History of
Thai Massage

Overview of Thai Massage

 

Thai massage is an ancient natural remedy that has been practiced for thousands of years. A combination of traditional massage and yoga stretching, only a massage therapist does all the work. It is one of the most popular massage techniques in the world and has many health benefits. Thai massage is called Nuad Boran in Thai. In Thai, this literally means 'ancient massage' and is also called 'ancient healing method'.

Unlike other massages, Thai massage is traditionally dry and no lotions or oils are used. Instead, a Thai massage therapist applies pressure to different parts of the body using a combination of stretching and compression techniques. During the treatment, you lie on a mat on the floor and the therapist directs you to move into different positions as the massage progresses.

An interesting aspect of Thai massage is that the masseuse uses different parts of the body to perform physical therapy. Body parts that can be used in a traditional Thai massage include hands, forearms, feet and elbows. Traditional Thai massage may feel much rougher than other massages. The therapist moves the client into various yoga poses to stretch the muscles. It is not uncommon for fingers and toes to be pulled to the point of cracking.

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History of Thai massage

 

The origins of traditional Thai massage are believed to date back approximately 2,500 years. According to legend, this ancient practice was created by Jivaka Komarabachya. The highly influential Jeevaka is known as the founder of traditional Thai medicine. Born in northern India, he was one of the most revered physicians of his time and is mentioned in Buddhist scriptures. Jivaka is believed to have converted to Buddhism and volunteered as a physician. He was also a close friend of the Buddha himself, and is said to have healed him when he was ill. This is where the connection between Buddhism and massage was born. Jivaka is still highly regarded by traditional Thai massage experts. Before the massage, the masseuse will usually perform a Wai Kru ritual (clasping your hands together) at your feet.

 

All Thai massage as we know it today is a blend and adaptation of several ancient techniques that originate from all over Asia. The elements of yoga found in Thai massage are said to be in India, but Chinese medicine and Ayurveda are also involved. Unfortunately, there are many mysteries in the history of Thai traditional massage, as it was lost in 1767 when Thailand's then-royal capital, Ayutthaya, was attacked as part of the Burmese-Siamese War. Records of those who survived the war were later preserved in stone tablets carved in Pali (a language closely related to Sanskrit) and housed in the Sala Mor Nuat (massage pavilion) within Wat Pho in Bangkok. I'm here. This reinforced the view that massage and spirituality are intrinsically linked.To this day, one of Thailand's most famous massage schools is based at Wat Pho.

 

Since many of the records documenting the history of Thai massage have been lost, it is believed that this ancient practice was largely passed down by word of mouth from generation to generation. Unlike other styles of massage, Thai massage techniques focus on the invisible energy lines that run through the body, also known as 'sens'. These energy pathways are believed to compose the body, a theory derived from Indian Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese acupuncture. The energy flowing through these "sens" is believed to empower all aspects of the body, from emotional to physical. This means that an imbalance in energy can lead to pain and poor mental health. Traditional Thai massage is believed to help regulate the flow of energy, relieving stress and discomfort in the mind and body.

With the advent of globalization after World War II, traditional remedies and medicines began to travel around the world. Thai massage is no exception and is now practiced internationally, with the therapy reaching the shores of the United States in the late 1980s.

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Benefits of Thai Massage

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• Increased flexibility of the body

Thai stretching helps stretch muscles over time, increasing flexibility and increasing range of motion. regular thai massageThis flexibility can be maintained, and possibly persisted, if you do​

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• Promotes healthy circulation
Traditional Thai massage promotes blood flow by stimulating the "sen". Good circulation has many benefits, including healthy organs and the ability to heal effectively after an accident or injury.

 

• Relax muscles
One of the biggest benefits of having a Thai massage is the feeling of lightness and relaxation after the treatment. The combination of stretching and moderate pressure stretches tight muscles and relieves tension that you may not have noticed.

 

• Improved joints
Improving joint mobility is a major benefit of Thai massage. Stretching your body allows fluid to circulate more freely in your joints, reducing friction between them.

 

• Improve your posture
One of the benefits of traditional Thai massage is that it realigns the body by increasing flexibility and improves posture.
Understanding the history of Thai massage will help you understand why this ancient therapy came to play such an important role in Thai culture. Offering enrichment, Thai massage is far more than an act of self-care and is a necessary and important means of escaping from everyday life.

 

• Relieve pain
Musculoskeletal pain is often relieved after Thai massage, but interestingly, this therapy can also limit the effects of neuropathic pain and other chronic conditions.

 

• Improve sleep quality
For those who find it difficult to maintain a healthy sleep pattern, Thai massage can be a great therapy. The treatment is relaxing and releases a lot of serotonin, so many people report having an easier night's sleep afterwards.

 

• Relax your mind
Our health is also important mentally. Traditional Thai massage relaxes the mindRelaxes and relieves underlying stress.