What is Thai Massage?

Thai Massage was founded by Dr Shivago, a Buddhist thought to be the father of medicine’. It is believed monks were the practitioners and the temples were the centres of education and healing. Instruction of the technique was handed down orally from generation to generation until it was subscribed on palm leaves and considered a sacred text. There is reliance upon ‘feeling’ and intuition as opposed to the western science of anatomy and physiology. This course follows the basic procedures of Nuad Bo-Rarn (Northern style) Thai Massage.

Thai Massage is an ancient and unique form of body therapy, incorporating deep stretching and rhythmic compression in a ‘dance like’ transmission of energy. It is performed on a mat on the floor with the client remaining fully clothed (except for the feet). A practitioner uses body weight rather than muscular force to exert pressure, creating a highly therapeutic effect. In western practice it should be related to Rolfing, Alexander Technique or Yoga, as opposed to ‘Massage’. Thai massage can be performed in as little as an hour, or may be extended to up to three hours for a full program.

The energy lines or “Sen” are reminiscent of the meridians of Chinese Acupuncture. However, where the meridians follow the energy associated with specific organs, the Sen follow the form of the body. The Sen therefore may cross from one meridian to another. Thai tradition recognizes 72,000 Sen in theory, but in practice 10 Sen serve as the foundation. Pressure is exerted on these lines and points with the palms of the hands, the thumbs and in some cases the elbows.

Thai Massage affects the entire body by increasing flexibility, releasing both deep and superficial tension, and helping the body’s natural energy to flow more freely. It has been known as passive Yoga or “Yoga for the lazy person”. The result is an opening of the body which leaves one feeling both relaxed and energised at the same time.