THE HISTORICAL ROOTS​

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Traditional Thai Massage (Nuad Phaen Boran) has a long history of therapeutic healing. Tracing

the evolution of healing practices in Thailand, one discovers that the earliest roots of Thai

Massage do not lie in Thailand but in the ancient traditions of India.

The legendary founder is believed to have been a doctor from northern India, known as Jivaka

Kumar Bhaccha. He was a contemporary of the Buddha and personal physician to the Magadha

King Bimbisara over 2500 years ago.

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Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha

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Looking back at the tradition of Thai massage it is very clear that it was always considered to be a

spiritual practice, closely connected with the teachings of the Buddha. Until fairly recently it was

the Wat, the temple, where massage was taught and practiced. Even today one of the most

important massage schools in Thailand is at Wat Pho in Bangkok. The establishment of legitimate

massage facilities outside of the temples is a recent development. 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 state of meditation and mindfulness. He starts with a

puja, a meditative prayer, to centre himself, to connect, to invite guidance and to come into a

state of clarity, emptiness and heart connection.

 

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A treatment is based on awareness, mindfulness, concentration and compassion.

Its spiritual and philosophical aspects - such as a steady equanimous mind (vipassana) and a

loving compassionate heart (metta) are significant aspects of its holistic approach. Its a sacred

dance between two people to heal and be healed.

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“ … a complete development process that allows to become an intuitive, perceptive

instrument - able to come in resonance with the patient and everything that lies deep

within him (…) Becoming competent in responding to that individual’s deepest needs.”

(Viola Frymann)

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Asokananda (Harald Brust, 1955-2005)

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Asokananda was the first person who did write about Thai massage in English. He dedicated his life to spread

the gift of Thai massage to the rest of the world.

It’s through him that the Sunshine Network awoke, one of the most famous Thai Massage Schools

from Chiang Mai, North Thailand.

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THAI MASSAGE - THAI YOGA MASSAGE 

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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 (prana) is absorbed with the air we

breathe and the food we eat. The human being is supplied with this vital energy along a network of energy lines, the nadis.

That’s why Thai Massage is also known as Thai YogaMassage.

With the application of rhythmic pressure on certain points and energy lines (sen) throughout the body and

by applying yogic stretchings and joint mobilisations, blockages can be released and the energy restored to

its natural flow. By using the body weight in an intelligent way and by deepen and refine the sensitivity

in the hands, the massage can penetrate different body layers (koshas) - its effects be experienced on an

emotional, energetically and physical level.

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THE 7 PRINCIPLES OF THAI MASSAGE 

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1.) TOUCH - finding the perfect touch. Fulness of touch.

Precision. Care. Love. Sensitivity.

Security. To make the receiver feel safe and loved.

The whole hand engaged - yet fingers relaxed

and soft.

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“… seeing, feeling, thinking fingers….” (William Gerner Sutherland)

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2.) PARTICIPATION - to be fully engaged in what we are doing.

With our mind, with our hearts

and with our bodies. Being in the present moment.

Open to whatever is happening underneath

our hands. Ready to adapt and adjust to the need of the receiver.

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3.) POSTURE- always make sure, you are comfortable in your posture.

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4.) CENTERING - maintaining our centre. Grounded, connected, balanced.

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5.) GRAVITY - Using our bodyweight and the gravity to sink into the body instead of using

muscular power. In this way we can sink deeper with grace and without having to fight. We can

not go too deep but only too fast!!

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6.) DANCE - the beauty of transitions. To move from one pose to the other as one unity. Smooth

and fluid. With as little effort as necessary. With rhythm and grace.

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7.) PRAYER & GRATITUDE - ask for guidance, leaving your own story behind. Hold space and

remain compassionate and detached. Without entering the “emotional soup”. End every session

with a prayer and a sense of gratitude and humbleness.

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