Thai Massage Explained

We are delighted to reproduce this article Written by Kingsley Evans, Thai Massage Instructor at Thai Massage London and London School of Beauty

Thai Massage Explained

Thai massage, also known as; Nuad Thai, is a unique form of body work with origins dating back 2500 years. The roots of Thai massage are often traced back to the Shivaga Komarpaj (known as "Father Doctor"), a doctor, friend and contemporary to Buddha. Influences in its development came from countries such as India, Burma, Tibet and China.

Thai massage is one branch of the 4 areas of traditional Thai medicine, the others being; Midwifery, Orthopedic Medicine, and Thai Medicinal Healing (Herbalism). In traditional Thai medicine there is the belief that energy flows through the body along 72,000 channels or lines called “Sen”. It is analogous to the concept of "Qi" in Chinese medicine. Sen Sib is the term used to refer to the ten major energy lines of the body. If an obstruction occurs in any of these channels, it is believed that pain or disease results. In this sense, traditional Thai medicine is similar to many other ancient healing systems which believe that illnesses are caused by an imbalance or obstruction within the individual, or by an imbalance between an individual and their environment.

Thai massage is a full body technique that uses acupressure and stretches performed in rhythmic movements, which is why it is often called Thai yoga massage or lazy man’s yoga. It is therapeutic whole body massage where attention can be given to the; feet, legs, hands, arms, hips, the stomach, back, shoulders, head and face, which is why sessions are often longer than many Western massages. The massage is applied on a mat on the floor and the work is done fully clothed. Pressure can be applied with the thumb, fingers, palm, foot and elbow and even sit bone. The main positions to receive massage are supine (lying on back), side, prone (lying on stomach) and sitting.

Thai massage is suitable for nearly everybody of all shapes, ages and physical condition. There are a few conditions where a treatment might not be suitable however. A consultation with an experienced therapist should be able to confirm this.

Written by Kingsley Evans, Thai Massage Instructor at Thai Massage London and London School of Beauty

Thai Massage London

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