Inspiring Bodyworkers Since 2009
Slava Kolpakov, LMT, NMT
Slava, originally from Siberia, is a master bodyworker and healer in the San Diego area.
His method of bodywork is drawn from the traditions of Thai Massage, Shiatsu, Russian manual therapy, and Neuromuscular Therapy.
Slava has studied and practiced Thai Massage in the United States and Thailand since 2004. He completed his LMT training in 2004 in San Diego at the International Professional School of Bodywork with the focus on Traditional Thai Massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Traditional Chinese Massage (Tui Na).
He had studied privately with several renowned Thai Massage teachers in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2006, and had combined multiple styles to create his own method. Slava developed Surya Thai Massage Method and Thai Neuromuscular Therapy to address the specific needs and health concerns of clients and to ensure safe and comfortable body mechanics for therapists.
His book Thai Massage with Neuromuscular Techniques was published in May 2022.
From 2007 to 2018, Slava owned and operated East West Massage Center in Boston, MA, and has seen thousands of clients. His main expertise lies in combining clinical work, such as NMT and Russian manual therapy with traditional Thai Massage and Tui Na, and in helping athletes prevent and treat injuries.
Slava is a certified Yoga Therapist since 2005, and a running coach specializing in running form efficiency.
He combines all of his knowledge, i.e. detailed anatomical explanation, kinesiology and pathology, and personal hands-on experience in all of his trainings.
In June 2018, Slava sold East West Massage and moved to San Diego, CA. He returns to New England regularly to offer Thai massage certifications.
In San Diego, Slava has a private Thai massage practice, and also works at Thai Sport Bodyworks.
In addition, he teaches Yogic Breathwork and Vedanta Philosphy for several Yoga Teacher Trainings around the United States, operates Iconic San Diego Running Tours, and guides his clients as a Functional Medicine Health Coach with YogaLifestyleCoach.com.
| "Slava's expertise and knowledge of thai bodywork, massage, and healing the athletic community has helped me in my bodywork practice after taking his course. I am thankful for his insightful tips of the trade you can't find in any book. You'll know he is an expert and passionate about his work as soon as you meet him, and it is an honor to have learned from him! ~ Celeste " |
| "Slava is an exceptional teacher who shares his passion and expertise as he guides you through the dance and flow that is Thai Bodywork. Slava's class combines the best practices of therapeutic massage with the ancient wisdom and healing of Thai bodywork. Level one class will leave you with a very solid introduction and sequence that you can share with your family, friends or clients. I left this class feeling confident and ready to practice Thai Massage. I highly recommend Slava's classes for anyone who truly desires to learn and integrate this healing modality into their work. ~ Lisa M." |
Slava practices and teaches Neuromuscular Therapy and Thai Bodywork in San Diego, CA, and Boston, MA
