Tai (yoga) massage is an ancient technique that aims to balance the energy channels (sen line) through manual influence. Thai massage originated with Jivaka (Shivago) Kumar Batcha, a faithful companion and healer of Gautama Buddha during his wanderings.
Besides aiming to restore the mobility and vitality of the physical body, Thai massage helps to find the cause of the problem on an emotional and mental level.
Thai massage, Thai-Yoga massage, or simply Thai massage are names that are often used in the West and refer to the traditional way of massage that originated in Thailand. It is known in its country of origin as nuan phaen boran (“traditional massage style”) or nuat thai (“Thai massage”). Based on a combination of influences from India, China and local Thai traditions, this art form has been passed down through the generations primarily through oral traditions and is practiced today throughout Thailand in various forms. Thai massage is already extremely popular in the West, and especially in Bulgaria.
A full Thai massage includes a combination of acupressure and yoga-like stretching. Thai massage differs from many Western forms of massage in that no oil is used, the therapist uses a mat on the floor (instead of a massage table), and the client remains fully clothed throughout the session. This is so different from what we normally think of as a “massage” that people often describe it as if someone is “doing yoga with them”.
In modern Thailand, traditional massage is both a complex theoretical science and an informal art form practiced by men and women from all walks of life. At one end of the spectrum, Thai massage is a medical discipline, part of a four-year traditional medical course. On the other hand, it is practiced in many villages by healers who have learned orally without any theoretical training or informally among family members.
Thai massage is directly related to yogic principles originating in India. It is also similar to Eastern massage techniques such as shiatsu and reflexology in that it is based on the theory of energy flow along lines or channels that run through the body. Thus, even when treating an illness or injury related to a specific area, the therapist usually works on acupressure points throughout the body.
In Thailand, Thai massage is considered energy work, not manual therapy (body work). This is because the traditional Thai massage therapist is not guided by anatomical structures or physiological principles, but by a complex network of 72,000 sen (a Thai word meaning “pathways” or “lines”) in the body. Acupressure points are located along these sen lines, which are used by the Thai therapist to stimulate or reduce energy in the body. They affect the patient’s mind and body and support the natural healing process.
Modern Thai massage is divided into two main types static and dynamic. Static Thai massage is more popular and widespread. Contains mainly static techniques for crumpling and stretching.
Dynamic Thai massage also originates from Siam (now Thailand), but relatively few therapists know and practice it. With him, the techniques are dynamic and involve a lot of movement on the part of the therapist. The goal is to restore and improve mobility and vitality.
The Thai massage school to which I belong traces its origins to Chayut (Thailand), Pichet (Thailand), Ashokananda (Germany/Lahu – Thailand), Krishnatakis (Greece/Portugal) and David Louth (France). Classic techniques are presented in a modern sound, combining kneading, stretching, acupressure and many passive movements.
Within a few sessions, everyone can feel the healing and prophylactic power of this technique. Improvements are seen at all levels. One feels more mobile and energetic. It is also a great addition to yoga practice, helping to recover quickly after classes and learn new poses easily.