Massage is the oldest method of all medical therapies in the history of mankind. Thai massage was founded from the well-respected and honored doctor Kumar Bhacca originating not from Thailand but from Northern India. The giving of this ancient tradition was understood to be a physical application of ‘metta’ loving-kindness.
Thai Massage is based on
Yoga philosophy that states ‘life energy’ called prana is absorbed with the air
we breathe and with the food we eat along a network of invisible energy lines.
These lines also known as nadis or channels. There are said to be 72,000 nadis
which course throughout the body like a massive web but only 10 major nadis on
which there are especially important acupressure points ‘windows’ into the
body.
Disturbance in the flow of energy throughout the ten major energy lines results in an insufficient supply of prana, which in turn leads to sickness. Disturbances are caused by the physical, mental and emotional stress we all experience throughout our daily lives. Massaging on the energy lines and acupressure points stimulates the free flow of prana which then releases physical and mental tension, making it possible to relieve pain, and restore general well-being. The same theory as Thai massage is found in Chinese systems of acupuncture and acupressure and Japanese Shaitsu where the energy lines are called meridians.
Thai massage is performed with the client comfortably clothed on a special mat on the floor. Sessions usually last for at least one hour but 2 - 2 1/2hrs is regarded as perfect timing for a whole body massage. It involves much stretching and many of the exercises might well be described as applied physical yoga.
When performed vigorously
the massage can be quite stimulating, causing the same after-exercise
'blissed-out' feeling of a good yoga class or it can be done gently, in a more
soothing manner, depending on the restorative needs or mood of the client.
Thai Yoga Massage is both
deeply relaxing and energizing.
“Relaxation allows the mind and body to accept what is
happening, to let go and to encourage healing.”
