naj

Hello, I am naj; you may also know me as nephyr. I am the director, founder, instructor, and dish washer of The Naga Center, which I started in 2005. Basically, I am the Naga Center. I have been a massage therapist since I was 21 years old (born in '69, so you can do the maths), and have been traveling to Thailand regularly since 1998 to study traditional Thai Herbal medicine and bodywork. I am a research maven, dedicated to finding authentic and in-depth information to pass on to my students and clients as we all navigate studying a medical system that has been largely unheard of in the west.  I lived with my family in Thailand for two years while I researched and wrote "Seven Peppercorns: Traditional Thai Medical Theory for Bodyworkers" and the revised “Thai Herbal Medicine: Traditional Recipes for Health and Harmony” with Dr. Pierce Salguero.  Also, I’ve completed wilderness first responder training and will carry a big first aid kit on guided Thailand trips. I am the primary instructor at The Naga Center and write all Naga Center class curriculum; I also do the dishes and take out the garbage just like most small business owners. I love to play in my herb room making traditional formulas, and I tend to rescue animals a lot.  Lastly, I have infinite gratitude to all of my teachers, and specifically to my primary Teacher, Tevijjo Yogi.

Occasional Guest Instructors

Because I only host people who teach in a lineage that is particularly dedicated to tradition, I rarely have guest instructors, but once in awhile we’ll be treated with the presence of Jim Madras, Claire Mittelstet, Damion Bond, or another instructor from my lineage.