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A short history of Thai massage นวดไทย (Nuad Thai)
A very ancient discipline
Traditional Thai massage has its roots in the Indian systems of Yoga and Ayurveda. According to legend, it was created by the founder of yoga massage: Jivaka Kumar Baccha. He was a physician at the time of the Buddha.
He is considered the father of Thai medicine.
Originating from India about 2,000 years ago, Thai massage has been practiced for centuries, from generation to generation. It is more of a spiritual discipline than a simple massage and was originally practiced in Buddhist temples.
The principle of Traditional Thai Massage
Thai Massage acts on the deep structure of the human being where emotions, mind, and the physical body mix and interact. The goal of a Thai massage is to act on and rebalance the energy flows along the main meridians (of which there are ten) to achieve health and well-being. Thai massage therapists are trained for this with a high level of skill.
Modern life creates traumas and blockages that cause physical and emotional discomfort. This depends on each person’s lifestyle and habits. The goal of the massage is to restore harmony in the body and mind and to soothe emotions.
The masseur uses a combination of acupressure, stretching movements, and gentle twists, applying their body weight to specific points or areas of the body to soothe or rebalance them.
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
UNESCO has listed traditional Thai massage, Nuad Thai, on its prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Nuad is part of the art and science of traditional Thai healthcare. With a significant focus on releasing tension in the body, stretching and release techniques are incorporated with passive yogic movements to form this art.
Traditional Thai massage uses a firm, oil-free application of pressure; assisted stretching and manipulation release energy blockages to allow for improved circulation, leaving one feeling supple and relaxed.
Traditional Thai Massage is an ancient massage technique that stretches the muscles with applied pressure along the main part of the body along the energy lines.
To re-establish the flow of energy and instill a sense of vitality.