Thai Yoga Massage History

History of Thai Yoga Massage

Traditional Thai yoga massage is an ancient practice which originated not in Thailand, but in India. This healing art is believed to have been founded by a legendary Doctor known as Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha from northern India. He was a close friend of the Buddha and also the personal physician to the Magadha King Bimbisara over 2,500 years ago.

The teachings of Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha probably reached what is now Thailand at the same time as Buddhism – as early as the 3rd or 2nd century B.C. The massage teachings were taught in temples to Monks and Nuns who would used this spiritual therapy as one element of their healing practices, which consisted of dietary advice, the use of herbs, meditation, and what we now call Thai yoga massage.

Theory of Thai Yoga Massage

Thai yoga massage is based upon the ancient belief that life force energy (called Prana) runs through the physical body's invisible energy lines known as Sib Sen. Along the network of energy lines, the Prana Nadis, the human being is then supplied with this vital energy.

In the Yoga tradition there are said to be 72,000 nadis. Each has a specific function and energy that it deals with. The three main lines energetically are the Sushumna (rising straight up through the centre of the spine) and the Ida and Pingkala nadis which run on either side of the spine.

The Indian origin and influence is obvious here since the background of this theory clearly lies in Yoga philosophy and states that life force energy is absorbed with the air we breathe and with the food we eat. Out of the se 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.

Photo of the Wat Phra Chetuphon's tablet 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 help to release negative blocked energy and help, stimulate the free flow of Prana around the body, and help to restore general balance, well-being & Vitality.

Only fragments of the existing precious medical texts survived. These were used as a basis for the famous epigraphs at Wat Po in Bangkok so that people in the next generation can practice all techniques until now.

Teaching & Giving Thai Massage

The giving of massage was understood to be a physical application of Metta, the Pali (and Thai) 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. Starting with a Puja, a meditative prayer, to fully center himself on the work, on the healing they ares about to perform. And they work with full awareness, mindfulness and concentration.

Traditional Thai massage does not primarily work with the physical body but rather with the energy body of man. The kneading of muscles, which dominates in Western style massage, is absent from Thai massage: energy points are pressed or general pressure is used instead there is a lot of stretching involved and many exercises might well be described as 'applied Hatha Yoga'