“Only when we can experience stillness do we find the ability to listen in to the subtle ways the body tries to tell us what we are grasping on to. Only then do we find the answers to what we need to let go.”

Finding Bodywork

“On the journey to myself, I’ve been so many people.” -Indigo Williams

Eric Hoàn’s journey into the healing arts and bodywork began after an unfortunate accident that led to a shoulder injury. With the help of medical insurance lifting some of the financial burdens he gained access to alternative medicines (TCM acupuncture and massage bodywork) which until then have never been available to him due to the high costs of Eastern forms of treatment. As he dabbled into this unknown medicine, Eric began seeking treatment from trained massage professionals who’d later become the first of many inspirations who spoke passionately of the concept of ‘bodywork as medicine’. Naturally this sparked a curiosity in him into the wonders of the human body that propelled him on his quest and in his craft to becoming a bodyworker.

After making the decision to begin a 2nd career in massage therapy, he found the East West College of the Healing Arts and began a 15-month program in March 2018. During his time there, he had the honor of learning under some of Portland’s most skilled professional massage therapists as he studied the art and science, the ethics, and therapeutic fundamentals behind the healing touch of massage. In March of 2019, the final term before completing his 800-hour massage training program Eric Hoàn chose an introductory course into Traditional Thai Massage as a required elective for graduating. Inspired by its holistic scope, the efficacy of its technique, and its unique approach to body mechanics and positioning Eric knew instantly this was going to become his massage modality of choice. 

After graduating from the prestigious East West College of the Healing Arts and earning his licensure, Eric decided to continue in his educational pursuits with an aim to specialize in the Traditional Thai modality and become a traditional Thai bodyworker. Eric enrolled into a school in Northern Thailand immersing himself in an authentic traditional-style Thai training living onsite at the Baan Hom Samunphrai School. His training at the Baan Hom School consisted of 6-hours each day practicing specific techniques and set sequences as taught and demonstrated by his primary teacher, Homprang Chaleekanha* and her trusted assistants. It was here he received his certifications after successful completion of the 80-hour and 150-hour Traditional Thai Massage (Nuad Boran).

Eric is eager to bring home the fruits of his traditional Thai education and massage skills to his community where he will begin his practice in healing.  He is committed to providing trustworthy and client-focused professional care in a safe space free of judgment to each and every person he treats.

*Homprang Chaleekanha, is a licensed Traditional Doctor, Herbal Pharmacologist, and Midwife by the Thai Ministry of Public Health. She is a known locally as a healer and teacher of traditional Thai massage (nuad boran) having learned healing and medicine in the jungles of Chiang Mai since she was a young girl.

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