blanket; and revel in clear air and water while using shower outdoors.
With all of this nature we have some suggestions to consider when packing:
- Working flashlight ...it gets dark with only the light of the stars to guide you!
- A bathing suit ... good for the hot tub, sauna, and Watsu massage pool
- Water bottle ...Gray Bear does not use disposable cups. Purified water is available in the Main House and the Yoga Room
- A bath robe/sarong
- House slippers or socks to wear indoors ...no shoes inside please
- Comfortable walking shoes/sandals for an inspired nature hike
- Warm clothing ...mornings & evenings can be cool
- Comfortable clothes for exercising/yoga
Please do not bring any drugs, alcohol, or pets. Gray Bear is a non-smoking, pet-free and alcohol-free facility.