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Thai Massage is based upon a very simple principle and observation. Basically, it is a normal instinct to place your hand on any are of the body that suffers pain – whether that pain be from an insect bite, a strain, overworked muscles, or perhaps bruising from a fall or other damage. Not only do we place our hands upon the painful part, but we also rub – massage – it! And it works to relieve the pain. If it did not work, then we would not do it! That is the basic philosophy behind Thai Massage. Thai massage developed from this very basic instinct to place your hand upon any part of the body that suffers pain. |
Added
to the pain relief, there is also a natural
instinct – certainly in western cultures – to
‘hug’ a person, or even stroke a person if there
is a problem of sadness or unhappiness. The same
is true in many cases upon meeting a dear
friend. A hug is quite normal, and often more
than just a fleeting ‘touch’. Not all cultures
throughout the world are at ease with this
custom or feeling. This certainly is true with
traditional Thai people. Hugging and other forms
of outward emotional feelings can cause a
feeling of unease. This seems a little strange,
when you consider that Thailand is undoubtedly
the ‘home’ of massage. It has certainly caused
the writer a few awkward moments, when the
natural instinct for a hug – especially after a
fifteen hour flight!
History of Thai
Massage
The origins of Thai Massage
go back at thousands of years, with written
testimonials and instructions dating from that
period. It is also part of the deeper Thai
culture, and in particular closely linked to the
Thai religion of Buddhism. As with most history,
Thai Massage is difficult to accurately date
stamp. However, details of Thai Massage were
carved in stone tablets some 2,500 years ago as
part of the wider aspects of the Thai Religion.
The father figure of Thai Massage is Shivaga (Shivago)
Komarpaj (Kpmalaboat). He was a revered healer
of the time, and as such was responsible for
treatment and healing of Sangha – who in turn
was a close friend of the Buddha. His treatments
have been documented as inclusion of Thai
Massage – though of course it would not have
been known by that term then.
There are
inscriptions set in stone, on the walls within
the Wat Pho temple in the centre of Bangkok.
Image Copyright
SmilingInThailand.com.
Historic illustrations on Wall of Wat Pho
Temple, relating to pressure points in
conjunction with Thai Massage.
There are many historic references about the healing effects of massage in most eastern countries – including China, Tibet, Burma and India. For those in the western world, who see this form of treatment as ‘Eastern’ in origin – and perhaps a little quirky or even more patronizingly ‘Quaint’ then I simply refer you to the western bible – which has many references to massage by way of laying of hands on the sick body.
The practice was
certainly used by the main figure in the New
Testament – and by many before the time of the
New Testament. Also of course, all of the source
material for the western Christian bible,
originates from the East!
Thai massage is
not an exact science. It varies in application,
and meaning, throughout many different areas of
Thailand. For the main part, Thai Massage has
been handed down through the many generations,
with each generation, practitioner having their
own particular style. In itself, Thai massage
consists of aspects of reflexology, acupressure,
Yoga but to mention a few. In true Thai style,
different techniques are discussed by
practitioners whenever they meet.
So what is Thai Massage?
There are
two words in Thai language which describe the
Thai Massage “Nuad” and “Bo-Rarn”. Together, as
‘Nuad Bo-Rarn’, they describe the ancient
massage techniques known as Thai Massage. In
essence, the technique is little different to
that practiced medically in the west. Various
massage techniques are used throughout the
world. We are not talking here of the seedy 20
minute job in a back street massage parlour,
which maybe satisfies other real needs. If that
type of massage is what you are after, then
forget Thai Massage. It is alien to the genuine
practitioner of Thai Massage, and is little less
than insulting for such practices to be
considered as massage in any true medical sense.
A Thai Massage practitioner will normally be
certified by the Ministry of Health. It is used
throughout Thai hospitals and is the subject
matter for university studies.
Thai
Massage concentrates on stretching and
re-vitalizing aching muscles in every part of
the body – from toe nail to head. It can be
quite a vigorous experience – certainly
invigorating – and unless you are a masochist,
there will be no sexual enjoyment. That is not
part of the theory or practice of true Thai
Massage. It is a very serious matter – but often
accompanied by the unique Thai sense of humour.
This was certainly my own experience, with a
masseur much smaller than myself – seemingly
determined to push, twist and otherwise distort
any available part of the body that could be
manipulated. We both enjoyed the challenge, for
I have a relative high tolerance of pain
threshold, which in turn enabled her to exercise
her considerable expertise and strength.
I got off the massage table, wondering if I
would ever walk again. No problems ���� or as the
Thais say ��Mai pen rai”. It took me a few hours
before I actually felt the full effect of the
Thai Massage, by which time I was in my hotel
bed, and about to slip into the deepest sleep of
my visit. (Not a good idea if you need to get to
the airport early the following day!)
Thai massage is studied in Temples throughout
the Kingdom of Thailand. The application varies
according to the teaching of the various
temples, but all are intrinsically linked to the
Buddhist way of life. It was in existence long
before the western health professionals arrived
– and long may it flourish, for it is a simple –
yet complex – cure for many ailments to do with
both body and soul. It often reaches the parts
that a pill cannot! Monks were the first person
to be seen historically when a person felt ill.
Thai Massage was often an integral part of any
treatment.
Praying to the Father Doctor at start of Thai
Massage
Wat Pho massage is different emphasis to Chaing Mai. Wat Pho – being the central temple in Bangkok, practices massage based upon pressure point, whereas the Chaing Mai massage seems to be aligned to stretching of muscles. Both are very effective practices, both very different from the other. Both are genuine Thai Massage.
The central philosophy of the basic Thai Massage – in all its art forms – is based upon the ‘energy heel’ (Hub) within the body. It is not the heel of the foot – it cannot be seen, but is nonetheless real for all of that. Essentially, this energy hub is massaged during the process, allowing circulation of ‘good’ energy to all parts or just the affected parts of the body. A bit like taking a pain-killing tablet – but with no side effects!
Once this energy
heel is activated, then areas and ailments such
as stomach infections, blood pressure,
circulation, asthma and allergies can be
rectified.
Tension and stress are dealt
with and most us would have experienced some
form of relief – even if self applied- by some
form of massage. Myself, I can almost guarantee
to ease the worst headache by simple massage at
the back of the neck, so I am sold on this idea
from long ago. Sports massage is now an integral
part of any fitness regime at any professional
club in the world.
Maybe for some, the
appeal of decrease in waistline, and perhaps
less wrinkling of the skin could the impetus to
try Thai Massage. For others, a good sleep at
night! Whatever the reason, get rid of your
scepticism – get real, get Thai Massage!
