I lived with this girl several years ago. We both waited tables for a living, and while I drank massive amounts of booze and stayed out til the sun came up, Erin went to massage therapy school. As I continued waiting tables and drinking massive amounts every night, she finished school, traveled to Thailand, and eventually left the service industry and started doing Thai Massage full time. Now, a few years later, I still work in the service industry, though now I drink less and work more. And Erin, my old roommate, is still traveling to Thailand to study the ancient art of massage and offering the most amazing massages at the Naga Center. I went to her a few months ago, super excited but kind of nervous--I had heard that Thai Massage was basically like yoga, with lots of stretching and crazy poses. I needn't have worried. My massage was AMAZING. The center was peaceful with soft background music, dim lighting, and gentle incense scents wafting through the air. Erin started moving me and pulling me and it was like a really peaceful intense workout. Sounds weird, but it was awesome. When she finished, I thought to myself, "Geez, that was a quick 30 minutes. I wish it could have gone on FOREVER." When I looked at my phone (because who wears a watch anymore?), I saw that the full 90 minutes had elapsed. I was in shock; it certainly didn't feel that long. These days, I'm still running around a restaurant, often for nine or ten hours at a time. There is no one I'd rather go to that Erin at the Naga Center to help center me and melt away the impact of stress. It is a little expensive, but it is so worth it. I haven't been to anyone else there, and I of course have my loyalty to my old roommate (Why couldn't she have done Thai Massage when we lived together? WHY?!....Ah well, probably for the best, as the alcohol seeping through my pores wouldn't have been pleasant for anyone.), but I have a feeling everyone who works there is fantastic. I wholeheartedly recommend The Naga Center, and especially Erin, to anyone in Portland who is looking for an incredible massage. read more

Beautiful, soulful practitioners with beautiful healing energy and touch. The massage teaching space is beautiful with gorgeously arranged altars and Buddha statues everywhere, making one feel at peace. Thai massage is very movement oriented. There's a lot of stretching and kneading and prodding and opening. A wonderful wet mound of herbs wrapped in linen was placed on my chest and then used on different parts of my body to create warmth. In addition I had a wonderful procedure called scraping done which is done with a blunt edge and oil on the back. Overall the massage was blissful and opening and releasing. I felt like I had some emotional blocks in my shoulder which were lovingly worked on. Highly recommended very professional and well worth the time and money read more

Went to the doctor, went to the chiropracter, nothing worked. Went to the Naga center and presto. Been back a few times since at the first hint of trouble and results have been the same. Erin works miracles. Do youself a favor and give them a try. read more

From start to finish the Naga Center was great. I was having some issues scheduling online (I'm blaming my phone, not the website) so I emailed them them to get scheduled. Even though it was kind of late when I emailed I got a quick response and got a time that fit my needs perfectly. Even though I'm from out of town I was able to find the center easily. They had parking in the rear but that was full. Luckily, there was plenty of street parking in the area with lots of space, even for my sister's mini van! When I got there Emily was ready to greet me and explain everything. She had a glass of water ready for me as I filled out the brief form and talked with her. She discussed any issues I was having and told me about Thai massage. The massage itself? OMG AWESOME. Emily was great. I felt comfortable the entire time. The pressure was great, the mat was nice and warm and I felt like a new person when I was done. I can't say enough how great both Nephyr was with scheduling me and how absolutely wonderful Emily was. I know what my first stop in Portland will be every time I visit now :) read more

Here is most of my email to the director that I never heard back from: "..I however am very disappointed as the muscle area I pointed out (literally with my finger) and wrote on my intake form was ignored and I have the same tightness and discomfort that I went in with. I tried to stay positive during the beginning but quickly found myself bored after about 15 minutes. I actually considered interrupting her and just having her charge me for an hour..." A 90 minute massage only to leave with the same minor discomfort I went in with!! Not impressed with Lauren Cummings or the Naga center read more

This place is fantastic. I booked an appointment with Lauren Ferreira for 90 minutes. She listened to all of my issues and went to work! I have a lot of tightness and pain due to years of martial arts, running, cycling etc and she really helped. I have increased mobility and WAY less tightness and pain. HIGHLY recommended. read more

I met Nephyr Jacobsen and her family a year and a half ago, and since that time she has tried to get me to come to the center for a course in Thai Massage. I found the class to be both extremely intense and very instructive. Her teaching style incorporates a high measure of learning the origins of Thai Medicine practices in conjunction with an application in the classes. She supports feedback and questions about different movements and the techniques. This class has inspired me to walk on the career path of Massage Therapy. I am grateful to Nephyr's inspirational class that got me started. Even if you're not interested in a career in Massage Therapy, I urge you to take one of her classes. She certainly knows a lot about health and the human body, so if you are looking for someone who knows about treating our bodies like the true temples that they are, Nephyr is your teacher. Thanks for everything! read more

It's been 3 years, and the new spot is awesome! So glad Erin is still there! Thank you. read more

I have had a mystery illness for a couple years now. I found this place by what I would like to think is divine intervention. I thought maybe a massage would at least ease the tension in my back. I didn't know what Thai Massage was until I looked it up on my way to my appointment. I knew it would not work for me with the amount of pain I was in. So when I got there I had explained it to Nephyr. She asked me many questions about my health. She tried a different massage technique on me to see if that would help ease the pain. It was amazing. I kept going back to her as she was the only one who could relieve my symptoms. I am very grateful that I have found her. I would tell anyone that has an illness or pain that they can't figure out to go and try Thai Massage and see what happens. read more

The Naga Center is an exemplary place of learning. A pinnacle of Thai Bodywork & Thai Medicine training in the US. I came to Portland for 1.5 months specifically to study here and I am infinitely thankful that I have. Nephyr's teaching style is modest but heavily steeped in tradition. She places an exceptional level of dedication to the Thai tradition as a system of its own. Uncolored by other arts and new-age funkiness. As a scholar and a Teacher, Nephyr transmits her knowledge with openness and invitation. I was very impressed with the tact she places on distinguishing general Thai massage from Thai bodywork and Thai medicine theory. If you are seeking to develop yourself as a real Thai bodyworker, definitely study here. In the short time I have been here, my Thai bodywork practice has progressed bounds. I feel as if I am working on another level. I am so thankful to Nephyr and her community of amazing Thai bodyworkers for their guidance. Super inspired to return home to Boulder, Colorado continue progressing the principals I learned here. In addition, I had a chance to work personally with two of the therapists who work at the Naga Center Clinic. All the practitioners are highly knowledgable and have extensive exposure to Thai Medicine and Bodywork. Don't miss out on this place regardless if you are a student, teacher, bodyworker, or simply want some seriously effective bodywork/massage. Cris Roberto www.cristobalroberto.com www.boulderthaibodywork.com read more

relaxing. steamy. invigorating. rejuvenating. Adrienne does amazing bodywork. Hope to be back soon! read more

Had a Thai massage by Emily today. My entire body feels rebooted! What an amazing experience. Emily has a real talent. After a Thai massage, no other massage will do. I will be back for sure. read more

I'm brand new to this ancient art, but have long wanted to include it as part of my overall fitness program. Yesterday I had my first treatment at the Naga Center. I was a little apprehensive and really didn't know what to expect. However, LMT Erin Wright made me feel extremely relaxed during the two-hour session. I think regular treatments will be an effective way to increase my flexibility and aid in overall health & wellness. read more

LOVE Thai massage. Being an active person with small children I don't always find time for myself. Stress builds up in areas in my body and I am a mess. Erin at the Naga Center is amazing at getting me, one, to relax and two, to work out all the concentrated energy causing me discomfort. Love the combination of massage and stretching. Gets my chi aligned and ready to face the world. read more

My first experience with Thai massage was with Laura Cumming. I loved it! I've tried many different forms of massage throughout the years. Thai massage is the BEST out of them all. It was an amazing experience and I look forward to my next appointment. Give your mind, body, and spirit a gift...get a thai massage from Laura. You will be happy you did! read more

I had just made the 3-hr drive into town from Bend and I felt like a cold might be coming on. Adrienne sat down with me to find out my objectives for the visit (relaxation, and to relieve soreness in my upper back) and asked about the pressure that I preferred. I appreciated her attentiveness to my requests and her positive happy energy in general. For being a petite woman, and pregnant!, she delivered the firm pressure I like and she made confident, firm contact, whether it was lifting my leg or working on my shoulders (I'm 5'10" and 145lbs). I left feeling like my budding cold was completely gone, and there were no leftover traces of stiffness from my drive. I particuarly liked the heated bed pad, the hot herbal rolly-ball for pressure points, and finishing in a seated position so that I didn't feel so groggy before having to go out and meet the world again. Plus, they're giving discounts on future visits after your first! I recommend telling them in advance if you don't prefer incense as I'm sure they'll be happy to accomodate any sensitivities. read more

I have had lots of Thai massages from many different practicioners in Thailand, and I think Erin's are better.

I have been a Naga Center client for several years and cannot stop recommending their Thai massage to everyone. Usually I receive the 90 min or the 2 hour treatment. Erin is my Artisan Therapist and she is FANTASTIC. . ALL of my experiences have been OUTSTANDING and I have visited the center over 15 times Everything from very tight leg muscles to locked up muscles to total relaxation. Erin has ALWAYS been on time, professional and VERY knowledgable in regards to understanding muscles, ligaments, and stretching. . I wear a t-shirt and long exercise pants, no shoes or socks. The environment is very clean and quiet. LOVE THEM! read more

I have been both a client and student at the Naga Center. My body deeply appreciates Thai Massage and the integrity that is the quality of service i have received both as a student and consumer. I have experienced Thai Massage from the Artisan and Apprentice therapists alike, and have loved all my experiences at the Naga Center. For me, Thai Massage goes beyond what regular massage can accomplish. I have had Thai massage in Thailand, and think that the excellent work of the practitioners at the Naga Center exceeds what I experienced in Thailand. I think this is because of the extraordinary scholarship, dedication, skill, and integrity that Nephyr creates in her students and practitioners at the Center. The prices are extremely reasonable. I am so grateful for what the Naga Center brings to Portland. By the way, parking is easy in the new location and the space is lovely, safe, and healing. read more

this place is wonderful. first off this was my first massage done by a professional so i might be a bit overzealous. please read the website for their mission statement ect. some pretty cool stuff on there. i wish i remembered the individual's name. all i can remember is that she was wearing clogs. anyways she had the warmest hands ever! i did a group massage and it was a bit strange at first to share the space, but after a few minutes and getting into the zone it didn't bother me. the woman who worked with me was communicative and really showed that she cared about doing a good job- telling me to tell her if it hurts, needs more pressure, or less. there were only a few moments that i felt too much pressure. they use some pretty cool techniques and i had a chance to share this experience with my friend who is a certified trainer and said that mobility massage is very expensive and very effective. i showed him some moves i remember and he thought that they felt great and what i liked most about this type of massage is that you can apply leverage and use the whole body rather than fingers, wrist or arms. when i visit Portland again i will sure make a stop here! thank you read more