The prevailing Thai religion of Buddhism has greatly influenced traditional Thai massage. The religion itself is imported from India by Buddhist monks some 2,500 years ago, when the first information on application of the massage in its traditional form is dated.
It was first practiced by the healer from Northern India – Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha.
Principles and basics of Thai massage.
Apart from Buddhism, Thai massage is influenced by a number of other religious, medicinal and philosophical sciences of South-Eastern Asia, such as Indian Ayurveda and Yoga, and traditional Japanese spot massage.
At the core of Thai massage is the concept of invisible energy lines stretching along the entire body. Blocks and misbalance of these energies lead to various diseases. Stimulation of energy lines by combined massage technique of squeezing, stretching the muscles and joints, pressing certain spots, restores the flow of vital energy, achieving the healing and preventive effect of the massage. Its main purpose is to achieve purification and harmonization of the energy.
It is quite common in the practice of the traditional technique to perform Mantra ceremonies with prayers to grant health and harmony to the seeker before a massage. The benefits of Thai massage are:
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Relieving tension.
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Improved blood flow and metabolism.
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Detoxification.
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Powerful energy boost and strengthening of the immune system.
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Beneficial effect on internal organs.
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Performing the Thai massage.
Thai massage is performed on the ground on a special mattress. As opposed to traditional massage techniques, oils and creams are not used here. The massage therapist and the patient are dressed in comfortable clothes during the massage. Massaging is never done with force. Thumbs are used, and some techniques involve elbows, knees and feet.
