Thai Massage History

What is "Thai Massage"?

Thai Massage, "the practical expression of loving kindness", can be traced through Thailand's history, more than 1000 years to the Ayurvedic teachings of Atreya and the Vasrayana or Diamond Healing lineage of Tibet.

Thai Yoga Bodywork, a Buddhist form of physiotherapy, is said to have developed over 2,000-2,500 years ago by the physician to the Buddha, Jivaka Kumarabhacca. Jivaka, or Shivago Komarpaj (as he is known in Thailand). Shivago is affectionately referred to as the "Father Doctor."

He is credited with spreading the practice of Thai Yoga Bodywork to the Thai Sangha or monastic community as a way to soothe the muscles and ease body pain experienced by Theravadin monks after long hours of practicing meditation (Vipassana and Samatha bhavana).
 

Shivago Komarpaj

Father Doctor
 
The monks and nuns cherished the teachings of Shivago which came to be known as Traditional Thai Medical Massage, called 'nuat phaen boran thai', literally means 'the old Thai way of healing with the hands'. The monks, supported by Thai royalty, preserved the teachings. They passed them down from one generation to the next in the form of an oral tradition. Each master in turn would personally transmit and pass on the lineage and knowledge to the next generation in a solemn ceremony. Years of intense, disciplined, practice and meditation were required in all of the healing methods.

In addition, this healing system was utilized by the sangha as a way to aid sick and injured people within the community.

Over time, this comprehensive practice has evolved into a uniquely Thai art incorporating yogic stretches, deep compressions, acupressure, herbal and spa treatments, meditation, and Buddhist philosophies.

The preservation of this knowledge has continued throughout history in stories and practice, but it was not officially recorded until the 1830's by King Rama III, when the beautiful Wat Po (Phra Chetuphon) was established. Wat Po contains marble epigraphs and yogi statues depicting the ancient practice of Nuad Bo Rarn. Further documentation of this art occurred in the 1870's when King Rama V commissioned the creation of a Thai traditional medicine text book which was completed in the early 1900's. In the 1920's Thai bodywork became an official profession within the practice of Thai traditional medicine.

In 1985, the Thai Massage Revival Project was established to inform people of the benefits of Thai bodywork and to educate therapists on the safe practice of this therapy. The project continues to work on developing curriculums, codes of practice, licensing regulations, and materials on the history and practice of Thai traditional medicine.

The four principle methods used in traditional Vedic (Yoga derived) healing by the Thai monks are Wai Khruu (prayers and spiritual practice for mental health ), Herbs, Diet, and Laying On of Hands.

These remarkable teachings regarding restoration and maintenance of life have now been passed on to this generation. Wat Po Thai Spa specializes in Thai Massage. Our Thai Combo massage incorporates elements of mindfulness, gentle rocking, deep stretching, and rhythmic compression, along with Swedish massage and Reflexology to create a singular healing experience. This work, as it brings fundamental elements and energy into harmony; creates wholeness of mind, body and spirit, in the client and the practitioner as well.