About Thai Massage

History of Thai Massage

Traditional Thai Massage, also called Nuad Bo-Rarn, is one of the oldest forms of developed medicine. It has been taught and practiced in Thailand for over 2,500 years. According to folklore, this ancient practice originated in India thousands of years ago. Thai Massage is believed to have come from Jivaki Komarbhacca, who is still referred to as the “Father Doctor.” He was a physician, friend and contemporary of Buddha.

Philosophy of Thai Massage

Rooted in the Indian Ayurvedic medical practice, Thai Massage is one of many forms of Oriental bodywork based on energy balance theory of health and healing. The Chinese system of acupressure is an obvious influence. Thai massage focuses on the ten major sen lines by palming and thumbing along these energy pathways. According to this theory, the human body contains a field of energy within it composed of 72,000 sen lines, ten of which hold top priority. The Chinese meridian theory calls this energy “chi” and the Indian Ayurvedic system of nadis refers to it as “prana”. It is believed that blockages in the flow of this energy manifest in discomfort, disease and pain. Most ailments then are the result of an imbalance in these meridians, whereas free flow along the sen lines leads one to feel energetic, relaxed and free from stiffness and pain. Working pressure points along the sen lines releases blockages of energy and increases energy flow, thereby helping to restore balance, the key to good health. Well-being can be restored and maintained by rhythmically working along the ten sen or vital energy conduits.
This sacred philosophy was taken directly from the teachings of Yoga. Thai Massage is very rhythmic and meditative, enabling both the client and the practitioner to reach a deeper level of consciousness.

Practice of Thai Massage

The Thai Massage form of body therapy includes therapeutic stretching, joint mobilization, rhythmic deep-tissue compression, toning of energy lines, acupressure, assisted hatha yoga poses, mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation. Due to the unique form of stretching employed, Thai Massage is sometimes called “lazy man’s Yoga.” The practitioner is able to direct the intensity of the stretching and pressure points for a much deeper result than one practicing yoga on their own would be able to achieve. Movements are flowing and harmonious, creating a deeply soothing yet energizing effect for both giver and receiver. It is practiced on a firm mat on the floor. It involves peripheral stimulation, acting as an external stimulant to produce specific, internal effects. The effective use of the practitioner’s body weight is instrumental in the practice. With the exception of the feet, the client remains fully clothed.

How Thai Massage
Can Help You

• Increase and maintain range of motion in the joints.
• Relieve muscle soreness. Light exercise promotes a better supply of blood and oxygen to the muscles.
• Help decrease unnecessary neuromuscular tensions by promoting general relaxation and reducing emotional stress.
• Elongate and release the fascia (the muscle’s binding and support system). Elasticity varies between individuals.
• Increase tissue temperature by increasing the metabolic rate through positive and
progressive stress.
• Help provide greater potential of physical and athletic skills.
• Relieve muscle/joint stiffness associated with the aging process.
• Help prevent joint sprains, muscle strains and tears and re-injury to previously traumatized joints and muscles.
• Reduce soreness, relax muscles and eliminate toxins by increasing blood flow to fatigued areas as part of the warm-down process.
• Provide an important adjunct toward recovery during rehabilitation.
• Reduce tightness that may contribute to pain, spasms or cramping.
• Increase muscular tendonous extendibility.