Traditional Thai Massage

History of Thai Massage

Buddhism was born in India where the monks at that time had a vast knowledge of medical care and were experienced herbalists as well. When the religion spread to the other parts of Asia, the monks also took their medical practices with them as part of the religions growth.  This formed the roots of Thai Massage.
It was believed that the Traditional Thai Massage was introduced to Thailand over 2500 years ago by Shivago Komarpaj (Jivaka Kumarabhacca), who was a contemporary of Gautama Buddha.  This Traditional Thai Massage has the recipient in yoga-like positions during the course of the massage to aid its therapeutic effects. 

Shivago Komarpaj (Jivaka Kumarabhacca)

When Buddhism reached Thailand (which was formally known as Siam) during the 3rd century BC, the temples that were built did not only deliver the religion but incorporated schools where education in medicinal techniques took place; massage and other healing techniques were also taught in these monasteries.
In the past, most of people, but especially women, were not educated; they could not read or write.  In Thailand, the Buddhist monks were men, and women were not allowed to get close to them. Only the men could go to the temple to learn and practice the healing techniques, which included massage. They were taught by teachers (monks), who followed the writings in the instruction manuals about the use of healing methods; these were in ancient Pali texts that were written by the monks. These trained men verbally handed there knowledge and skills to their own families which cascaded through the generations. This ensured the continued duration of Traditional Thai Massage.

In 1776, many of the texts were destroyed by the Burmese (now Myanmar) who invaded Siam.  King Rama III commanded his people to collect the remaining fragments of the original texts, preserving them together with the inscribed statues and paintings that can still be seen in Pra Chetupon Temple in Bangkok(commonly known as Wat Pho)

The ancient painting of body maps on the wall of Wat Pho

The statues in the garden of Wat Pho

Thai Massage is quite different from what most western people perceive as massage. The main difference is that it is practiced fully clothed on a floor mat, where oils or lotions are not necessary.
Traditional Thai Massage, has many other names and is also known as:

1. Thai Ancient Massage ‘Nuad Paen Bo’Rarn’ (massage traditional/ancient);
2. Thai Yoga Massage;
3. Thai Classical Massage;
4. Thai Bodywork, etc.

Thai massage techniques can be used on many parts of body such as the thumbs, elbows, palms, forearms, feet, and knees include: rocking, rhythmic muscle compression, assisted yoga positions and stretching.
The intention of Traditional Thai Massage is to guide the body, mind, and spirit into balance and harmony, providing an opportunity for self-healing. The practitioner always begins the session with "Puja"(worship), a moment of centring and connection, paying attention to Promwihan Sii, the Four States of Mind:

1. loving kindness,
2. compassion,
3. vicarious joy, and
4. equanimity.

This practice helps both the practitioner and the receiver to enter a state of meditation, to be mindful of prana (energy and breathing), creating an empty vessel to receive healing energy and to achieve freedom from attachment. During Puja, the practitioner recognizes and asks for assistance from the lineage of teachers (God, Buddha, Dr. Jivaka, their own personal teacher). The practitioner checks whether they are sure they are okay with doing the session and with working with the person on the mat. They ask for healing for the receiver, them self, and anyone else they know who needs healing, plus the world and the earth.
Please Note: The traditional therapeutic practice of Thai Massage that is at our clinic is carried out by a professionally qualified practitioner and is not to be confused with the any other service, including those of a sexual nature. 

 http://www.rimsiam.com/history.html