What is Thai Massage?

Thai massage can be thought of as the manipulation of a person's physical structure and form, using pressure on energy lines and points, and a large variety of stretching movements.

The stretching movements affect the entire body by increasing flexibility, releasing both deep and superficial tension, and helping the body's natural energy to flow more freely. The effect of these stretching movements, in which the client plays only a passive role, is similar to Yoga. Thai massage is sometimes referred to as passive Yoga, Thai Yoga or the lazy man's Yoga. The result is an opening of the body which leaves one feeling both relaxed and energized at the same time.

Energy lines in Thai massage, called "Sen", are reminiscent of meridians of Chinese acupuncture, and the theory of energy which lies behind this concept is similar. However, where the meridians follow the energy flow associated with specific organs, the Sen follow the form of the body. The Sen may cross from one meridian to another. Thai tradition recognizes 72,000 Sen in theory, but in practice 10 Sen serve as the foundation. Pressure exerted on these lines and points may come from the hands, the thumbs, the feet and even the elbows.

While tradition tells that Thai massage has its roots in India, as is visible from the movements being similar to Yoga, influence has also come from traditional Chinese medicine. Its journey can be traced back to the age of the first Buddha, brought to Thailand by Dr. Komarpaj and while the tradition has been taught orally, there are sacred texts traced from the second millennia B.C. Monks were the practitioners, and the temples, or "wats," were its home. Some of these texts were inscribed in stone plaques in the early 1800s and were set in the walls of the Phra Chetaphon Temple, or commonly called Wat Po, and can be seen today housed in Thailand.

Thai Massage is performed on a mat on the floor rather than a raised table. This allows for many movements and procedures that are not practical or effective in table work. It allows for the most effective use of the practitioner's body weight rather than muscular force for the transmission of pressure, force, or energy, which creates a highly therapeutic effect. The client remains fully clothed, although it is more suitable and comfortable to wear lightweight clothing similar to pajamas or gym clothes. A session can be as short as one hour, but can go from two and a half to three hours for a full program.

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