Thai Yoga Massage comes from the technique of the Traditional Thai Massage, which I have learned at the Traditional Old Hospital in Chiang Mai, north Thailand and have been practicing for the last 10 years.

It is an deep body work which reinforce and balance the energy flow in the different meridians (ida, pingala, etc..) traditionally called "Sen" in Thailand.

Acupressure points are stimulated thus the related organs within the body are gently activated and can recover a full potential and health.

Thai Yoga Massage relieves tension, stress, injuries within the body. As my teacher Mr. Sutat was used to say, it can even cure someone who is paralysed.

Even healthy people deeply enjoy Thai Yoga Massage, it is definitely a deep body stretch and a stimulating touch which stays with you for a few days.

History of Traditional Thai Yoga massage

Traditional Thai Yoga massage can look back at a long history of therapeutic healing. If one traces the evolution of the techniques of healing-massage practiced in Thailand, one discovers the astonishing fact that the earliest roots of Thai massage lie not in Thailand but in India. The legendary founder of the art is believed to have been a doctor from northern India, known as Jivaka Kumar, he was a contemporary of the Buddha and personal physician to the Magadha King Bimbisara over 2,500 years ago. The teachings of Jivaka Kumar probably reached what is now Thailand at the same time as Buddhism - as early as the 3rd or 2nd century B.C.

Foundation of Thai Massage

The theoretical foundation of Thai massage is based on the concept of invisible energy lines running through the body. The Indian origin and influence is obvious here since the background of this theory clearly lies in Yoga philosophy. Yoga philosophy states that life energy (called Prana) is absorbed with the air we breathe and with the food we eat. Along a network of energy lines, the Prana Nadis, the human being is then supplied with this vital energy.

Out of these energy lines Thai massage has selected 10 mainlines on which there are especially important acupressure points. Massaging these lines and points makes it possible to treat a whole range of diseases or to relieve pain. The 10 mainlines are sufficient to conduct practical treatment for the whole body and its internal organs. Disturbances in the flow of energy result in an insufficient supply of Prana, which will in turn lead to sickness. Working on the energy lines with massage can break the blockades, stimulates the free flow of Prana, and help to restore general well-being.

Giving a Massage

Looking back at the tradition of Thai massage it is very clear that it was never seen as a mere job. Massage was always considered to be a spiritual practice closely connected with the teachings of the Buddha. Until fairly recently it was the Buddhist temple, where massage was taught and practiced. The giving of massage was understood to be a physical application of Metta, the Pali word used in Theravada Buddhism to denote "loving kindness" - and devoted masseurs still work in such a spirit today. A truly good masseur performs his art in a meditative mood.

He starts with a Puja, a meditative prayer, to fully center himself on the work, on the healing he is about to perform. And he works with full awareness, mindfulness and concentration. There is a world of difference between a a massage performed in a meditative mood and a massage just done as a job.

Only a masseur working in a meditative mood can develop an intuition for the energy flow in the body and for the Prana lines.