What is Thai Massage?
Nuad Boran (in Thai language) is a traditional healing therapy for physical and mental balance. It has its roots in the peasant society of the past where massage healers helped the villagers with their muscles pain. Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda influenced Thai Massage. Buddhist monks practiced also this art to treat some ailments. Today, Thai Government recognizes Thai massage as part of Thai Traditional Medicine. Nuad Boran is on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2019).
According to traditional Thai knowledge, the energy lines transport the Life Force (Prana in Sanskrit or Lom Pran in Thai) through the body. Sen Sib are the ten most important lines. When the energy flows without blockages, the body and mind stay healthy. Energy blockages may affects organs, bones, tissues, fluids, mind and emotions.
The technique to release energy blockages consists of applying deep, slow and rhythmic pressure. The practitioner use hands, elbows, fingers, arms and feet according to the needs of the receiver. There are also stretching positions coordinated with the breathing and respecting the tolerance and flexibility. The session is performed on a mattress on the floor. The receiver remains clothed so you should dress comfortable clothing to allow free movement.
The therapist should be concentrated, relaxed, and take care of his posture in each technique. He/she observes both his own breathing and that of the receiver, and observes signs of discomfort or pain. Each technique has contraindications and precautions that must be known to perform a safe Thai massage session.
Benefits of Thai massage:
- Balances vital energy.
- Deep relaxation: physical, mental and emotional.
- Improves metabolism.
- Reduces joint stiffness, and improves muscle strength and mobility.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Prevents stress, constipation, menstrual cramps, headaches (caused by stress).
- Improves blood and lymphatic circulation.
- Relieves muscle tension.
Finally, I recommend you to take several sessions to experience by yourself the benefits. And you can start by taking a session to see if this is the type of massage you are looking for.